Genesis 3:21

KJV

¶ Unto Adam also and to his wife did the LORD God make coats of skins, and clothed them.

KJV (with Strong's)

Unto Adam {H120} also and to his wife {H802} did the LORD {H3068} God {H430} make {H6213} coats {H3801} of skins {H5785}, and clothed them {H3847}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Adonai, God, made garments of skin for Adam and his wife and clothed them.

Berean Standard Bible

And the LORD God made garments of skin for Adam and his wife, and He clothed them.

American Standard Version

And Jehovah God made for Adam and for his wife coats of skins, and clothed them.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 3:21 marks a profound turning point in the biblical narrative, showcasing God's compassionate initiative to cover humanity's shame and sin following the Fall. In stark contrast to Adam and Eve's futile attempts at self-atonement, the LORD God intervenes directly, providing durable "coats of skins" that signify both the immediate, costly consequence of sin—death—and the foundational principle of divine provision for reconciliation, laying the groundwork for the entire redemptive plan centered on sacrifice.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Genesis 3:21 immediately follows God's pronouncements of judgment and curses upon the serpent ([Genesis 3:14-15](/genesis/3-14-15 "God's Curse on the Serpent")), Eve ([Genesis 3:16](/genesis/3-16 "God's Curse on Eve")), and Adam ([Genesis 3:17-19](/genesis/3-17-19 "God's Curse on Adam")). These verses detail the severe consequences of their disobedience, including enmity, pain in childbirth, toil, and eventual return to dust. Prior to this, Adam and Eve, realizing their nakedness and shame after eating from the forbidden tree, had attempted to cover themselves with hastily stitched fig leaves ([Genesis 3:7](/genesis/3-7 "Adam and Eve's Self-Made Coverings")). Verse 21, therefore, stands as a pivotal moment of grace and divine intervention, occurring just before their expulsion from the Garden of Eden ([Genesis 3:23-24](/genesis/3-23-24 "Expulsion from the Garden of Eden")). It transitions the narrative from judgment to a glimmer of hope and provision.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Near Eastern cultures, clothing was not merely for warmth or modesty but also a significant marker of status, dignity, and identity. Nakedness was often associated with shame, vulnerability, and defeat. The act of "clothing" someone, especially by a superior, was an act of honor, protection, and provision. Conversely, stripping someone of their clothes was a sign of humiliation. The concept of sacrifice, though not fully developed in the Mosaic Law until much later, was a widespread ancient practice, often involving the shedding of blood to appease deities or atone for wrongdoing. While the specific cultural understanding of animal skins for clothing might have varied, the practical durability of animal skins compared to leaves would have been evident, preparing Adam and Eve for a harsher existence outside the protected Garden.
* **Key Themes:** Genesis 3:21 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book of Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. It highlights the **consequences of sin**, demonstrating that disobedience results in death and separation, as an animal's life must be taken. It powerfully illustrates the **inadequacy of human effort** to cover sin or achieve righteousness, contrasting Adam and Eve's flimsy fig leaves with God's durable provision. Most importantly, it introduces the theme of **divine grace and provision** in the midst of judgment, revealing God's steadfast love and His immediate initiative to provide a way forward for humanity. This verse also subtly introduces the theme of **sacrifice and atonement**, foreshadowing the necessity of a substitute's death for sin, a concept that will be fully developed throughout the Old Testament sacrificial system and ultimately fulfilled in Christ. Furthermore, it speaks to God's **sovereignty and intimate involvement** in human affairs, even after the Fall, as He personally intervenes to clothe them.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Following the pronouncements of judgment, Genesis 3:21 unveils a pivotal act of divine compassion and provision. The text emphasizes that it was "the LORD God" (Yahweh Elohim) Himself who took the initiative, directly intervening in humanity's plight. This active role highlights God's sovereign care and intimate involvement, even in the midst of necessary discipline. Unlike Adam and Eve's futile attempt to conceal their shame with flimsy fig leaves ([Genesis 3:7](/genesis/3-7 "Adam and Eve's initial covering")), God provides a substantial and effective covering.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **coats (Hebrew, _kᵉthôneth'_):** From an unused root meaning "to cover," this word refers to a tunic or long shirt, typically worn close to the body. Unlike the flimsy, temporary fig leaves, these "coats" signify a complete, durable, and dignified covering. The term suggests a garment of substance, appropriate for protection and modesty, indicating God's comprehensive provision for their new existence outside the Garden.
* **skins (Hebrew, _ʻôwr'_):** This word refers to the skin of an animal, implying that an animal had to be killed for its hide to be obtained. This is the first explicit mention of death in the biblical narrative directly linked to the consequences of human sin. The use of "skins" immediately introduces the concept that life must be given for sin to be covered, establishing a profound theological principle that resonates throughout the entire biblical story of redemption.
* **clothed them (Hebrew, _lâbash'_):** A primitive root meaning "to wrap around" or "to put on a garment." This verb emphasizes God's personal and direct action in covering Adam and Eve. It is not merely a provision of materials, but an act of dressing them, underscoring God's intimate care and restoration of dignity. This divine act of clothing contrasts sharply with human inadequacy, laying the groundwork for the biblical revelation that true righteousness and covering come only through God's provision, not human effort.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Unto Adam also and to his wife":** This phrase highlights God's personal attention and compassion directed specifically towards both Adam and Eve. Despite their shared guilt in disobedience, God's grace extends to both, demonstrating His universal concern for humanity.
* **"did the LORD God make coats of skins":** This clause reveals God's active, creative, and purposeful intervention. The divine names "LORD God" (Yahweh Elohim) underscore His covenant faithfulness and sovereign power. The act of "making" (Hebrew, `ʻâsâh`) implies a deliberate craft, not a casual provision. The material, "skins," is critical, signifying the necessity of death and bloodshed—an innocent life given—to provide a covering for their sin and shame. This is the first instance of death directly resulting from sin in the biblical narrative.
* **"and clothed them":** This final clause emphasizes the completion of God's compassionate act. He didn't just provide the materials; He personally "clothed" them. This act restored their dignity, provided practical protection for their new life outside Eden, and profoundly symbolized God's initiative to cover their sin and shame, setting a precedent for His redemptive plan.

