Genesis 3:2

And the woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden:

And the woman {H802} said {H559} unto the serpent {H5175}, We may eat {H398} of the fruit {H6529} of the trees {H6086} of the garden {H1588}:

The woman answered the serpent, “We may eat from the fruit of the trees of the garden,

The woman answered the serpent, “We may eat the fruit of the trees of the garden,

And the woman said unto the serpent, Of the fruit of the trees of the garden we may eat:

Commentary

Genesis 3:2 records the woman's (Eve's) initial response to the serpent's deceptive question in the Garden of Eden. This verse marks a pivotal moment, as the dialogue leading to humanity's fall begins.

Context

This verse immediately follows the serpent's cunning query in Genesis 3:1, where it challenged God's command regarding the trees of the garden. God had previously given Adam and Eve great liberty, allowing them to freely eat from every tree in the Garden of Eden, with only one exception: the tree of the knowledge of good and evil (Genesis 2:17). Eve's reply here confirms her awareness of this general permission and God's generous provision.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Initial Clarity: Eve's statement, "We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden," indicates that she initially understood God's generous provision and the extensive freedom they had. She correctly acknowledges the abundance available to them.
  • The Serpent's Strategy: By starting with a general question about eating from "every tree," the serpent aimed to subtly introduce doubt and make God's command seem restrictive, even though it was given in the context of immense freedom. Eve's answer here sets the stage for the serpent to narrow its focus and intensify the temptation.
  • Setting the Stage for Temptation: While seemingly innocuous, Eve's response is part of a conversation that will escalate. Her accurate statement of permission contrasts sharply with the serpent's underlying intention to undermine God's word and authority, leading to the subsequent disobedience.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew phrasing for "We may eat" (אָכוֹל נֹאכֵל, ʼāḵōl nōʼḵēl) uses an infinitive absolute before the imperfect verb. This common Hebrew idiom emphasizes certainty or permission – essentially, "eating we are certainly permitted to eat." This highlights the clear understanding Eve initially possessed regarding God's generous allowance before the specific prohibition was discussed.

Related Scriptures

  • For God's original command and provision: Genesis 2:16 and Genesis 2:17.
  • The serpent's initial question: Genesis 3:1.
  • Eve's subsequent elaboration on the forbidden tree, where she adds to God's command: Genesis 3:3.
  • The culmination of the temptation and the act of disobedience: Genesis 3:6.

Practical Application

This verse reminds us of the importance of truly knowing and accurately articulating God's word. Even when we begin with a correct understanding, the subtle nature of temptation can lead us to misinterpret or add to divine commands, as Eve does in the very next verse. It highlights how the enemy often begins his attacks by questioning God's goodness and generosity, aiming to shift our focus from what God has given to what He has withheld, thereby creating doubt and paving the way for sin.

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Cross-References

  • Psalms 58:4 (-1 votes)

    Their poison [is] like the poison of a serpent: [they are] like the deaf adder [that] stoppeth her ear;