---
title: "Bullinger"
description: "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 lig"
image: "/images/missing.jpg"
url: "https://realbiblebelievers.com/commentaries/bullingers-companion-bible-notes/genesis/3"
---

![Bullinger](/images/commentaries/bullingers-companion-bible-notes.jpg)

 The Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes
 
Include 66 books
 
Denomination: dispensationalism
 
 GenesisExodusLeviticusNumbersDeuteronomyJoshuaJudgesRuth1 Samuel2 Samuel1 Kings2 Kings1 Chronicles2 ChroniclesEzraNehemiahEstherJobPsalmsProverbsEcclesiastesSong Of SolomonIsaiahJeremiahLamentationsEzekielDanielHoseaJoelAmosObadiahJonahMicahNahumHabakkukZephaniahHaggaiZechariahMalachiMatthewMarkLukeJohnActsRomans1 Corinthians2 CorinthiansGalatiansEphesiansPhilippiansColossians1 Thessalonians2 Thessalonians1 Timothy2 TimothyTitusPhilemonHebrewsJames1 Peter2 Peter1 John2 John3 JohnJudeRevelation 1234567891011121314151617181920212223242526272829303132333435363738394041424344454647484950 

**serpent.** Hebrew. *Nachash,* a shining one. See note on [Numbers 21:6](../../../kjv/numbers/21/6) , [Numbers 21:9](../../../kjv/numbers/21/9) . The old serpent ([2 Corinthians 11:3](../../../kjv/2-corinthians/11/3) ) transformed as "an angel of light" (= a glorious angel, [2 Corinthians 11:14](../../../kjv/2-corinthians/11/14) ). Compare [Ezekiel 28:14](../../../kjv/ezekiel/28/14) , [Ezekiel 28:17](../../../kjv/ezekiel/28/17) , connected with "cherub" ([Ezekiel 28:13](../../../kjv/ezekiel/28/13) , [Ezekiel 28:14](../../../kjv/ezekiel/28/14) , [Ezekiel 28:16](../../../kjv/ezekiel/28/16) ), and contrasted with it here in [Genesis 3:24](../../../kjv/genesis/3/24) . See App-19 .
**subtil** = wise. Hebrew. *'arum,* a Homonym. Same as [Genesis 2:25](../../../kjv/genesis/2/25) ; here = wise (as [Job 5:12](../../../kjv/job/5/12) ; [Job 15:5](../../../kjv/job/15/5) .[Proverbs 12:16](../../../kjv/proverbs/12/16) , [Proverbs 12:23](../../../kjv/proverbs/12/23) ; [Proverbs 13:16](../../../kjv/proverbs/13/16) ; [Proverbs 14:8](../../../kjv/proverbs/14/8) , [Proverbs 14:15](../../../kjv/proverbs/14/15) , [Proverbs 14:18](../../../kjv/proverbs/14/18) ; [Proverbs 22:3](../../../kjv/proverbs/22/3) ; [Proverbs 27:12](../../../kjv/proverbs/27/12) ). Compare [Ezekiel 28:12](../../../kjv/ezekiel/28/12) , [Ezekiel 28:13](../../../kjv/ezekiel/28/13) , [Ezekiel 28:17](../../../kjv/ezekiel/28/17) . If the *Ellipsis* ( App-6 .) be supplied from the preceding context, [Genesis 3:1](../../../kjv/genesis/3/1) will then read on from [Genesis 2:25](../../../kjv/genesis/2/25) , thus: "they were bothnaked ( *'arum* ), the man and his wife, and [knowing only good, [Genesis 2:17](../../../kjv/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](../../../kjv/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](../../../kjv/revelation/4/6-9) ; [Revelation 5:6](../../../kjv/revelation/5/6) , [Revelation 5:8](../../../kjv/revelation/5/8) , [Revelation 5:14](../../../kjv/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](../../../kjv/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.

**may eat.** Misquoted from [Genesis 2:16](../../../kjv/genesis/2/16) by not repeating the emphatic Figure *Polyptoton* , and thus omitting the emph. "freely".

**neither shall ye touch it.** This sentence is added. Compare [Genesis 2:18](../../../kjv/genesis/2/18) , [Genesis 2:17](../../../kjv/genesis/2/17) . There is another word in this verse we need to consider, and it is the word "touch". God's command to Eve was; "neither shall ye touch it. "The Hebrew word for "touch" is # [H5060](#sH5060) in the Strong's dictionary is ( *Naga, a prime root, prop. to touch, i.e., lay the hand upon* ( *for the purpose; euphemism, to lie with a woman), to reach)* , So we see that the warning to Adam and Eve specifically, was to stay away from Satan called both the "serpent", and the "tree of good and evil". The fruit of that tree was not to be taken; and we know that the "fruit" as the results of a sexual relationship between any man and woman is a child. God's command was that Eve "not touch (lay with Satan)." So, we see that the order by God is that Eve *not have sexual union with Satan* .
**lest ye die.** Misquoted from [Genesis 2:16](../../../kjv/genesis/2/16) , [Genesis 2:17](../../../kjv/genesis/2/17) , by not repeating the emphatic Figure *Polyptoton* , thus changing the emph. preserved in the word "surely".

