Unlocking Genesis 3:1

[Hiddenthings]

Revelation 3:17 - "For you say, “I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing,” not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked."

That was me, sorry. I couldn't help but point out the irony of your post.

Is it typical to expect only one meaningful response out of every twenty from you? Is that the standard I should anticipate?

But yes, Revelation most definitely speaks to the truth of Genesis 3.

The irony isn’t lost on me, Xtra, I'm sure it isn’t on you either.

 

[XtraPercept]

Is it typical to expect only one meaningful response out of every twenty from you? Is that the standard I should anticipate?

But yes, Revelation most definitely speaks to the truth of Genesis 3.

The irony isn’t lost on me, Xtra, I'm sure it isn’t on you either.

It is typical for the carnal mind to miss the meaning in words founded on truth which carry uncommon depth. If you had access to all Meaning, we would have no contention. But because you declare another's nakedness without His robes yourself, I laugh.

But I do not accuse you of being a lost soul, devoid of light, or condemned to hell. I don't believe in a living person devoid of light (because His light is life, and even the darkest soul exists in Him by His permission), nor does hell exist as it is taught. I accuse you of nothing, I only contend for the pleasure of discussing His majesty, for the joy of sharing His truth, for the honor of serving Him.

 

[Hiddenthings]

It is typical for the carnal mind to miss the meaning in words founded on truth which carry uncommon depth. If you had access to all Meaning, we would have no contention. But because you declare another's nakedness without His robes yourself, I laugh.

I've never encountered a forum member so eager not only to win an argument but also to mock in the process. Perhaps you're clothed, or perhaps not. The man without a wedding garment didn’t even realize he was naked.

Your interactions aren’t all that different from the serpent’s cunning, now that’s ironic!

 

[XtraPercept]

I've never encountered a forum member so eager not only to win an argument but also to mock in the process. Perhaps you're clothed, or perhaps not. The man without a wedding garment didn’t even realize he was naked.

Your interactions aren’t all that different from the serpent’s cunning, now that’s ironic!

You're right. I don't do everything perfectly. I don't do everything well. I try, but I am not yet perfected.

I concede your points in this regard.

But I care about you and would show you what I have found were I given the opportunity. And it seems I might have had it, but for the abrasiveness of my presentation, I am an offense to you. And for that, I apologize. That is my failure.

But Jesus Christ is certain, He is Certainty. My faith is in Him. My hope is in Him. And I trust His forgiveness for any shortcoming of mine which blemished my representation of His love.

 

[Hiddenthings]

Eve faced the same challenge we face every day: deciding whether to trust the visible voice of the serpent or to believe in the unseen God.

If a Christian today believes that a fallen angel is responsible for this voice, does that imply that the understanding of this carnal voice is not already within them?

This question seeks to explore how believers perceive temptation and its true origins.

James is clear...but as we are finding believers hold their own understanding on these matters.

“But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire.” James 1:14

 

[Hiddenthings]

You're right. I don't do everything perfectly. I don't do everything well. I try, but I am not yet perfected.

I concede your points in this regard.

But I care about you and would show you what I have found were I given the opportunity. And it seems I might have had it, but for the abrasiveness of my presentation, I am an offense to you. And for that, I apologize. That is my failure.

But Jesus Christ is certain, He is Certainty. My faith is in Him. My hope is in Him. And I trust His forgiveness for any shortcoming of mine which blemished my representation of His love.

You wreak of incredulity

 

[XtraPercept]

Your interactions aren’t all that different from the serpent’s cunning, now that’s ironic!

For those most familiar with imitation, it is authenticity which feels uncanny.

 

[XtraPercept]

You wreak of incredulity

It is havoc I wreak upon the strongholds of the enemy, and the incredulity is your own.

 

[Hiddenthings]

It is havoc I wreak upon the strongholds of the enemy, and the incredulity is your own.

You seem skilled at speaking with forked tongue, and that’s precisely why, for those most familiar with imitation, true authenticity can feel uncanny.

