Genesis 3:21

And the LORD God made garments of skin for Adam and his wife, and He clothed them.

Study Bible

The LORD God
This phrase emphasizes the personal and covenantal name of God, "Yahweh" (YHWH), combined with "Elohim," which denotes His power and majesty. The use of "LORD God" here underscores both His intimate relationship with humanity and His sovereign authority over creation. In the context of Genesis, it highlights God's continued involvement with Adam and Eve even after their disobedience, showcasing His grace and mercy.

made garments of skin
The Hebrew word for "made" is "asah," which implies a deliberate and purposeful action. This act of making garments signifies God's provision and care for Adam and Eve despite their sin. The "garments of skin" suggest the first instance of death in the biblical narrative, as animals would have been sacrificed to provide these coverings. This foreshadows the sacrificial system later established in the Mosaic Law and ultimately points to the sacrifice of Christ, the "Lamb of God," who covers the sins of humanity.

for Adam and his wife
The mention of "Adam and his wife" reiterates the personal nature of God's action. Despite their fall, God acknowledges their identity and relationship. The use of "his wife" instead of "Eve" at this point in the narrative may emphasize the unity and partnership intended in marriage, even in the face of sin and its consequences.

and clothed them
The act of clothing Adam and Eve is rich with symbolic meaning. The Hebrew root "labash" means to clothe or dress, indicating a covering or protection. This act of clothing is not merely physical but also spiritual, as it represents God's covering of their shame and sin. It is a precursor to the righteousness that believers receive through faith in Christ, who clothes us in His righteousness. This divine act of clothing signifies God's ongoing care and the promise of redemption, even in the midst of judgment.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The LORD God
The Creator and Sustainer of all things, who acts with authority and compassion in this passage.

2. Adam
The first man created by God, who, along with his wife, disobeyed God's command, resulting in the Fall.

3. Eve
The first woman, created from Adam, who also partook in the disobedience against God.

4. The Garden of Eden
The initial dwelling place of Adam and Eve, representing a place of perfect fellowship with God before the Fall.

5. The Making of Garments
An act of God providing for Adam and Eve's physical needs and symbolizing a deeper spiritual truth.

Teaching Points

God's Provision and Grace
Despite Adam and Eve's disobedience, God provides for their needs, demonstrating His grace and mercy even in judgment.

The Cost of Sin
The making of garments from animal skins implies the first physical death, illustrating that sin results in death and foreshadowing the ultimate sacrifice of Christ.

Covering of Shame
God's act of clothing Adam and Eve signifies the covering of their shame, pointing to the spiritual covering provided through Christ's righteousness.

The Necessity of Atonement
The shedding of blood for the garments prefigures the necessity of atonement for sin, fulfilled in Jesus' sacrifice.

Restoration of Relationship
God's continued interaction with Adam and Eve, even after their sin, shows His desire to restore broken relationships.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does God's provision of garments for Adam and Eve reflect His character and intentions towards humanity?

2. In what ways does the act of making garments of skin foreshadow the sacrificial system and ultimately, the sacrifice of Christ?

3. How can we apply the concept of God covering our shame to our daily walk with Him?

4. What does this passage teach us about the consequences of sin and God's response to it?

5. How can we see the theme of redemption and restoration in Genesis 3:21, and how does it connect to the broader account of Scripture?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 2:25
Before the Fall, Adam and Eve were naked and felt no shame, highlighting the innocence and purity that was lost after sin entered the world.

Isaiah 61:10
The imagery of being clothed by God is echoed in the concept of being clothed with garments of salvation and righteousness.

Romans 5:12-21
Discusses the entrance of sin through one man, Adam, and the redemption through one man, Jesus Christ, drawing a parallel between the first Adam and the last Adam.

Revelation 3:18
Advises the church to buy white garments to cover their shameful nakedness, symbolizing spiritual purity and redemption.

Hebrews 9:22
Highlights the necessity of bloodshed for the forgiveness of sins, which can be seen as foreshadowed by the making of garments of skin.