King James Version

What Does Genesis 3:21 Mean?

Genesis 3:21 in the King James Version says “Unto Adam also and to his wife did the LORD God make coats of skins, and clothed them.” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Unto Adam also and to his wife did the LORD God make coats of skins, and clothed them.”

Genesis 3:21 · KJV

Context

19

In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return.

20

And Adam called his wife's name Eve; because she was the mother of all living. Eve: Heb. Chavah: that is Living

21

Unto Adam also and to his wife did the LORD God make coats of skins, and clothed them.

22

And the LORD God said, Behold, the man is become as one of us, to know good and evil: and now, lest he put forth his hand, and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live for ever:

23

Therefore the LORD God sent him forth from the garden of Eden, to till the ground from whence he was taken.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Unto Adam also and to his wife did the LORD God make coats of skins, and clothed them.... This chapter narrates humanity's tragic fall from innocence through temptation, sin, and divine judgment. The serpent's subtle questioning of God's word, Eve's addition to and misquotation of God's command, and Adam's passive participation demonstrate the progression from doubt to disobedience to disaster.

The consequences affect every dimension of human existence: spiritual death (separation from God), physical death (mortality), relational dysfunction (shame, blame, conflict), vocational difficulty (cursed ground, painful labor), and cosmic disruption (groaning creation). Yet within the curses, God provides gracious provisions: proto-evangelium promise of redemption, clothing to cover shame, and preservation of life despite deserved death.

Theologically, this chapter establishes the origin and nature of sin, the reality of Satan's activity, the universality of human fallenness, the justice of divine judgment, and the necessity of redemption. Understanding the fall illuminates why the world contains suffering and evil, why humans rebel against God, why salvation requires divine intervention, and how Christ as the second Adam reverses the first Adam's failure (Romans 5:12-21, 1 Corinthians 15:22, 45).

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Historical & Cultural Context

The serpent in Genesis 3 reflects ancient Near Eastern associations between serpents and chaos, evil, or deceptive wisdom. Unlike pagan myths where serpents might be deified, Genesis presents the serpent as a mere creature, though Satan's instrument (Revelation 12:9, 20:2). Ancient curse formulas from various cultures parallel God's pronouncements, but Genesis uniquely embeds redemptive promise within judgment.

The agricultural curses (thorns, sweat, difficult labor) would have resonated deeply with ancient subsistence farmers for whom crop failure meant starvation. The pain in childbearing acknowledges a universal female experience that ancient cultures attributed to various causes, but Genesis traces it to sin's consequences rather than divine cruelty or inherent evil in creation or sexuality.

Archaeological evidence of humanity's ancient struggles with agriculture, disease, death, and violence aligns with Genesis's portrayal of a fallen world. Ancient wisdom literature from Mesopotamia and Egypt grappled with suffering's origins, but Genesis alone provides the theological explanation: human rebellion against God brought cosmic corruption. This account would have answered Israelite questions about why their promised land required hard labor, why they suffered pain and death, and why they needed redemption.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse contribute to the biblical doctrine of creation, fall, or redemption?
  2. What obstacles prevent us from living out the truths presented in this verse?
  3. What connections can we trace from this verse to Jesus' life, death, and resurrection?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
וַיַּעַשׂ֩1 of 8

“make”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

יְהוָ֨ה2 of 8

“did the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֱלֹהִ֜ים3 of 8

“God”

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

לְאָדָ֧ם4 of 8

“Unto Adam”

H120

ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)

וּלְאִשְׁתּ֛וֹ5 of 8

“also and to his wife”

H802

a woman

כָּתְנ֥וֹת6 of 8

“coats”

H3801

a shirt

ע֖וֹר7 of 8

“of skins”

H5785

skin (as naked); by implication, hide, leather

וַיַּלְבִּשֵֽׁם׃8 of 8

“and clothed them”

H3847

properly, wrap around, i.e., (by implication) to put on a garment or clothe (oneself, or another), literally or figuratively

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Genesis. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Genesis 3:21 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Genesis 3:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 61:102 Corinthians 5:212 Corinthians 5:2-3Genesis 3:7Romans 3:22

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