Gen 3 | MHM | STEP | The Tempter's Subtlety; The Tempter's Importunity In this section, we read about the temptation of Adam and Eve. Satan, disguised as a serpent, tries to lead the first humans into sin. The commentary explores who the tempter was, why he chose the serpent, how he approached Eve, and the steps he took to deceive her. It also looks at the methods Satan used, which are still common in temptation today. v. 1 : The tempter in this story is the devil, who appears in the form of a serpent. The Bible calls the devil "the old serpent" (Rev. 12:9 ). He was once an angel close to God, but became an enemy of God through his own sin. Now, he wants to separate people from God by leading them into sin. Like Balaam, who could not curse Israel but could tempt them (Rev. 2:14 ), Satan’s goal is to get Adam and Eve to disobey God and bring harm to themselves and all humanity. The devil chose a serpent because it was a beautiful and clever animal. He may have chosen a flying serpent, which could appear as if it came from heaven (Isa. 14:29 ). The serpent was also known for its subtlety, which made it the perfect tool for Satan’s deception. Many temptations come to us in attractive disguises, and Satan can even appear as an angel of light. Eve may have thought the serpent was a messenger from God at first, and later became suspicious. Interestingly, many ancient idolaters worshiped the devil in serpent form. The person tempted was Eve. She was alone, away from Adam, and near the forbidden tree. Satan, in his cunning, targeted her because she was more vulnerable. Some think Eve did not hear the command directly from God, so she might have doubted it more easily. Tempting someone who is alone or near the object of temptation is often more effective. Satan hoped to get to Adam through Eve, as he later tried to reach Job through his wife and Jesus through Peter. He often sends temptations through those closest to us. The temptation itself was planned very cleverly. The Bible warns us about the "devices," "depths," and "wiles" of Satan (2 Cor. 2:11; Rev. 2:24; Eph. 6:11 ). His main goal was to get Eve to eat the forbidden fruit. To do this, he used three steps: first, he questioned if it was really a sin (Gen. 3:1 ), then he denied there was any danger (Gen. 3:4 ), and finally, he promised great benefits from disobedience (Gen. 3:5 ). Satan started by questioning whether it was truly a sin to eat the fruit. He asked, "Has God really said, 'You shall not eat?'" This question was designed to start a conversation and make Eve doubt God’s command. He quoted God’s command incorrectly, making it sound more restrictive than it was. Satan often misrepresents God’s rules to make them seem unreasonable. He used a mocking tone to make Eve feel silly for avoiding the fruit, and tried to weaken her sense of duty to God. We must always respect God’s law and believe it is good, no matter what the tempter says.

‏ Genesis 3

The Tempter's Subtlety; The Tempter's Importunity

In this section, we read about the temptation of Adam and Eve. Satan, disguised as a serpent, tries to lead the first humans into sin. The commentary explores who the tempter was, why he chose the serpent, how he approached Eve, and the steps he took to deceive her. It also looks at the methods Satan used, which are still common in temptation today.

v. 1: The tempter in this story is the devil, who appears in the form of a serpent. The Bible calls the devil "the old serpent" (Rev. 12:9 ^a). He was once an angel close to God, but became an enemy of God through his own sin. Now, he wants to separate people from God by leading them into sin. Like Balaam, who could not curse Israel but could tempt them (Rev. 2:14 ^b), Satan’s goal is to get Adam and Eve to disobey God and bring harm to themselves and all humanity.

The devil chose a serpent because it was a beautiful and clever animal. He may have chosen a flying serpent, which could appear as if it came from heaven (Isa. 14:29 ^c). The serpent was also known for its subtlety, which made it the perfect tool for Satan’s deception. Many temptations come to us in attractive disguises, and Satan can even appear as an angel of light. Eve may have thought the serpent was a messenger from God at first, and later became suspicious. Interestingly, many ancient idolaters worshiped the devil in serpent form.

