Author

Moses

(Moʹses) [Meaning "Drawn Out," referring to being saved from water] (Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York, Inc., n.d.-a).

Moses was a devoted "man of the true God" and a central figure in the Bible. Born in 1593 B.C.E. in Egypt, he was the son of Amram and Jochebed, and the brother of Aaron and Miriam (Exodus 6:16-20). As the leader of Israel, he served as a mediator of the Law covenant, prophet, judge, commander, and historian (Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York, Inc., n.d.-a).

God appointed Moses to write the Pentateuch—the first five books of the Bible: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy (Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York, Inc., n.d.-a).

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Key Characters

1.) Jehovah, God

(Je·hoʹvah) [Derived from the causative form of the Hebrew verb ha·wahʹ (become), meaning "He Causes to Become"] (Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania, n.d.-c).

Jehovah is the true God, the Creator of all things, worshiped by figures such as Abraham (Genesis 24:27), Moses (Exodus 15:1, 2), and Jesus (John 20:17). His name, revealed as Jehovah (Exodus 3:15), is derived from the Hebrew Tetragrammaton (YHWH) and means “He Causes to Become,” highlighting His role as the Creator (Revelation 4:11) and the Fulfiller of His purpose (Isaiah 42:8; Psalm 83:18; Isaiah 54:5). Jehovah is a God of love (Exodus 34:5-7), justice, and righteousness, who desires all to recognize His name and sovereignty (Isaiah 55:10, 11). Despite human imperfections, He extends mercy (Luke 6:35) and invites all to worship Him wholeheartedly (1 John 4:8) (Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania, n.d.-c; Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania, n.d.-d).

The name Jehovah appears over 7,000 times in the Bible. However, due to superstition, its exact ancient pronunciation is unknown. It is often translated as "Jehovah" or "Yahweh," with its significance transcending pronunciation (Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania, n.d.-c; Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania, n.d.-d).

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2.) Adam

(Adʹam) [Earthling Man; Mankind; Humankind; derived from a root meaning “red”] (Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York, Inc., n.d.-e).

Adam, the first human and "son of God," was created by Jehovah in 4026 B.C.E. as the pinnacle of His earthly creation. Formed from the dust of the ground and given the breath of life, Adam was made in God’s image, possessing qualities such as love, wisdom, justice, and power. He was tasked with caring for the Garden of Eden, naming animals, and expanding Paradise across the earth with his wife, Eve, whom God created from his rib (Genesis 1:26-28; 2:7, 18-23) (Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York, Inc., n.d.-e).

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3.) Eve

[Living One; likely derived from the Hebrew verb cha·yahʹ, meaning “to live”] (Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York, Inc., n.d.-f).

Eve was the first woman and the final creation of God’s earthly works. Created to complement Adam, she was formed from his rib while he slept. Adam joyfully accepted her as his wife, naming her ʼish·shahʹ (woman) and recognizing her as "bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh." Together, they were blessed by God to fill the earth and care for creation (Genesis 2:18-23; 1:28) (Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York, Inc., n.d.-f).

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4.) Satan

[Resister, Satan the Devil, the chief Adversary of God; derived from Hebrew words ha sa·tanʹ  and Greek words ho sa·ta·nasʹ] (Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania, n.d.-i)

Satan, originally a righteous and perfect spirit creature (or angel) created by God (Deuteronomy 32:4), became known as Satan, meaning "Resister," due to his opposition to God (Job 1:6). His fall began when he deceived Eve (Genesis 3:1-5), leading humanity into sin and death (Romans 5:12), earning titles like "Serpent" (Revelation 12:9) and "Father of the Lie" (John 8:44). Satan's rebellion challenged God's sovereignty, exemplified in the story of Job, where he accused God of unfairly protecting His faithful servants (Job 1:9-11; 2:4-5). Satan later influenced fallen angels, becoming "the ruler of the demons" (Matthew 12:24-26) and the "ruler of this world" (John 12:31), misleading humanity and opposing God's will (Revelation 12:9). Throughout history, Satan worked to thwart God’s plans, notably attempting to prevent the coming of Jesus (Matthew 2:16), whom he relentlessly tried to tempt and destroy (Matthew 4:1-11). Despite his power, Satan ultimately remains subject to God's authority (Job 1:12), and his defeat is foretold in Scripture (Revelation 20:10) (Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania, n.d.-i).

