King James Version

What Does Genesis 3:7 Mean?

Genesis 3:7 in the King James Version says “And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made ...” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons. aprons: or, things to gird about”

Genesis 3:7 · KJV

Context

5

For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.

6

And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat. pleasant: Heb. a desire

7

And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons. aprons: or, things to gird about

8

And they heard the voice of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God amongst the trees of the garden. cool: Heb. wind

9

And the LORD God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou?

Read Genesis 3 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves... 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 understanding this verse shape our doctrine of humanity, sin, or salvation?
  2. How can we apply the principles from this passage to contemporary challenges in family, work, or church?
  3. How does understanding Christ as the ultimate fulfillment illuminate this passage's meaning?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
וַתִּפָּקַ֙חְנָה֙1 of 13

“were opened”

H6491

to open (the senses, especially the eyes); figuratively, to be observant

עֵינֵ֣י2 of 13

“And the eyes”

H5869

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

שְׁנֵיהֶ֔ם3 of 13

“of them both”

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

וַיֵּ֣דְע֔וּ4 of 13

“knew”

H3045

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

כִּ֥י5 of 13
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

עֵֽירֻמִּ֖ם6 of 13

“that they were naked”

H5903

nudity

הֵ֑ם7 of 13

“and they”

H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

וַֽיִּתְפְּרוּ֙8 of 13

“and they sewed”

H8609

to sew

עֲלֵ֣ה9 of 13

“leaves”

H5929

a leaf (as coming up on a tree); collectively, foliage

תְאֵנָ֔ה10 of 13

“fig”

H8384

the fig (tree or fruit)

וַיַּֽעֲשׂ֥וּ11 of 13

“and made themselves”

H6213

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

לָהֶ֖ם12 of 13
H0
חֲגֹרֹֽת׃13 of 13

“aprons”

H2290

a belt (for the waist)

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 3:7 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 3:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 59:6Genesis 2:25Genesis 3:5Job 9:29-31Isaiah 28:20Genesis 3:10-11

Test Your Knowledge

Genesis 3 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterGenesis Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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