Sample Passage Commentary

Sample Commentary on Genesis 3: 14-24 (chapter 3 verse 14-24)
See outline of passage.

The various penalties that each receives are specific to their level of involvement in the crime. By making the choice to listen to the serpent instead of God, Eve demonstrates that she could not make a wise decision by herself. Therefore, women are forever subjugated to the dominance of men. Women are also fated to feel pain when giving birth; this serves as an additional reminder of their mistake.

In contrast, the serpent is forever prevented from interfering in Man's life, both physically, since it has its limbs taken from it, and psychologically, since it will forever be a symbol of fear. Because he allowed his actions to be swayed by Eve's, Adam is told he and his progeny must work and toil for his fruit. This could also be seen as a moral: to eat of the fruit, one must also work the soil. And, as further reminder, the soil that Man works in is the same soil that he will be reduced to.

However, despite being expelled from the Garden of Eden, there still seems to be hope. God notes that since the pair have eaten the fruit, they are now mentally equal to divinity. If Man were to ever eat from the Tree of Life, he could regain immortality. There then exists that potential to recover what was lost. One can therefore assume that the author leaves the reader, as well as mankind, with an open ending.

Harris and Platzner note that the serpent "questions the way God runs things" (111). Knowing the consequences of the serpent's disbelief, the reader can take these 11 verses as a moral to never doubt the commands of God. The serpent is lacking in faith and must pay a severe penalty. Thus one can see Genesis 3 as a motivational tale for Man to always trust God.