Setting

1.) Earth

In the Bible, different terms describe the earth and its aspects based on context:

1. Hebrew Terms:

   • ʼEʹrets: Refers to the earth as a planet, land or territory, ground, or humanity collectively.

   • ʼAdha·mahʹ: Describes soil, tilled ground, property, or the earth’s surface and is linked to Adam, made from dust (Ge 2:7).

2. Greek Terms:

   • Ge: Denotes arable land, soil, the globe, inhabited earth, or specific territories.

   • Oi·kou·meʹne: Refers to the “inhabited earth” (Mt 24:14).

The exact meaning of these terms depends on their context in scripture (Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York, Inc., n.d.-g).

Earth is the fifth-largest planet in the solar system and the third from the sun. Shaped as an oblate spheroid, it has a circumference of approximately 40,000 km (24,900 mi) and a diameter of about 12,750 km (7,920 mi). Oceans cover 71% of its surface, leaving 29% as land. Earth’s rotation creates day and night, while its tilted axis (23° 27ʹ) causes the seasons. The atmosphere, primarily composed of nitrogen and oxygen, extends about 960 km (600 mi) above the surface (Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York, Inc., n.d.-g).

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2.) Eden

(Eʹden) [Pleasure].

Eden was a region where Jehovah created a garden as the original home for Adam and Eve. Known as the "garden of Eden" or "paradise," it was filled with beautiful trees, abundant food, and diverse animal life (Genesis 2:8-15). Adam was placed there to care for it and was given authority over its creatures (Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York, Inc., n.d.-g).

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3.) Timeline of Events in the Book of Genesis

Documenting events from creation to the early history of Israel, covering the period from the beginning to 1657 B.C.E. (Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania, 2013).

Main Events

• Origin of Human Sin (Verses 1-13)

• The Initial Deception (Verses 4-5)

• God’s Judgment on the Rebels (Verses 14-24)

• Promise of the Woman’s Offspring (Verses 15)

• Banishment from Eden (Verses 23-24)

(Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania, 2013)

Key Themes & Lessons

Genesis 3 reveals profound lessons about human nature, sin, and divine justice. The chapter begins with the serpent’s cunning deception of Eve, planting doubt in her mind about God’s command. By twisting the truth, the serpent makes disobedience seem desirable, leading Eve to eat the forbidden fruit and give some to Adam. Immediately, their eyes are "opened," and they experience shame and vulnerability, symbolizing the consequences of giving in to temptation and turning away from God's guidance (Genesis 3:1-7).

When confronted by God, Adam and Eve fail to take responsibility for their actions, instead shifting blame onto each other and the serpent. This response highlights humanity's natural tendency to avoid accountability. God’s judgment is swift and just: the serpent is cursed, Eve is condemned to experience increased pain in childbirth and a changed dynamic in her relationship with Adam, and Adam is sentenced to labor tirelessly for survival until death. These punishments underscore the far-reaching consequences of disobedience and the reality of divine justice (Genesis 3:8-19).

Amid the judgment, a glimmer of hope emerges. In Genesis 3:15, God foretells the ongoing struggle between the serpent and the offspring of the woman, ultimately promising that her offspring will crush the serpent’s head. This prophecy is often interpreted as the first glimpse of God's plan for redemption through the coming of the Messiah. Though Adam and Eve are expelled from Eden, severing their direct access to God and the tree of life, God's mercy is still evident. He provides garments of skin to clothe them, reflecting His continued care and foreshadowing the need for atonement through sacrifice (Genesis 3:21-24).

Genesis 3 teaches timeless truths about personal accountability, the destructive power of sin, and the mercy of God, who, even in judgment, provides a path to redemption. It serves as a reminder of the consequences of turning away from divine guidance while offering hope through God’s enduring plan for salvation.

Reflection Questions

1.) What does this tell me about Jehovah God?