The person tempted was Eve. She was alone, away from Adam, and near the forbidden tree. Satan, in his cunning, targeted her because she was more vulnerable. Some think Eve did not hear the command directly from God, so she might have doubted it more easily. Tempting someone who is alone or near the object of temptation is often more effective. Satan hoped to get to Adam through Eve, as he later tried to reach Job through his wife and Jesus through Peter. He often sends temptations through those closest to us.

The temptation itself was planned very cleverly. The Bible warns us about the "devices," "depths," and "wiles" of Satan (2 Cor. 2:11; Rev. 2:24; Eph. 6:11 ^d). His main goal was to get Eve to eat the forbidden fruit. To do this, he used three steps: first, he questioned if it was really a sin (Gen. 3:1 ^e), then he denied there was any danger (Gen. 3:4 ^f), and finally, he promised great benefits from disobedience (Gen. 3:5 ^g).

Satan started by questioning whether it was truly a sin to eat the fruit. He asked, "Has God really said, 'You shall not eat?'" This question was designed to start a conversation and make Eve doubt God’s command. He quoted God’s command incorrectly, making it sound more restrictive than it was. Satan often misrepresents God’s rules to make them seem unreasonable. He used a mocking tone to make Eve feel silly for avoiding the fruit, and tried to weaken her sense of duty to God. We must always respect God’s law and believe it is good, no matter what the tempter says.

vv. 2-3: Eve answered honestly, repeating God’s command and stating their freedom to eat from every tree except one. She added, "Neither shall you touch it," possibly wanting to stay far away from danger. But she was a little uncertain about the punishment—God said, "You shall surely die," but she responded with "Lest you die." Uncertainty in our faith gives Satan an advantage.

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v. 4: Next, Satan denies the danger of disobedience. He says, "You shall not surely die," directly contradicting God. He tries to make Eve doubt God’s warning, suggesting that God’s threats are not real. This was a lie, since Satan himself had already suffered for his rebellion. He knew the cost of sin, but still tried to deceive Eve. People are often tempted to sin by the hope that there will be no consequences (Deut. 29:19 ^h).

v. 5: Finally, Satan promises great rewards if they eat the fruit. He says their eyes will be opened, they will be like gods, and they will know good and evil. He twists the meaning of God’s command and makes disobedience seem attractive, suggesting God is holding them back from something wonderful. Satan tries to make people discontent with what they have, and encourages pride and ambition. He wants them to believe that God is unfair, and that sin will bring great benefits (Isa. 14:14 ⁱ).

Satan also suggests that God’s command was given out of envy and a wish to keep Adam and Eve from reaching their full potential. This was a terrible insult to God, making him seem fearful and unkind. Satan’s goal was to turn them against God and make them believe that sin would improve their lives. We must always remember that God is the best and sin is the worst; this is the way to resist the devil and make him flee from us (Jam. 4:7 ^j).

The Fall of Man

This section explains how the first human sin happened. It tells how Eve was convinced by the serpent to eat the forbidden fruit and how Adam followed her example. The commentary looks at the reasons why they sinned, the process that led to their fall, and the consequences that resulted from their actions. The story also helps us understand why sin and shame entered the world.

v. 6: Eve was led into sin by the clever arguments of the serpent. She saw no harm in the forbidden tree, thinking it looked as good as the others and even more attractive because it was forbidden (Genesis 2:9 ^k). Sometimes, we want things just because we are told not to have them. Eve also believed that the fruit would make her wise, as the serpent promised. Perhaps she even saw the serpent eat from the tree and thought it made him able to speak. This desire for knowledge, when not controlled, can be dangerous. Instead of trusting God, Adam and Eve wanted more than what God had given them (Colossians 2:3; 1 Corinthians 1:30 ^l). We should be careful not to want to know things God has not given us.

The steps of their sin show how temptation works. First, Eve looked at the fruit and wanted it. The Bible warns us not to let our eyes lead us into temptation (Proverbs 23:31; Matthew 5:28 ^m). Next, she took the fruit. The devil didn't force her; she chose to take it herself. Often, sin is a choice we make. Then, she ate the fruit. Sometimes we think we can stop ourselves, but sin can quickly take us further than we planned. After eating, she gave the fruit to Adam, who also ate. Adam probably wasn’t with Eve when she was tempted, but when she offered the fruit, he listened to her instead of God. People who do wrong often want others to join them. Adam’s sin showed a lack of trust in God's word and a desire to be his own master (Romans 5:19 ⁿ). He disobeyed a clear command from God, even though he had no sinful nature. Most importantly, Adam’s sin affected all his descendants, bringing sin and trouble into the world. His choice brought guilt and a sinful nature to everyone who came after him.

v. 7: Right after they sinned, Adam and Eve felt shame and fear for the first time. Their eyes were opened, but not in the way the serpent promised. Instead of gaining wisdom, they realized they were naked and felt exposed and embarrassed. They had lost their innocence and the happiness they had in God’s presence. They tried to cover themselves with fig leaves, but this could not really hide their shame. People often try to hide their sins, but only God can truly forgive and cover them (Job 31:33 ^o). Sin always brings shame, whether now or later.

v. 8: Fear also entered their lives immediately. When they heard God walking in the garden, instead of running to meet him, they tried to hide. Before they sinned, they were happy to see God; now they were afraid. This shows how sin separates us from God and makes us afraid of his presence (Psalm 139:7-13; Jeremiah 23:24 ^p). Trying to hide from God is foolish, but sin can make us do foolish things. The fear and shame that come from sin are still present in the world today.

God Calls to Adam After the Fall

This section describes how God, the righteous Judge, came searching for Adam and Eve after they sinned. Even though God already knew everything, he questioned Adam to be fair and to help Adam realize his mistake. God’s call shows his kindness. He wanted to bring Adam back, not just to punish him. When people sin, God reaches out to help them see their condition and return to him.

v. 9: God called to Adam and asked, Where are you? . God did not need this information, but wanted Adam to think about his actions and his new situation. This question was not about Adam’s location, but about his spiritual state. God was showing concern for Adam, like a shepherd looking for a lost sheep. When we sin, we move away from God and end up in trouble. God’s question is an invitation to return. If God had not called Adam, he would have been lost forever. God’s kindness leads us to realize where we are and why we need to come back to him.

v. 10: Adam answered, I heard your voice in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid . Adam admitted his fear and shame, but he did not fully confess his sin. Like many people, he only said what he could not hide. Adam was scared to face God because he was naked, both physically and spiritually. Without God’s covering, he felt exposed and helpless. Only when we are covered by the righteousness of Christ can we come to God with confidence (put on the Lord Jesus Christ, see Romans 13:14 ^q). Otherwise, our sin makes us hide from God instead of coming to him.

God Questions Adam and Eve After Their Sin

This section shows how Adam and Eve admit what they have done, but they also try to excuse themselves. They do not fully take responsibility for their actions. Instead, they blame others or things around them. God’s questions help them see the seriousness of their sin and how it affects not only themselves but also others.

v. 11: God asked Adam, Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree that I commanded you not to eat from? . God already knew the answer, but he wanted Adam to admit his sin honestly. God’s command made Adam’s disobedience clear. When we break God’s law, it becomes obvious when we look at what God has told us to do. God also questioned Eve, What is this that you have done? (Genesis 3:13 ^r). This question was meant to help both Adam and Eve think about how serious their sin was. Sin offends God, breaks his good law, and hurts our own souls. When we lead others into sin, we share in their guilt.

v. 12: Adam replied, The woman you put here with me—she gave me some fruit from the tree, and I ate it . Adam admitted he ate the fruit, but blamed Eve for giving it to him. He even suggested that God was partly responsible because God gave him the woman. This is not true repentance. We should not blame others or God for our own wrong choices. God gives us good things so we can serve him, not so we can use them as excuses to sin.

v. 13: Eve said, The serpent deceived me, and I ate . Eve tried to blame the serpent for her sin. Sin is something no one wants to take the blame for. The devil’s temptations are tricks and lies. Sin is always deceitful (Romans 7:11; Hebrews 3:13 ^s). Even if Satan tempts us, we are still responsible for our actions (James 1:14 ^t). We must not use temptation as an excuse, but instead be sorry that we allowed ourselves to be tricked. Their excuses did not take away their guilt. Instead, they showed how unwilling people are to admit their sins fully.

