Genesis 3:14

Authorized King James Version

And the LORD God said unto the serpent, Because thou hast done this, thou art cursed above all cattle, and above every beast of the field; upon thy belly shalt thou go, and dust shalt thou eat all the days of thy life:

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיֹּאמֶר֩

H559

said

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהוָֹ֨ה

H3068

And the LORD

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

אֱלֹהִ֥ים׀

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

אֶֽל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַנָּחָשׁ֮

H5175

unto the serpent

a snake (from its hiss)

כִּ֣י

H3588

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

עָשִׂ֣יתָ

H6213

hast done

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

זֹּאת֒

H2063

this (often used adverb)

אָר֤וּר

H779

this thou art cursed

to execrate

#10

אַתָּה֙

H859

Because thou

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

#11

מִכָּל

H3605

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

#12

הַבְּהֵמָ֔ה

H929

above all cattle

properly, a dumb beast; especially any large quadruped or animal (often collective)

#13

וּמִכֹּ֖ל

H3605

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

#14

חַיֶּֽיךָ׃

H2416

and above every beast

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

#15

הַשָּׂדֶ֑ה

H7704

of the field

a field (as flat)

#16

עַל

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

#17

גְּחֹנְךָ֣

H1512

upon thy belly

the external abdomen, belly (as the source of the faetus)

#18

תֵלֵ֔ךְ

H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

#19

וְעָפָ֥ר

H6083

and dust

dust (as powdered or gray); hence, clay, earth, mud

#20

תֹּאכַ֖ל

H398

shalt thou eat

to eat (literally or figuratively)

#21

כָּל

H3605

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

#22

יְמֵ֥י

H3117

all the days

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

#23

חַיֶּֽיךָ׃

H2416

and above every beast

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

Analysis

This verse develops the creation and providence theme central to Genesis. The concept of life 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 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 life. 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 does this verse's literary context within Genesis chapter 3 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
How does the creation and providence theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on life address questions about God's character and purposes in the modern world, and how should the church respond?

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