Genesis 3:6

Authorized King James Version

And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַתֵּ֣רֶא

H7200

saw

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

הָֽאִשָּׁ֡ה

H802

And when the woman

a woman

כִּ֣י

H3588

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

טוֹב֩

H2896

was good

good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good

הָעֵץ֙

H6086

and a tree

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

לְמַֽאֲכָ֜ל

H3978

for food

an eatable (including provender, flesh and fruit)

וְכִ֧י

H3588

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

תַֽאֲוָה

H8378

to be desired

a longing; by implication, a delight (subjectively, satisfaction, objectively, a charm)

ה֣וּא

H1931

and that it

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

#10

לָֽעֵינַ֗יִם

H5869

to the eyes

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

#11

וְנֶחְמָ֤ד

H2530

was pleasant

to delight in

#12

הָעֵץ֙

H6086

and a tree

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

#13

לְהַשְׂכִּ֔יל

H7919

to make one wise

to be (causatively, make or act) circumspect and hence, intelligent

#14

וַתִּקַּ֥ח

H3947

she took

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

#15

מִפִּרְי֖וֹ

H6529

of the fruit thereof

fruit (literally or figuratively)

#16

וַיֹּאכַֽל׃

H398

and did eat

to eat (literally or figuratively)

#17

וַתִּתֵּ֧ן

H5414

and gave

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

#18

גַּם

H1571

also

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

#19

לְאִישָׁ֛הּ

H582

properly, a mortal (and thus differing from the more dignified h0120); hence, a man in general (singly or collectively)

#20

עִמָּ֖הּ

H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

#21

וַיֹּאכַֽל׃

H398

and did eat

to eat (literally or figuratively)

Analysis

The creation and providence theme here intersects with the broader canonical witness to God's character and purposes. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of progressive revelation that finds its culmination in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's consistent character and purposes.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the tribal and clan-based society of the ancient Near East. The author writes to address the foundational narrative for Israel's identity and relationship with God, making the emphasis on creation and providence particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

What practical applications emerge from understanding creation and providence as presented in this verse, particularly in light of contemporary challenges facing the church and individual believers?
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?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of the progressive revelation of God's purposes throughout Scripture, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?

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