Genesis 3:1

Authorized King James Version

Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְהַנָּחָשׁ֙

H5175

Now the serpent

a snake (from its hiss)

הָיָ֣ה

H1961

was

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

עָר֔וּם

H6175

more subtil

cunning (usually in a bad sense)

מִכֹּל֙

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

חַיַּ֣ת

H2416

than any beast

alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin

הַשָּׂדֶ֔ה

H7704

of the field

a field (as flat)

אֲשֶׁ֥ר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

עָשָׂ֖ה

H6213

had made

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

יְהוָ֣ה

H3068

which the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

#10

אֱלֹהִ֔ים

H430

God

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

#11

אָמַ֣ר

H559

And he said

to say (used with great latitude)

#12

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#13

הָ֣אִשָּׁ֔ה

H802

unto the woman

a woman

#14

אַ֚ף

H637

Yea

meaning accession (used as an adverb or conjunction); also or yea; adversatively though

#15

כִּֽי

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

#16

אָמַ֣ר

H559

And he said

to say (used with great latitude)

#17

אֱלֹהִ֔ים

H430

God

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

#18

לֹ֣א

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#19

תֹֽאכְל֔וּ

H398

Ye shall not eat

to eat (literally or figuratively)

#20

מִכֹּ֖ל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#21

עֵ֥ץ

H6086

of every tree

a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)

#22

הַגָּֽן׃

H1588

of the garden

a garden (as fenced)

Analysis

This verse develops the creation and providence theme central to Genesis. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects God's absolute sovereignty over all existence. The divine name or title here functions within foundational narrative establishing God's relationship with creation and humanity to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of ancient Near Eastern narrative literature addressing origins and identity shapes this text's meaning. The development from creation to divine election established God's sovereign care over history Understanding a worldview where divine beings actively governed natural and historical processes helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about creation and providence?
How does this verse's literary context within Genesis chapter 3 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?

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