Topical Encyclopedia The narrative of the woman being deceived by Satan is a foundational account found in the Book of Genesis, which sets the stage for the understanding of sin and the fall of humanity. This event is pivotal in Christian theology, illustrating the introduction of sin into the world and the subsequent need for redemption.Biblical Account The account of the woman's deception is recorded in Genesis 3. The serpent, identified as Satan in later biblical texts (cf. Revelation 12:9), approaches the woman in the Garden of Eden. The serpent is described as "more cunning than any beast of the field that the LORD God had made" (Genesis 3:1, BSB). He questions the woman, "Did God really say, 'You must not eat from any tree in the garden'?" (Genesis 3:1, BSB). This question introduces doubt and challenges the command given by God. The woman responds by clarifying God's command, stating that they may eat from the trees in the garden except for the tree in the middle of the garden, warning that eating from it or even touching it would result in death (Genesis 3:2-3, BSB). The serpent counters with a direct contradiction of God's warning, asserting, "You will not surely die" (Genesis 3:4, BSB). He further entices the woman by suggesting that eating the fruit would open her eyes and make her like God, knowing good and evil (Genesis 3:5, BSB). The woman, seeing that the tree was good for food, pleasing to the eye, and desirable for gaining wisdom, took the fruit and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it (Genesis 3:6, BSB). This act of disobedience led to the opening of their eyes and the realization of their nakedness, marking the entrance of sin into the human experience (Genesis 3:7, BSB). Theological Implications The deception of the woman by Satan is significant in several ways. It highlights the cunning nature of Satan, who uses subtlety and half-truths to lead humanity astray. The woman's interaction with the serpent demonstrates the vulnerability of humanity to temptation and the consequences of deviating from God's commands. This event is often cited in discussions of original sin, as it marks the point at which sin entered the world, affecting all of creation. The Apostle Paul references this event in his epistles, noting, "And it was not Adam who was deceived, but the woman who was deceived and fell into transgression" (1 Timothy 2:14, BSB). This passage is sometimes used to discuss the roles of men and women within the church and family, though interpretations vary. Consequences and Redemption The immediate consequence of the deception was the expulsion of Adam and Eve from the Garden of Eden, symbolizing the broken fellowship between humanity and God. The ground was cursed, and pain and toil became part of human existence (Genesis 3:16-19, BSB). However, even in this moment of judgment, God provides a glimmer of hope through the protoevangelium, the first gospel, in Genesis 3:15, which foretells the eventual defeat of Satan through the seed of the woman. The narrative of the woman's deception by Satan underscores the need for a Savior, a theme that runs throughout the Bible. It sets the stage for the redemptive work of Jesus Christ, who, according to Christian belief, came to restore what was lost through the fall and to offer salvation to all who believe. Torrey's Topical Textbook Genesis 3:1-6Now the serpent was more subtle than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said to the woman, Yes, has God said, You shall not eat of every tree of the garden? Torrey's Topical Textbook 2 Corinthians 11:3 1 Timothy 2:14 Library Radical Exposition. Man's Bad Break. The Fall and Recovery of Man; Or, Christ and Satan at Enmity. Gen. ... Of the Thousand Years in which the Dragon or Satan is bound, with ... Satan's Banquet The Seed of the Woman, and the Seed of the Serpent The Deceitful Arts and Nefarious Practices of Marcus. The Protevangelium. Of Certain Temptations of Satan. Instructions Relating Thereto. The Meaning Resources What does the Bible say about being a godly woman? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean to be a woman of God? | GotQuestions.org What can we learn from the woman caught in adultery? | GotQuestions.org Woman: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Woman of Distinction: Fair and Graceful Woman of Distinction: Fond of Dress and Ornaments Woman of Distinction: Haughty in Their Deportment Woman of Distinction: Wore Their Hair Plaited and Adorned With Gold and Pearls Woman of the Poorer Classes Swarthy from Exposure to the Sun Woman were Required to Hear and Obey the Law Woman: (At Ease and Careless) of a State of Carnal Security Woman: (Chaste and Holy) of Saints Woman: (Delicate) of Backsliding Israel Woman: (Foolish) of Mere Professors Woman: (Forsaken) of Israel in Her Captivity Woman: (Gloriously Arrayed) of the Church of Christ Woman: (Lewd) of the Roman Apostasy Woman: Allowed to Join in the Temple-Music from the Time of David Woman: Considered a Valuable Booty in War Woman: Frequently: Active in Instigating to Iniquity Woman: Frequently: Fond of Self-Indulgence Woman: Frequently: Silly and Easily Led Into Error Woman: Frequently: Subtle and Deceitful Woman: Frequently: Zealous in Promoting Superstition and Idolatry Woman: Generally Lived in a Separated Apartment or Tent Woman: Generally Wore a Vail in the Presence of the Other Sex Woman: Good and Virtuous, Described Woman: had a Court of the Tabernacle Assigned to Them Woman: Loving and Affectionate Woman: Often Engaged in Agriculture Woman: Often Engaged in Attending Funerals As Mourners Woman: Often Engaged in Celebrating the Victories of the Nation Woman: Often Engaged in Domestic Employments Woman: Often Engaged in Drawing and Carrying Water Woman: Often Engaged in Embroidery Woman: Often Engaged in Grinding Corn Woman: Often Engaged in Spinning Woman: Often Engaged in Tending Sheep Woman: Often Treated With Great Cruelty in War Woman: Origin and Cause of the Name Woman: Originally Made by God in his own Image Woman: Originally Made for Man Woman: Originally Made: from One of Adam's Ribs Woman: Originally Made: Subordinate to Man Woman: Originally Made: To be an Helpmeet for Man Woman: Originally Made: To be the Glory of Man Woman: Punishment for Injuring, when With Child Woman: Safety in Childbirth Promised to the Faithful and Holy Woman: Salvation Promised Through the Seed of Woman: Submissive and Respectful to Husbands Woman: Tender and Constant to Her offspring Woman: To be Governed By, Considered a Calamity by the Jews Woman: To be Slain By, Considered a Great Disgrace Woman: To Wear Her Hair Long As a Covering Woman: Unfaithfulness of, when Married Found out by the Waters of Woman: Virtuous, Held in High Estimation Woman: Vows of, when Married not Binding Upon the Husband Woman: Young of Distinction, Dressed in Robes of Various Colours Woman: Young: Could not Marry Without Consent of Parents Woman: Young: Fond of Ornaments Woman: Young: Inherited Parents' Property when There Was No Male Heir Woman: Young: Kind and Courteous to Strangers Woman: Young: Not to be Given in Marriage Considered a Calamity Woman: Young: Often Taken Captive Woman: Young: Often Treated With Great Cruelty in War Woman: Young: Punishment for Seducing when not Betrothed Woman: Young: Punishment for Seducing, when Betrothed Woman: Young: Required to Learn from and Imitate Their Elders Related Terms Woman-servant (12 Occurrences) |