Genesis 3:2 Daily Devotional & Meaning – Responding to the Serpent’s Question

Daily Verses Everyday! Day 13

“And the woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden…”

Eve’s response to the serpent is simple and factual, yet it reveals an important aspect of human understanding and communication. She begins by clarifying the boundaries God set in the garden: “We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden.” Thereby, she demonstrates that she knows God’s commands and understands the general allowance of freedom within His creation. This shows that God’s instructions were not restrictive in every sense; there was abundant provision and opportunity for enjoyment. Humanity was meant to thrive within the parameters God established, exercising both freedom and responsibility. Her words also reflect a sense of obedience and respect. Eve speaks on behalf of both herself and Adam, indicating the trust and partnership that had been established between them. She recognizes God’s authority while confidently affirming what is permissible.

At this stage, there is no hint of doubt or rebellion; her knowledge of God’s command is clear, and her heart aligns with His intention. However, this verse also sets the stage for the subtle distortion that the serpent will introduce. The way Eve frames her response, focusing on what is permitted rather than what is forbidden leaves room for manipulation. This is significant because, as we see just a few verses later, the serpent exploits this space, twisting truth and appealing to desire to deceive Eve.

C.S. Lewis explores a parallel to this in Perelandra, where he imagines a new “Eve” on the planet Perelandra (Venus) confronted by the Un-man, a figure representing Satan. In Lewis’s allegory, the Un-man does not immediately force the Lady into disobedience; rather, he studies her vulnerabilities and works subtly to exploit them, gradually persuading her to act against Maleldil’s commands. The story highlights a key principle seen in Genesis 3: temptation rarely operates through brute force. Instead, it works patiently, exploiting gaps in understanding, moments of curiosity, and the natural desires of the heart.

Eve’s initial focus on what is permissible rather than fully considering what is forbidden mirrors the dynamic Lewis portrays. The serpent, like the Un-man, is patient, strategic, and intent on distortion, drawing Eve’s attention away from God’s wisdom and toward her own reasoning. By connecting Genesis 3:2 to Perelandra, we can see how deeply Scripture understands the nature of temptation. Knowledge of God’s commands alone is insufficient; discernment, attentiveness, and a heart fully aligned with God are necessary to navigate challenges to obedience. Eve’s dialogue with the serpent, like Lewis’s allegory, demonstrates the interplay of freedom, responsibility, and deception, setting the stage for the moral choice that follows and the unfolding drama of the Fall.

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Continue on with Genesis 3:03.

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