**Ye shall not surely die** = Satan's second utterance. Contradiction of God's Word in [Genesis 2:17](../../../kjv/genesis/2/17) . This has become the foundation of Spiritism and Traditional belief as to death. See note on [Genesis 2:17](../../../kjv/genesis/2/17) .

**ye shall be as gods** = be as God, Hebrew. *Elohim.* This is the foundation of Satan's second lie: "The immanence of God in man. "

**good for food.** See [1 John 2:16](../../../kjv/1-john/2/16) , "Lust of the flesh". Compare [Matthew 4:3](../../../kjv/matthew/4/3) .
**pleasant to the eyes.** See [1 John 2:16](../../../kjv/1-john/2/16) , "Lust of the eyes". Compare [Matthew 4:5](../../../kjv/matthew/4/5) .
**make one wise.** See [1 John 2:16](../../../kjv/1-john/2/16) , "Boastful of life". Compare [Matthew 4:8](../../../kjv/matthew/4/8) .
**gave.** See [1 Timothy 2:14](../../../kjv/1-timothy/2/14) .
**with her.** Therefore Adam present. Compare "Ye", verses: [Genesis 3:4](../../../kjv/genesis/3/4) , [Genesis 3:5](../../../kjv/genesis/3/5) .

**knew.** Figure of speech *Metonymy* (of Subj.) App-6 . They knew before, but their knowledge now received a new meaning. Adam becomes "naked" by losing something of *Elohim's* glorious likeness. [Romans 8:3](../../../kjv/romans/8/3) may refer to this.
**fig leaves.** The man-made covering contrasted, in the structure, with the God-made clothing ([Genesis 3:21](../../../kjv/genesis/3/21) ).
**aprons.** Hebrew word occurs only here.

**voice** = sound. ([Ecclesiastes 7:6](../../../kjv/ecclesiastes/7/6) = crackling.) Here = footsteps, as in [2 Samuel 5:24](../../../kjv/2-samuel/5/24) . [1 Kings 14:6](../../../kjv/1-kings/14/6) . [2 Kings 6:32](../../../kjv/2-kings/6/32) .
**cool.** Hebrew. *ruach.* App-9 .
**hid themselves.** No "quest for God" in fallen man. Compare [Genesis 4:14](../../../kjv/genesis/4/14) .[Luke 15:13](../../../kjv/luke/15/13) .[Ephesians 2:13](../../../kjv/ephesians/2/13) .[Jeremiah 23:24](../../../kjv/jeremiah/23/24) .

**Where art thou?** The 1st Q. in O.T. comes from God to the sinner. Compare 1st Q. in N.T. of the seeking sinner, "Where is He? "([Matthew 2:2](../../../kjv/matthew/2/2) ).

**the man.** Hebrew. *Ha 'adham =* the man Adam. App-14 .
**the woman.** Characteristic of fallen man ([Job 31:33](../../../kjv/job/31/33) . hence [Deuteronomy 13:6](../../../kjv/deuteronomy/13/6) ).
**Thou gavest.** Implying blame to Jehovah as well as to his wife.

**The serpent.** See note on [Genesis 3:1](../../../kjv/genesis/3/1) and App-19 ; and compare [2 Corinthians 11:3](../../../kjv/2-corinthians/11/3) , [2 Corinthians 11:14](../../../kjv/2-corinthians/11/14) .

**said.** God asks the serpent no question. There is no parley. Sentence at once pronounced.
**upon thy belly, &c.** Figure of speech. See App-19 . The words imply the utmost humiliation, as in [Psalms 44:25](../../../kjv/psalms/44/25) .
**dust, &c.** Figure of speech of utter defeat, as in [Psalms 72:9](../../../kjv/psalms/72/9) . See App-19 .

**it.** i.e. Christ. The corruption of this in the Vulgate into "she" lies at the root of Mariolatry: the verb in singular. Masculine shows that *zer'a* (seed) is here to be taken in singular, with Septuagint, i.e. *Christ* ; see note on [Genesis 17:7](../../../kjv/genesis/17/7) ; [Genesis 21:12](../../../kjv/genesis/21/12) , and [Galatians 1:3](../../../kjv/galatians/1/3) , [Galatians 1:16](../../../kjv/galatians/1/16) .
**head . . . heel.** See App-19 . No more literal than [1 Corinthians 11:8](../../../kjv/1-corinthians/11/8) , or [Psalms 41:9](../../../kjv/psalms/41/9) , and [John 13:18](../../../kjv/john/13/18) . They denote the temporary sufferings of the Seed, and the complete destruction of Satan and his works ([Hebrews 2:14](../../../kjv/hebrews/2/14) . [1 John 3:8](../../../kjv/1-john/3/8) ). Heel = lower part. Head = vital part. This is the first great promise and prophecy. Note its position in the centre of Structure above.

