Genesis 3:2 kjv

And the woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden:

Genesis 3:2 nkjv

And the woman said to the serpent, "We may eat the fruit of the trees of the garden;

Genesis 3:2 niv

The woman said to the serpent, "We may eat fruit from the trees in the garden,

Genesis 3:2 esv

And the woman said to the serpent, "We may eat of the fruit of the trees in the garden,

Genesis 3:2 nlt

"Of course we may eat fruit from the trees in the garden," the woman replied.

Genesis 3 verses

Genesis 3 2 Meaning

Genesis 3:2 describes Eve's initial response to the serpent concerning the trees in the Garden of Eden. She affirms God's generous provision, stating that humanity is permitted to eat from the fruit of the vast majority of trees within the garden. This statement sets the stage for the specific restriction regarding one tree, which is central to the serpent's temptation.

Genesis 3 2 Context

Genesis chapter 3 immediately follows the creation account, where God established a perfect world and humanity in intimate fellowship with Him (Gen 1-2). God gave clear instructions regarding the consumption of trees in the garden, particularly identifying one tree, the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil, as forbidden, with death as the consequence of disobedience (Gen 2:16-17).

Verse 3:2 begins the direct verbal exchange between the serpent and Eve. This interaction initiates the unraveling of the initial divine order and introduces deception and disobedience, setting the stage for the Fall of humanity. The serene environment of Eden contrasts sharply with the sinister intent of the serpent, highlighting the vulnerability of humanity when confronted by temptation.

Genesis 3 2 Word analysis

• And the woman (ha’ishshah): Refers specifically to Eve. The Hebrew definite article 'the' indicates a known individual, directly drawing from the narrative in Gen 2. The dialogue here shifts from Adam, who received the command first (Gen 2:16-17), to Eve, though Adam was created as her counterpart and presumably was aware of the command.
• said (watto’mer): From the verb amar, meaning "to say," "to speak," "to tell." It indicates a direct and definite verbal response, signifying Eve's engagement with the serpent's query, rather than an outright rejection or question of his premise.
• to the serpent (’el hannachash):
  • hannachash: "the serpent," from nachash. This term can also carry connotations of divination, enchantment, or a shining, brassy appearance in other contexts, hinting at its deceptive or supernatural nature, beyond just a literal snake. This is the creature later identified as Satan/the Devil in Revelation.
• We may eat (akal - nō’khel): From the verb akal, meaning "to eat," "to consume." Eve acknowledges God's vast generosity and the extensive permission given to humanity. The plural "we" (implied in the verbal form) includes Adam, showing shared understanding or acceptance of the rule.
• of the fruit (mippĕrî): pĕrî refers generally to produce or fruit. This phrase reiterates the bounty available and what specifically is permitted for consumption.
• of the trees (‘êṣ hazzeh - plural ha‘eṣim): ‘êṣ means "tree." The plural form emphasizes the abundance and variety of trees within the garden from which they were allowed to eat. This initial statement is accurate according to God's command.
• in the garden (baggān): gan signifies a well-watered, protected, delightful enclosed space, representative of God's perfect and nurturing provision for humanity.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "And the woman said to the serpent,": This phrase marks the initiation of a direct verbal interaction, signifying that Eve chose to engage in dialogue with the tempting creature, rather than disregard its inquiry. This engagement becomes the gateway for deception.
• "We may eat of the fruit of the trees in the garden;": This segment accurately conveys God's extensive provision and permission, which served as the foundation of humanity's abundance. It highlights the freedom and goodness God initially bestowed, yet sets up the critical boundary that will be tested in the following verse.

Genesis 3 2 Bonus section

• Emphasis on Abundance: Even in facing temptation, Eve first recounts God's bountiful provision. This detail highlights that the temptation was not borne out of lack or scarcity but targeted against an existing boundary in the midst of superabundance.
• Dialogue's First Step: This verse signifies the critical first step in the deceptive dialogue. By engaging the serpent and acknowledging the truth about general permission, Eve legitimizes the conversation and opens the door for the serpent to introduce distortion in the very next verse (Gen 3:3).

Genesis 3 2 Commentary

Genesis 3:2 records Eve's response to the serpent, outlining God's provision for humanity in Eden. Her affirmation, "We may eat of the fruit of the trees in the garden," acknowledges the immense generosity of God, who provided abundant sustenance. This initial part of her reply is accurate and confirms God's word regarding general permission (Gen 2:16a). However, the verse also subtly foreshadows the pivotal moment of the Fall. By accurately stating the permission, Eve provides the serpent with an opportunity to highlight the exception, creating a setup for misrepresentation and the introduction of doubt about God's good intent. The precise wording in Hebrew is critical as Eve's subsequent modification (or Adam's prior oversight in communicating it fully to her, if Adam was not near) of God's command will be central to the sin itself, beginning from this moment of direct engagement.