#### Literary Devices
Genesis 3:21 is rich with **Symbolism** and **Foreshadowing**. The most prominent symbolism lies in the "coats of skins" themselves. They stand in stark **Contrast** to the "fig leaves" Adam and Eve used ([Genesis 3:7](/genesis/3-7 "Adam and Eve's initial covering")), highlighting the inadequacy of human effort versus the sufficiency of divine provision. The fig leaves represent human works and self-righteousness, which are flimsy and ineffective in covering sin. The animal skins, however, symbolize a costly, divinely ordained covering, necessitating the death of an innocent substitute. This act serves as a powerful **Foreshadowing** of the entire sacrificial system in the Old Testament, where animal blood was shed to atone for sin, ultimately pointing to the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice of Jesus Christ. The phrase "the LORD God make" emphasizes **Divine Initiative**, showing God's active role in redemption rather than waiting for human repentance or effort. The verse also employs **Juxtaposition** by placing this act of grace immediately after the pronouncements of judgment, underscoring God's mercy intertwined with His justice.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 3:21 is a foundational text for understanding God's character and His plan of salvation. It powerfully demonstrates God's immediate and compassionate provision even in the face of human rebellion and judgment, revealing a God who does not abandon His fallen creation but actively initiates a path to restoration. This verse establishes the profound principle that sin requires a life, foreshadowing the necessity of sacrifice for atonement throughout biblical history. It starkly contrasts the inadequacy of human efforts to cover sin or achieve righteousness with the exclusive need for divine intervention, highlighting that true covering comes solely from God's gracious hand. This pivotal moment sets the stage for the recurring biblical theme of God taking the initiative in redemption and restoration, illustrating the tension between God's justice in judging sin and His boundless mercy in providing a way forward.

