Genesis 3

Chapter Structure
Verses 1-7: The temptation and fall.
Verses 8-13: Confrontation with God.
Verses 14-19: Curses and consequences.
Verses 20-24: Expulsion from Eden and hope.
Summarized Study
1. Genesis 3:1-7 – The Temptation and Fall
Analysis: The serpent, described as crafty (later associated with Satan, cf. Rev 12:9), questions God’s word and deceives Eve. She and Adam eat the forbidden fruit, disobeying God’s command (Gen 2:17). Their eyes are opened, and they feel shame.
Application: Sin begins with doubting God’s goodness. We must trust His word to resist temptation.
2. Genesis 3:8-13 – Confrontation with God
Analysis: Adam and Eve hide from God, showing guilt. When confronted, Adam blames Eve, and Eve blames the serpent, revealing a broken relationship with God and each other.
Application: Sin separates us from God, but He seeks us. Confessing, rather than blaming, restores fellowship.
3. Genesis 3:14-19 – Curses and Consequences
Analysis:
Serpent: Cursed to crawl, with enmity against the woman and her offspring, pointing to ultimate victory (the “protoevangelium,” v. 15, foreshadowing Christ).
Woman: Will face pain in childbirth and tension in marriage.
Man: Work will be toilsome, and physical death is introduced.
Earth: Cursed, making sustenance difficult.
Application: Sin brings suffering, but the promise of redemption (v. 15) offers hope.
4. Genesis 3:20-24 – Expulsion from Eden
Analysis: Adam names Eve (“mother of all living”), showing faith in life’s continuation. God clothes them with skins, showing care despite sin. They are expelled from Eden to prevent access to the tree of life, and cherubim guard the garden.
Application: God punishes but provides grace. Expulsion protects humanity from eternal life in sin, pointing to future redemption.
Theological Themes
Nature of Sin: Disobedience and distrust in God.
Consequences of Sin: Alienation, suffering, and death.
God’s Grace: Despite the fall, God promises redemption (v. 15) and provides care.
Human Responsibility: Adam and Eve freely choose, showing our accountability.
Controversial Issues
Serpent’s Identity: Traditionally Satan, but the text does not explicitly name him, focusing on his role as tempter.
Protoevangelium (v. 15): Many see a messianic promise, while others view it as a general conflict between humans and snakes.
Eve’s Role: She should not be seen as more guilty; both Adam and Eve are responsible (cf. Rom 5:12).
Practical Applications
Resist Temptation: Stand firm in God’s Word to avoid deception.
Confession: Acknowledge sin and seek restoration with God.
Hope: Trust in the promise of redemption fulfilled in Christ.
Relationships: Work to overcome conflicts caused by sin.
Reflection Questions
How does temptation manifest in your life, and how can you resist it?
What do Adam and Eve’s reactions teach about guilt and responsibility?
How does the promise of Genesis 3:15 point to Christ?