Verse 1
serpent. Hebrew. Nachash, a shining one. See note on Numbers 21:6 , Numbers 21:9 . The old serpent (2 Corinthians 11:3 ) transformed as "an angel of light" (= a glorious angel, 2 Corinthians 11:14 ). Compare Ezekiel 28:14 , Ezekiel 28:17 , connected with "cherub" (Ezekiel 28:13 , Ezekiel 28:14 , Ezekiel 28:16 ), and contrasted with it here in Genesis 3:24 . See App-19 .
subtil = wise. Hebrew. 'arum, a Homonym. Same as Genesis 2:25 ; here = wise (as Job 5:12 ; Job 15:5 .Proverbs 12:16 , Proverbs 12:23 ; Proverbs 13:16 ; Proverbs 14:8 , Proverbs 14:15 , Proverbs 14:18 ; Proverbs 22:3 ; Proverbs 27:12 ). Compare Ezekiel 28:12 , Ezekiel 28:13 , Ezekiel 28:17 . If the Ellipsis ( App-6 .) be supplied from the preceding context, Genesis 3:1 will then read on from Genesis 2:25 , thus: "they were bothnaked ( 'arum ), the man and his wife, and [knowing only good, Genesis 2:17 ] were not ashamed [before God]. But the Nachash was more wise ( 'arum ) than any living being of the field which Jehovah Elohim had made, and [knowing evil, and not ashamed (Genesis 2:25 ) to question the truth of God's word] he said unto the woman, "&c.
beast = living creature or being; same as Zoon in Revelation 4:6-9 ; Revelation 5:6 , Revelation 5:8 , Revelation 5:14 , &c.
And. Note the Figure of speech Polysyndeton ( App-6 ) throughout this chapter emphasizing each detail.
the LORD God. See note on Genesis 2:4
Yea, hath God said = Can it be that God hath said. Not a question, but Figure Erotesis ( App-6 ) for emph. Opposition to God's Word is Satan's sphere of activity. This is Satan's first utterance in Scripture.
Be the first to react on this!