Genesis 3:14-15: Sentence Passed on the Serpent; Intimation of Messiah

In these verses, God gives his judgment after Adam and Eve’s sin. He begins with the serpent, because that’s where the temptation started. God does not question the serpent, but immediately sentences it, showing that the devil’s guilt was clear and there was no hope of forgiveness for him. The curse affects both the actual animal used by Satan and Satan himself. This passage introduces a lasting conflict between good and evil. It also gives the first promise that a Savior, the Messiah, will come to defeat evil and rescue humanity.

v. 14: God curses the serpent, making it the lowest of all animals. The serpent is punished for being used in the temptation. From now on, it must crawl on its belly and eat dust all its life (Rom. 8:20 ^u). This is a sign of shame and defeat. Even though animals were made for good, sin brings a curse. God wants us to see how much he hates sin, especially when someone leads others to sin. This curse is a warning that those who tempt others will receive a terrible punishment (ch. 1:22; v. 1 ^v; Ps. 44:25; Mic. 7:17 ^w; Amos 2:7 ^x). The serpent will always be seen as disgusting and dangerous. People will hate and avoid it. This is part of the curse—there is now enmity between the serpent and humans. The serpent may bite people’s heels but will be crushed in return (ch. 49:17 ^y). God protects humans from total destruction by the serpent (Ps. 91:13; Mark 16:18 ^z). The friendship between Eve and the serpent is now ended forever.

v. 15: God says there will be ongoing hostility between the serpent and the woman, and between their descendants. This is more than just about snakes and people—it is about the conflict between Satan and humanity. The verse points to Satan’s final defeat by Jesus Christ, the “seed of the woman.” The devil will hurt Christ (“bruise his heel”), but Christ will destroy the devil (“bruise his head”) (Rev. 12:7; Ps. 139:21,22 ^aa; 1 John 3:13 ^ab). Christians will always fight against evil, both inside themselves and in the world. This promise is the first hint of the gospel. It shows that Christ would come as a human (“the seed of the woman”) to defeat Satan. Christ suffered and died, but through that suffering, he destroyed the devil’s power (Heb. 2:14; Col. 2:15 ^ac). Believers share in Christ’s victory. In the end, Satan will be completely defeated and God’s people will rejoice forever (Luke 10:18; Rev. 20:2 ^ad; Rom. 16:20; Rev. 20:10 ^ae).

Genesis 3:16: Sentence Passed on Eve

In this verse, God gives Eve her punishment for disobeying him in the Garden of Eden. There are two main parts to the sentence: Eve will experience pain and sorrow in life, especially in childbirth, and she will be under the authority of her husband. These punishments fit the way she sinned, as she gave in to her own desires and pride. Even though this is a judgment, God’s mercy can also be seen. The punishment is not meant to destroy Eve, but to correct her and lead her to repentance.

v. 16: God tells Eve that her sorrow and pain, especially in having children, will be greatly increased. This includes not just the pain of childbirth, but also all the worries, fears, and troubles that women experience in life. Sin brought suffering into the world—now life is full of tears and difficulties (John 16:21 ^af). Every pain in childbirth is a reminder of the consequence of eating the forbidden fruit. God is the one who allows these sorrows, and he does it as a righteous Judge. But he also does it as a loving Father, to teach and humble us. Even though the sorrows are many, God gives comfort and good things to balance out the pain.

God also says that Eve will desire her husband, and he will rule over her. Because of sin, women who were created equal with men are now put in a lower position and told not to have authority over men (1 Tim. 2:11,12 ^ag). Wives are to be subject to their husbands, as shown in the law (Num. 30:6-8 ^ah). This would not have been a punishment if there was no sin, because husbands would always act with love and wisdom, and wives with humility. But sin has made this rule difficult. When wives rebel against their husbands, they are going against God’s plan and his judgment.