• This passage reveals Jehovah God’s deep concern for humanity, His holiness, and His justice. While God created the first humans, Adam and Eve, and placed them in a perfect environment, He also gave them free will, allowing them to make their own choices (Genesis 3:6). When they chose to disobey His command, God responded with justice but also with mercy. He punished Adam, Eve, and the serpent (Satan), but He also promised hope for the future through the offspring of the woman (Genesis 3:15), foreshadowing the coming of the Savior, Jesus Christ, who would ultimately defeat sin. Jehovah’s reaction demonstrates His righteous judgment and loving provision for redemption. Additionally, Jehovah made garments for Adam and Eve, symbolizing His desire to cover their shame and offer them a way forward after their fall (Genesis 3:21).

2.) How Does This Section of the Scriptures Contribute to the Bible’s Message?

• This section is foundational to understanding the entire Bible's message. It explains the origin of sin and the brokenness of the world. Through the actions of Adam and Eve, sin entered the world, and death became its consequence (Romans 5:12). However, the promise in Genesis 3:15, where God declares that the serpent’s head will be crushed by the woman’s offspring, introduces the hope of salvation, which is fully realized in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ (John 3:16). It emphasizes that God’s perfect creation was marred by sin, but He already had a plan for redemption and restoration, setting the stage for the entire biblical narrative.

3.) How Can I Apply This in My Life?

• This passage teaches the consequences of disobedience but also the importance of trusting Jehovah’s wisdom and guidance. Just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s lies (Genesis 3:4-5), we must be cautious of the temptations and lies of the world that seek to lead us away from God’s commands. The fall reminds us that sin has consequences, but through Jesus, we have the hope of forgiveness and restoration (1 John 1:9). This understanding should encourage us to rely on God’s strength to resist temptation, as James 4:7 states, "Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." In practical terms, we should strive to stay close to God through prayer, reading His Word, and making choices that align with His will.

4.) How Can I Use These Verses to Help Others?

• Genesis 3 provides valuable lessons that can help others understand the importance of making wise choices and trusting in God’s plan. When discussing the consequences of sin, you can point to Genesis 3 to show how disobedience affects not just the individual but the entire world. However, you can also share the hope that this passage provides through the promise of redemption (Genesis 3:15). This can encourage others to turn to God for forgiveness and restoration, emphasizing that despite our flaws, God offers grace through Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:8-9). You can also use this passage to remind others that God cares for them and wants to provide for their needs, just as He provided garments for Adam and Eve after they sinned (Genesis 3:21).

Did You Know? | Interesting Facts

• Satan, also known as the Devil, is called "the original serpent" in Revelation 12:9 and 20:2. This title likely stems from his use of the literal serpent in Eden to deceive the woman (Genesis 3:1-15). As "the original serpent," Satan is seen as the spiritual source of other opposers, which is why Jesus referred to such individuals as "serpents, offspring of vipers" (Matthew 23:33; compare John 8:44; 1 John 3:12) (Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania, n.d.-j).

• Serpent, Snake [Hebrew: na·chashʹ, tan·ninʹ, tseʹphaʽ, and tsiph·ʽoh·niʹ; Greek: oʹphis]. A long, scaly, limbless reptile that moves along its belly or rib cage. Due to its head being close to the ground, its flickering tongue gives the appearance of licking the dust. (Ge 3:14) (Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania, n.d.-j)

• The serpent is often used symbolically in various texts: the deceit of the wicked is compared to its venom (Ps 58:3, 4), the sharp tongue of malicious plotters is likened to that of a serpent (Ps 140:3), and excessive wine is said to bite like a serpent (Pr 23:32) (Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania, n.d.-j).

• In pagan religions, the serpent often served as a symbol of their beliefs and was frequently revered as an object of adoration. In Mesopotamia, Canaan, and Egypt, the serpent symbolized fertility and was associated with sex goddesses. Two intertwined serpents represented fertility through sexual union, and the serpent's repeated shedding of its skin made it a symbol of eternal life and renewal (Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania, n.d.-j).

• Consider the prophecy Jehovah declared in the garden of Eden, recorded at Genesis 3:15. It foretold events that would fulfill His purpose, though they wouldn’t unfold until thousands of years later. These events included the emergence of Abraham’s offspring, the lineage leading to the birth of Christ. (Gen. 22:15-18) In 33 C.E., Jesus’ death fulfilled the part of the prophecy where He was struck in the heel. (Acts 3:13-15) The final stage — the crushing of Satan’s head, representing his complete destruction or death — is approaching soon. (Rev. 20:7-10) Additionally, the Bible unveils much more about what will take place as the conflict between Satan’s system and Jehovah’s divine organization reaches its climax (Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania, n.d.-k).

Quiz: How Well Do You Know Genesis Chapter 3?

1. What was the result of Adam and Eve's disobedience?
a. They became immortal
b. They were banished from Eden
c. They were rewarded
d. They gained eternal wisdom

2. Who was responsible for deceiving Eve in the Garden of Eden?
a. Adam
b. Jehovah
c. The serpent (Satan)
d. An angel

3. What was God's response to Adam and Eve's disobedience?
a. He ignored it
b. He forgave them immediately
c. He judged them but promised redemption
d. He destroyed the earth

4. What punishment did Eve receive for her disobedience?
a. She was turned into stone
b. Increased pain in childbirth
c. Expulsion from Eden
d. She became immortal

5. What was God's promise regarding the offspring of the woman?
a. They would be free from sin
b. They would crush the serpent’s head
c. They would live forever
d. They would never experience death

6. How did God show mercy to Adam and Eve after their fall?
a. He gave them more food to eat
b. He clothed them with garments of skin
c. He allowed them back into Eden
d. He granted them eternal life

7. What is Genesis 3:15 often interpreted as?
a. A promise of wealth
b. A prophecy about Jesus Christ
c. A story of human creation
d. A warning about sin

8. What does Genesis 3 teach about sin?
a. Sin has no consequences
b. Sin leads to redemption immediately
c. Sin has far-reaching consequences
d. Sin is inevitable

9. What role did the serpent play in the deception of Eve?
a. It simply asked questions
b. It made sin appear desirable
c. It led Eve to ask for forgiveness
d. It helped Eve resist temptation

10. How can Genesis 3 be used to help others?
a. To encourage them to sin
b. To highlight the consequences of disobedience and offer hope through redemption
c. To show them how to avoid work
d. To help them forget about sin

Answer Key

1. b. They were banished from Eden

2. c. The serpent (Satan)

3. c. He judged them but promised redemption

4. b. Increased pain in childbirth

5. b. They would crush the serpent’s head

6. b. He clothed them with garments of skin

7. b. A prophecy about Jesus Christ

8. c. Sin has far-reaching consequences

9. b. It made sin appear desirable

10. b. To highlight the consequences of disobedience and offer hope through redemption

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Bibliography

Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania. (2013). New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures. Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York, Inc.

Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania. (1959, September 15). Was Adam short a rib? The Watchtower. https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/1969562?q=rib&p=par

Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania. (n.d.-b). Rib. https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/1200003727?q=rib&p=par

Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania. (2011). The Bible—A book of answers. https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/2011003#h=18:1-20:393

Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania. (n.d.-h). What was the forbidden fruit? https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/1001077330

Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania. (n.d.-a). Did Moses write the first five books of the Bible? https://www.jw.org/en/bible-teachings/questions/moses-writings/

Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania. (n.d.-c). Jehovah. Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York, Inc. https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/1200002391

Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania. (n.d.-d). Who is Jehovah? https://www.jw.org/en/bible-teachings/questions/who-is-jehovah/

Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania. (n.d.-e). Adam. Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York, Inc. https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/1200000089

Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania. (n.d.-f). Eve. Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York, Inc. https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/1200001450

Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania. (n.d.-g). Earth. Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York, Inc. https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/1200001239

Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania. (n.d.-h). Eden. Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York, Inc. https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/1200001256

Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania. (n.d.-i). Satan. Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York, Inc. https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/1200003845

Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania. (n.d.-j). Serpent, Snake. Insight on the Scriptures (Vol. 2). Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York, Inc. https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/1200003908

Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania. (n.d.-k). Explore Every Dimension of God’s Word. Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York, Inc. https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/2023605#h=45

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