Genesis 3:6

When the woman saw that the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eyes, and that it was desirable for obtaining wisdom, she took the fruit and ate it. She also gave some to her husband who was with her, and he ate it.

Study Bible

When the woman saw
The Hebrew word for "saw" is "ra'ah," which implies more than just a physical act of seeing; it suggests a perception or understanding. In this context, Eve's seeing is not merely visual but involves a deeper contemplation and consideration of the tree's qualities. This moment marks the beginning of a shift from obedience to God’s command to a reliance on personal judgment, highlighting the human tendency to evaluate based on appearance rather than divine instruction.

that the tree was good for food
The phrase "good for food" uses the Hebrew word "tov," meaning good, pleasant, or agreeable. This reflects a subjective assessment of the tree's fruit, emphasizing the allure of physical sustenance and satisfaction. The tree's appeal to the senses represents the temptation of the flesh, a recurring theme throughout Scripture where physical desires conflict with spiritual obedience.

and pleasing to the eyes
"Pleasing" translates from the Hebrew "ta'avah," which denotes a longing or craving. The visual appeal of the tree underscores the power of external appearances to captivate and deceive. This phrase highlights the danger of allowing visual allure to override spiritual discernment, a caution echoed in 1 John 2:16, which warns against the lust of the eyes.

and that it was desirable for obtaining wisdom
The word "desirable" comes from the Hebrew "chamad," meaning to covet or take pleasure in. This desire for wisdom reflects a deeper, more insidious temptation: the aspiration to attain knowledge and autonomy apart from God. The serpent's earlier deception plays into this desire, suggesting that wisdom can be achieved independently of divine revelation, a lie that continues to challenge humanity's relationship with God.

she took the fruit and ate it
The act of taking and eating signifies a deliberate choice to disobey God's command. The Hebrew verb "laqach" (took) implies an active decision, while "akal" (ate) indicates consumption and internalization. This action represents the transition from temptation to sin, illustrating the process by which desire, when unchecked, leads to disobedience and spiritual separation from God.

She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it
The phrase "who was with her" suggests Adam's presence during the temptation, implicating him in the act of disobedience. His passive acceptance of the fruit highlights a failure of leadership and responsibility. The shared act of eating signifies a collective fall, underscoring the communal nature of sin and its consequences. This moment foreshadows the need for redemption and the restoration of right relationship with God, ultimately fulfilled in Christ.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Woman (Eve)
The first woman created by God, who is tempted by the serpent and chooses to eat the forbidden fruit.

2. The Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil
The specific tree in the Garden of Eden from which God commanded Adam and Eve not to eat.

3. The Fruit
The object of temptation, representing disobedience to God's command.

4. The Husband (Adam)
The first man created by God, who also eats the fruit after Eve gives it to him.

5. The Garden of Eden
The perfect place created by God for Adam and Eve, where they lived before the Fall.

Teaching Points

The Nature of Temptation
Temptation often appeals to our senses and desires, as seen in Eve's attraction to the fruit's appearance and perceived benefits.

The Consequences of Disobedience
Disobedience to God's commands leads to separation from Him and has far-reaching consequences, as demonstrated by the Fall.

The Role of Personal Responsibility
Both Adam and Eve made individual choices to disobey God, highlighting the importance of personal responsibility in our spiritual lives.

The Importance of God's Word
Knowing and adhering to God's Word is crucial in resisting temptation, as Eve's failure to do so led to sin.

The Impact of Influence
Eve's decision influenced Adam, reminding us of the power of our actions and decisions on others.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the description of the fruit in Genesis 3:6 relate to the temptations we face today?

2. In what ways can we apply the lessons from Adam and Eve's disobedience to our own lives to avoid similar pitfalls?

3. How does the concept of original sin, as introduced in Genesis 3:6, connect to the need for redemption through Christ?

4. What strategies can we use to ensure we are adhering to God's Word in the face of temptation, as opposed to Eve's response?

5. How can we be mindful of the influence our actions have on others, as seen in Eve's influence on Adam?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 2:16-17
God’s command to Adam not to eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, setting the stage for the events of Genesis 3:6.

1 John 2:16
Discusses the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, which can be seen in Eve's temptation.

Romans 5:12-19
Explains the theological implications of Adam's sin and its impact on humanity, introducing the concept of original sin.

James 1:14-15
Describes the process of temptation leading to sin, paralleling Eve's experience in Genesis 3:6.