However, even in this punishment, there is mercy. The pain is connected to having children, but the joy of a new life can make the pain easier to bear (John 16:21 ^ai). The woman is to be ruled by her own husband, who cares for her, and not by a stranger. This sentence is not a curse to destroy her, but a way to correct her and lead her back to God. Importantly, God does not create hatred between the man and the woman, like he did between the serpent and the woman. This shows God’s grace even in judgment.

Genesis 3:17-19: Sentence Passed on Adam; Consequences of the Fall

In these verses, God gives Adam his sentence for disobeying God’s command. Adam’s punishment is linked to his choice to listen to his wife and eat the forbidden fruit. The judgment affects both Adam and the world around him. Because of Adam’s sin, the ground is cursed, work becomes hard and painful, and death enters the human experience. Even though this is a serious punishment, God shows some mercy by not cursing Adam directly and by allowing him to live for a time. The effects of this sentence still impact all people today, reminding us of the seriousness of sin and its consequences.

v. 17: God tells Adam that because he listened to his wife and ate from the tree he was told not to eat from (v. 17 ^aj), the ground is now cursed. Adam tried to blame Eve, but God makes it clear that he is responsible for his own actions. The ground will now produce thorns and thistles instead of just good fruit. Adam will have to work hard for his food. The earth, which was meant to be a blessing (ch. 1:11, 29 ^ak), is now a place of struggle and frustration. However, God does not curse Adam himself, but only the ground for his sake, showing a mix of judgment and mercy (Isa. 65:8 ^al). This curse was not just for Adam, but for all of creation (2 Pet. 3:7, 10 ^am).

v. 17-19 (Spiritual meaning): The physical punishments also have spiritual lessons. The pain and sorrow in life show us how sin damages the soul, bringing guilt and trouble. The loss of freedom and the curse on the earth picture how sin enslaves people and makes their lives unfruitful in good things (Heb. 6:8 ^an). Serving God also becomes hard and takes effort. Without God’s grace, people return to the “dust” of this world, forgetting spiritual things (John 3:31 ^ao).

v. 17-19 (Connection to Christ): Jesus Christ’s suffering and death provide the answer to Adam’s punishment. Christ suffered pain and sorrow like the curse describes (Isa. 53:11; Acts 2:24 ^ap). He obeyed the law for us (Gal. 4:4 ^aq). He took the curse and died a cursed death in our place (Gal. 3:13 ^ar). Christ wore a crown of thorns, sweated great drops of blood, and felt deep sorrow. He even died, so that through him, we can be saved. Through Jesus, God’s mercy is greater than the punishment for sin.

v. 18: The curse means that the ground will now grow thorns and thistles. These plants are a symbol of how sin has made life harder. Adam will now have to eat the “herb of the field,” meaning his food will be simple and he will have to work for it, like the animals do (Job 39:6; Ps. 68:6 ^as). The pleasure and ease of life in Eden are gone.

v. 19: Adam will have to work very hard just to have food—he will eat “in the sweat of his face.” Work will be tiring and sometimes painful. Eating will remind Adam of his disobedience, and life will be filled with troubles (Job 21:25 ^at). But even in this, God is merciful: Adam will still have food, not just dust like the serpent. Finally, Adam is told he will die and return to the ground from which he was made (Ps. 104:29 ^au). This shows that people are weak and mortal, made from dust and returning to dust. Death is now part of human life because of sin (Ps. 103:14; Prov. 8:26 ^av; Rom. 5:12 ^aw).