 

[XtraPercept]

You seem skilled at speaking with forked tongue, and that’s precisely why, for those most familiar with imitation, true authenticity can feel uncanny.

Jesus commanded His followers to be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. How do you take this?

 

[Hiddenthings]

Jesus commanded His followers to be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. How do you take this?

Their motives were genuine and sincere.

Your reply definitely connects well to the original point, so well done for getting that far!

The Master often spoke about snakes and those who spoke like them. After all, snakes don’t have ears and cannot hear. You might find John 8 insightful on this.

 

[XtraPercept]

Their motives were genuine and sincere.

And you are so certain of mine?

Do you have the Master's insight while you wrestle with His chosen? Or are you simply offended by my certainty of Him and His presence within me? Why should this be an offense to you for me to claim Him and disagree with you?

If you disagree with me, so be it. But if the basis of your contention is merely to insult me, you do not contend at all, it is only a tantrum.

You bring up John 8 even though we discuss Him now for the stone you first threw at me.

 

[Hiddenthings]

Each of my replies has connected to the point because His name is Jesus. You and I observe different spirits in this conversation.

Correct, your uncertain motives have come across as forked-tongued, while mine have remained focused on the OP, which you've attempted to derail from the start. As I said, your contribution has added no value and has only wasted our time. Maybe there are others you regularly play your games within this forum?

 

[XtraPercept]

Correct, your uncertain motives have come across as forked-tongued, while mine have remained focused on the OP, which you've attempted to derail from the start. As I said, your contribution has added no value and has only wasted our time. Maybe there are others you regular play your games within this forum?

My motives are Certain which is why you do not understand them. I am here for Purpose and all else is irrelevant. I will err but I am forgiven. I will stumble but I am eternal. I will contend as I am commanded. I will love and obey because these are my highest aspirations in life, the only goals I pursue as all else is prioritized beneath these two objectives.

I do not profess to have all answers, I only profess to know the One who does, and I do my best to demonstrate Him and His work in my life with every chance He presents to me. He has blessed me tremendously that I may be certain of His goodness toward me.

It is not my intent to be abrasive, but the truth has not been well received since the fall.

The entirety of my response to the original post was contained in the eighth post to this thread, my first post here (in this thread).

 

[Wick Stick]

@Wick Stick

I was reading an old study on this subject and came across this:

"The concept of nakedness in the Bible often comes to symbolize a state of being astray or separated from God. Interestingly, the Hebrew word translated “subtil” in Genesis 3:1 (ʿārûm, Strong’s <06175>) is closely related to the word translated “naked” in Genesis 2:25 (ʿêrom, Strong’s <06174>).

This connection suggests a deeper thematic link between vulnerability, awareness, and the shift that occurs after the fall."

That's an insightful connection between the negative connotation of cunning and the shame associated with nakedness.

It's tied to the idea of atonement, for which the Hebrew word also most literally mean s "covered."

To be naked is to be uncovered, un-atoned-for. Note that one of the first things God did for Adam after the "fall" was to clothe him.

 

[Hiddenthings]

It's tied to the idea of atonement, for which the Hebrew word also most literally mean s "covered."

To be naked is to be uncovered, un-atoned-for. Note that one of the first things God did for Adam after the "fall" was to clothe him.

Yes, agree!

The angel taught Adam to shed the blood of a lamb, and to cover his nakedness with its skin. Powerful lesson when considering the Atonement in Christ.

 

[Hiddenthings]

Jeremiah 23 comes to mind...

25 The Lord says, “I have heard what those prophets who are prophesying lies in my name are saying. They are saying, ‘I have had a dream! I have had a dream!’ 26 Those prophets are just prophesying lies. They are prophesying the delusions of their own minds. 27 How long will they go on plotting to make my people forget who I am through the dreams they tell one another? That is just as bad as what their ancestors did when they forgot who I am by worshiping the god Baal. 28 Let the prophet who has had a dream go ahead and tell his dream. Let the person who has received my message report that message faithfully. What is like straw cannot compare to what is like grain! I, the Lord, affirm it!