* [Leviticus 17:11](/leviticus/17-11 "Leviticus 17:11 - Life is in the Blood")
* [Isaiah 61:10](/isaiah/61-10 "Isaiah 61:10 - Garments of Salvation")
* [Hebrews 9:22](/hebrews/9-22 "Hebrews 9:22 - Without Shedding of Blood")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 3:21 offers a profound and enduring lesson for humanity: even in our deepest shame and the dire consequences of our sin, God's compassionate provision remains. It challenges us to abandon self-reliant attempts to cover our flaws, our past mistakes, or our inherent unrighteousness with our own "fig leaves" of good deeds, moral efforts, or outward appearances. Instead, it calls us to humbly embrace the divine covering that only God can offer. This pivotal moment underscores the costly nature of sin—requiring the shedding of innocent blood—and simultaneously reveals the immeasurable grace of God, who initiated the path to true restoration and reconciliation with humanity. It reminds us that our hope lies not in what we can do for ourselves, but in what God has already done and continues to do for us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "fig leaves" or self-made coverings do I tend to rely on to hide my shame or perceived inadequacy, rather than seeking God's provision?**
* **How does the costly nature of the "coats of skins" (requiring death) deepen my appreciation for the grace of God in providing atonement?**
* **In what areas of my life do I need to trust more in God's initiative and provision, rather than striving in my own strength?**
* **How does understanding God's immediate compassion in Genesis 3:21 shape my view of His character in the face of my own failures?**

### FAQ
**Why did God make "coats of skins" instead of simply forgiving them or providing another material?**

Answer: The "coats of skins" are profoundly symbolic and central to God's unfolding redemptive plan. They starkly contrast with Adam and Eve's flimsy fig leaves ([Genesis 3:7](/genesis/3-7 "Adam and Eve's initial attempt to cover themselves")), demonstrating the utter inadequacy of human efforts to cover sin. More critically, obtaining animal skins required the death of an innocent creature, marking the first instance of bloodshed in the Bible directly linked to sin. This act powerfully conveys the severe consequence of sin – death ([Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Wages of Sin")) – and simultaneously introduces the principle that a life must be given to cover sin. This proto-sacrifice foreshadows the entire sacrificial system of the Old Testament and ultimately the perfect, once-for-all atonement provided by Jesus Christ. God's choice of material was deliberate, teaching a fundamental truth about the cost of sin and the nature of His provision.

**Was this the first sacrifice in the Bible?**

Answer: While the text doesn't explicitly label it a "sacrifice" in the ritualistic sense, theologians widely understand it as a "proto-sacrifice" or the first instance where an innocent life was taken by divine command to cover the sin of another. It establishes a divine pattern and principle that would later be formalized in the sacrificial laws of the Old Testament, where the shedding of blood was necessary for the remission of sins ([Hebrews 9:22](/hebrews/9-22 "Hebrews 9:22 - Necessity of Blood")). This event lays the theological groundwork for understanding the necessity of a substitute's death for sin, pointing forward to the ultimate, perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

**What is the significance of "the LORD God" making and clothing them Himself?**

Answer: The use of "the LORD God" (Yahweh Elohim) emphasizes God's personal, sovereign, and compassionate involvement. It highlights that this act of provision was not an afterthought or a delegated task but a deliberate, divine initiative. It underscores His authority to judge and His grace to provide, showing that true covering and restoration come directly from Him, not through human intermediaries or efforts. This personal act of clothing them also signifies the restoration of dignity and a continued relationship, even in a fallen state, demonstrating God's steadfast love and commitment to His creation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Genesis 3:21 provides a foundational foreshadowing of Christ's redemptive work, serving as a powerful gospel prototype. The animal's innocent death, providing a temporary covering for humanity's sin and shame, points directly to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ. His shed blood on the cross is the perfect and final atonement, providing the [true and lasting covering for sin](/hebrews/9-22 "Hebrews 9:22 - Without Shedding of Blood") that no animal sacrifice or human effort could ever achieve. Just as God clothed Adam and Eve with physical garments, believers are now spiritually [clothed with Christ's righteousness](/galatians/3-27 "Galatians 3:27 - Clothed with Christ"), receiving a divine covering that makes them acceptable before a holy God ([Philippians 3:9](/philippians/3-9 "Philippians 3:9 - Righteousness from God")). This act of God's grace in Eden beautifully sets the stage for the entire biblical narrative of salvation, revealing His eternal plan to reconcile humanity to Himself through the costly provision of a perfect substitute, the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God").

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Isaiah 61:10

¶ I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh [himself] with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth [herself] with her jewels.

2 Corinthians 5:21

For he hath made him [to be] sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

2 Corinthians 5:2

For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven:

2 Corinthians 5:3

If so be that being clothed we shall not be found naked.

Genesis 3:7

And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they [were] naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons.

Romans 3:22

Even the righteousness of God [which is] by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: