Genesis 3:11

Authorized King James Version

And he said, Who told thee that thou wast naked? Hast thou eaten of the tree, whereof I commanded thee that thou shouldest not eat?

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיֹּ֕אמֶר

H559

And he said

to say (used with great latitude)

מִ֚י

H4310

Who

who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix

הִגִּ֣יד

H5046

told

properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to

לְךָ֔

כִּ֥י

H3588

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

עֵירֹ֖ם

H5903

thee that thou wast naked

nudity

אָ֑תָּה

H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

הֲמִן

H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

הָעֵ֗ץ

H6086

of the tree

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

#10

אֲשֶׁ֧ר

H834

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

#11

צִוִּיתִ֛יךָ

H6680

whereof I commanded thee

(intensively) to constitute, enjoin

#12

לְבִלְתִּ֥י

H1115

that thou shouldest not

properly, a failure of, i.e., (used only as a negative particle, usually with a prepositional prefix) not, except, without, unless, besides, because n

#13

אָכָֽלְתָּ׃

H398

Hast thou eaten

to eat (literally or figuratively)

#14

מִמֶּ֖נּוּ

H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

#15

אָכָֽלְתָּ׃

H398

Hast thou eaten

to eat (literally or figuratively)

Analysis

This verse develops the creation and providence theme central to Genesis. The concept of divine revelation reflects God's absolute sovereignty over all existence. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to foundational narrative establishing God's relationship with creation and humanity, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The historical context of the patriarchal period (c. 2000-1500 BCE) and primeval history provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The ancient Near Eastern world with its creation myths, flood narratives, and patriarchal social structures provided the cultural backdrop against which God's revelation stands in stark contrast. The ancient Near Eastern cosmology and patriarchal society would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Ancient Near Eastern creation texts like Enuma Elish provide comparative context for understanding Genesis's unique theological perspective.

Questions for Reflection

How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address questions about God's character and purposes in the modern world, and how should the church respond?
How does this verse's literary context within Genesis chapter 3 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?

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