It doesn't matter where you go in all the Word of God you NEVER see these matters placed at the feet of an evil fallen angel.

 

[Hiddenthings]

Genesis 3: A Miniature Picture of God’s Plan of Salvation Through Christ

Genesis 3 presents a condensed yet powerful outline of God's redemptive plan:

1. It begins with: serpent, flesh, death, and Adam.
   It ends with: cherubim, Spirit, life, and Christ.
2. It opens with the tree of the knowledge of good and evil,
   and ends with the tree of life.
3. It begins with an ineffective covering of fig leaves,
   and ends with an effective covering of skin, which required bloodshed.
4. At the center of the chapter is the turning point:
   the cursing of the serpent and the blessing of the seed of the woman (Genesis 3:15), the first prophecy of Christ.

Structure of Genesis 3 (Chiastic Outline):

A. Serpent, flesh, death, Adam – verses 1–5
B. Tree of knowledge, eating – verse 6
C. Effect: man, fig leaves – verse 7
D. God questions man and woman – verses 8–13
E. Curse on the serpent – verse 14
E. Blessing on the woman’s seed – verse 15
D. God sentences man and woman – verses 16–19
C. Effect: God provides skins – verses 20–21
B. Tree of life, not to eat – verses 22–23
A. Cherubim, Spirit, life, Christ – verse 24

Connections Between Genesis 3 and the Mosaic Law:

1. The serpent is declared an abomination (Leviticus 11:42).
2. Nakedness is to be covered (Exodus 20:26).
3. To uncover nakedness is equated with sexual union (Leviticus 18:6–19; 20:11).
4. Childbirth results in ceremonial uncleanness (Leviticus 12:1–8).
5. Reproductive discharges cause uncleanness, even if not sinful (Leviticus 15:16–28).
6. Hanging on a tree is associated with being cursed (Deuteronomy 21:23), a theme connected to the trees in Eden and fulfilled in Christ (Galatians 3:13).

 

[Hiddenthings]

"Did God really say?"

A reflective and subtly doubting question. It marks the beginning of questioning God's word and reveals a dangerous progression:

1. Doubt
2. Disbelief
3. Denial

At the heart of the original lie was the suggestion that a truly loving God would place no restrictions on His creation. Ever since Eden, this misconception has persisted. Philosophers and thinkers have wrestled with the question:

"How could a kind and loving Father allow His children to suffer, to experience pain, or to die?"

This single flawed idea has given rise to countless false beliefs and misguided hopes. It overlooks the truth that love and freedom are not the absence of boundaries, but the presence of purpose and trust in the One who gives them.

Few Christians understand the reality of a God who tests and try's His Children.

This reflects passages like Deuteronomy 8:2: “And you shall remember that the Lord your God led you all the way these forty years in the wilderness, to humble you and test you, to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep His commandments or not.”

If I asked you what drove Jesus into the Wilderness to be tested @Aunty Jane - what would be your answer?

 

[Hiddenthings]

Genesis 3:3 offers those would seek to change Genesis 3:1 some sobering thoughts

"But God did say..." – Notice the shift in emphasis: Eve focuses more on the single (and relatively minor) prohibition rather than the many generous permissions God had given. As Candlish observes (Genesis 48), “Insensible to the free grant of many trees, we take it amiss that one should be withheld and fret under the wholesome restraint of duty.”

Or.

“We are blind to (or take for granted) the generous gift of many trees, and instead we become upset that just one tree is off-limits. We complain about the very rule that was meant to protect us.”

In simpler terms:

Candlish is saying that human nature tends to ignore abundance and focus on restriction. Instead of being thankful for all that God freely gives (many trees to enjoy), we fixate on the one thing we’re told not to do, and even resent the boundary, even though it’s good for us.

"You must not touch it..." – Where did God say this? This detail appears to be an addition by Eve, possibly reflecting extra or distorted theology not present in God's original command.

"Or you will die..." – This wording omits the emphatic "surely" from Genesis 2:17, potentially softening the seriousness of the consequence.

The warning is not to change the Word of God to suit your own paradigm.