**greatly multiply.** Hebrew "multiplying I will multiply". Figure of speech *Polyptoton* . Emph. Preserved in word "greatly". Compare [Genesis 3:4](../../../kjv/genesis/3/4) , and see note on [Genesis 26:28](../../../kjv/genesis/26/28) .
**in sorrow.** Compare [1 Timothy 2:14](../../../kjv/1-timothy/2/14) , [1 Timothy 2:15](../../../kjv/1-timothy/2/15) .
**children.** Hebrew = sons; but daughters included by context.
**to** = subject to. Childbearing was not brought into this for eating an apple.

**cursed.** Nature affected. [Romans 8:19-23](../../../kjv/romans/8/19-23) .

**Thorns.** The sign of the curse. What else was brought forth is not stated; but the word may include all kinds of noxious insects, &c, as well as poisonous weeds. It was a crown of "Thorns" that drew the first blood from our Lord.
**field.** Not the fruit of Paradise.

**face** = whole body. Figure of speech *Synecdoche* (of Part). App-6 .
**bread** = all kinds of food. Figure of speech *Synecdoche* (of Species).
**dust.** This is literal. See [Genesis 2:7](../../../kjv/genesis/2/7) . [Psalms 103:14](../../../kjv/psalms/103/14) .[Ecclesiastes 12:7](../../../kjv/ecclesiastes/12/7) . [1 Corinthians 15:47](../../../kjv/1-corinthians/15/47) . Note the emph. by *Introversion* | return. | it = (dust). | dust. | return.

**Eve** = Hebrew. *Chavvah = Life, Life-spring.* Showing that he believed God. *The name* "Eve" occurs 4 times: here; Gen 4:1 ; [2 Corinthians 11:3](../../../kjv/2-corinthians/11/3) ; and [1 Timothy 2:13](../../../kjv/1-timothy/2/13) .
**all** = all who should live after her. Figure of speech *Synecdoche* (of Genus).

**coats.** Compare the structure of [Genesis 3](../../../kjv/genesis/3) , [Genesis 3:7](../../../kjv/genesis/3/7) .
**of skins** = skin. Omitted in the Codex "Severus" See App-34 .

**Behold.** Figure of speech *Asterismos* ( App-6 ).
**man.** Hebrew the man, Adam.
**good.** Hebrew. *tov* = general good. Compare [Genesis 1:4](../../../kjv/genesis/1/4) , [Genesis 1:10](../../../kjv/genesis/1/10) , [Genesis 1:12](../../../kjv/genesis/1/12) , [Genesis 1:18](../../../kjv/genesis/1/18) , [Genesis 1:21](../../../kjv/genesis/1/21) , [Genesis 1:25](../../../kjv/genesis/1/25) ; [Genesis 6:2](../../../kjv/genesis/6/2) .[Deuteronomy 1:25](../../../kjv/deuteronomy/1/25) ; [Deuteronomy 3:25](../../../kjv/deuteronomy/3/25) .[Judges 8:2](../../../kjv/judges/8/2) .[Esther 1:11](../../../kjv/esther/1/11) .[Proverbs 8:11](../../../kjv/proverbs/8/11) .[Ecclesiastes 7:14](../../../kjv/ecclesiastes/7/14) ; [Ecclesiastes 11:7](../../../kjv/ecclesiastes/11/7) . Verse ends with Fig, *Aposiopesis =* Sudden silence, emphasizing the result as being unspeakable.
**live for ever** clearly shows the nature of man,

**Therefore:** the object is self-evident.

**drove out.** Note the failure of man under every dispensation.
**placed** . Heb *shakan, to place in a tabernacle,* hence *to dwell.* The Cherubim placed later in the tents of Shem, [Genesis 9:26](../../../kjv/genesis/9/26) , [Genesis 9:27](../../../kjv/genesis/9/27) . Compare [Genesis 4:3](../../../kjv/genesis/4/3) , [Genesis 4:7](../../../kjv/genesis/4/7) , [Genesis 4:14](../../../kjv/genesis/4/14) , [Genesis 4:16](../../../kjv/genesis/4/16) .
**Cherubim.** See App-41 . [1 Samuel 4:4](../../../kjv/1-samuel/4/4) .[Psalms 80:1](../../../kjv/psalms/80/1) ; [Psalms 99:1](../../../kjv/psalms/99/1) .
**a** = should be "the".
**every way** , not *natah* (aside), *savav* (about), *sug* (back), *panah* (toward), but *haphak* (every way), effectually preserving the way.
**keep.** See note on [Genesis 2:15](../../../kjv/genesis/2/15) = *preserve,* so that man should not "live for ever" in his fallen condition, but only in Christ, [1 John 5:11](../../../kjv/1-john/5/11) , [1 John 5:12](../../../kjv/1-john/5/12) .
**tree of life.** See note on [Genesis 2:9](../../../kjv/genesis/2/9) .

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