Genesis 3:20: Adam Names His Wife Eve

In this verse, Adam gives his wife a new name, Eve, which means "life." This name shows the important role she has as the mother of all people. Naming her Eve is a sign of hope and blessing, even after the fall into sin. It reminds us that life continues and that God’s promise of a Savior is still true. Whether God directed Adam to give this name or Adam chose it himself, it shows faith and trust in God’s mercy and future salvation.

v. 20: Adam names his wife Eve because she will be the mother of all living people. Previously, she was called “woman” as his wife, but now she is called “life” as the source of human life. Adam’s own name, meaning “red earth,” reminds us of his mortal body, while Eve’s new name points to life and hope. If God told Adam to name her Eve, it was a sign of God’s promise and covenant, showing that despite their sin, the blessing to “be fruitful and multiply” still stands. It also confirms the promise that the seed of the woman would defeat the serpent. If Adam named her himself, it shows his faith in God’s promise of a Redeemer, the one who would bring life to all. By calling her Eve, Adam expresses hope that through their descendants, God’s salvation will come.

v. 21: The Lord God Makes Clothes for Adam and Eve. This shows God’s kindness to Adam and Eve, even after they sinned. Although God punished them for their disobedience, he still cared for them like a loving Father. He provided them with clothes made from animal skins to cover their nakedness and protect them. This act teaches us about God’s mercy and hints at deeper spiritual truths, including the need for sacrifice and God’s plan to cover our shame.

v. 21: God made coats of skins for Adam and Eve and clothed them. Clothing became necessary because sin brought shame and weakness. Before the fall, people did not need clothes for protection or modesty. Now, clothes remind us of our poverty and the results of sin, so we should not be proud of them. The clothes God gave were simple and practical—made from animal skins, not fancy or decorated. This teaches us to be content with basic things, just as Adam and Eve were. Both rich and poor should remember not to focus on outward appearance (1 Pet. 3:3 ^ax). We should also thank God for providing both food and clothing (ch. 28:20; Hos. 2:9 ^ay).

The coats of skins had a special meaning. An animal had to be killed, showing Adam and Eve what death was and reminding them of their own mortality (Eccl. 3:18 ^az). Many believe these animals were not killed for food, but as a sacrifice. This points to the future sacrifice of Jesus, “the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.” In these sacrifices, the flesh was given to God and the skins to people. This shows that Jesus would offer himself for us, and we are to be “clothed” in his righteousness so that our shame is covered. Adam and Eve’s own fig-leaf aprons were not enough (Isa. 28:20 ^ba), but God’s gift was strong and lasting. In the same way, our own good deeds cannot cover our sin, but Christ’s righteousness can. That is why we are told to “put on the Lord Jesus Christ.”

Genesis 3:22-24: Adam and Eve Expelled from Eden

In these verses, God carries out the judgment he announced because of Adam and Eve’s sin. After explaining the consequences, God sends Adam and Eve out of the garden of Eden so they cannot eat from the tree of life and live forever in their fallen state. This act is both judgment and mercy—God does not allow people to remain in sin forever, but also gives hope for the future through a promised Savior. The closing of Eden is a turning point, showing that the way back to God cannot come through the old covenant but through a new way God will provide.

v. 22: God says that Adam has become “like one of us” in knowing good and evil. This is said with irony, to show Adam and Eve how little good their sin has brought. Instead of gaining wisdom, they are now full of shame and fear. God reminds them that their actions did not bring the happiness they hoped for (Ps. 83:16; Rom. 6:21 ^bb). This is meant to humble them and to lead them to repentance.

v. 23: God sends Adam and Eve out of the garden to farm the ground from which Adam was taken (v. 23 ^bc). Being sent out of Eden is part of the punishment, but it is also a sign of mercy. God could have destroyed them completely, or sent them to hell, but instead he sends them to work and live on the earth. Their life will now be one of labor and struggle, but there is still hope—they are not abandoned by God.

v. 24: God drives Adam out of the garden and places cherubim and a flaming sword at the entrance to guard the way to the tree of life. This means Adam and Eve, and all of humanity, cannot return to the way things were before sin. The cherubim show that God is displeased, and the flaming sword means there is judgment for sin (Num. 22:23 ^bd). The way to the tree of life is now closed—humans cannot find eternal life through their own effort or by the old covenant. But this is not the end of hope. God is preparing a new way back to him, through the promised Savior. One day, through Jesus, the way to eternal life will be opened again, and people can be reconciled with God and his angels.