Genesis 3: The Fall of Humanity

In Genesis 3, paradise is shattered when temptation enters the Garden of Eden. The cunning serpent deceives Eve, convincing her to eat from the forbidden Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil. She shares the fruit with Adam, and in an instant, their eyes are opened—they realize their nakedness and feel shame for the first time. When God calls out to them, they hide in fear. Confronted, Adam blames Eve, and Eve blames the serpent. As a consequence of their disobedience, God pronounces judgment: the serpent is cursed to crawl on its belly, Eve will endure pain in childbirth, and Adam will toil for his survival. Banished from Eden, they leave behind a perfect world, now facing mortality and hardship. Yet, even in judgment, God shows mercy—clothing them and promising that one day, a descendant of Eve will crush the serpent’s power, hinting at redemption to come.

In Genesis 2, the creation story zooms in on humanity’s beginning. God forms Adam from the dust and breathes life into him, placing him in the beautiful Garden of Eden, filled with rivers and trees, including the Tree of Life and the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil. Adam is given the task of tending the garden and naming the animals, but no companion is found for him. So, God creates Eve from Adam’s rib, establishing the first human relationship. The chapter ends with a picture of innocence, as the man and woman live in harmony, unaware of shame.

In Genesis 1, the Bible’s opening chapter, God creates the universe in six days. He speaks light into existence, separates the sky from the waters, and forms dry land, filling it with plants. He sets the sun, moon, and stars in place, then creates sea creatures and birds, followed by land animals. On the sixth day, God makes humanity in His own image, giving them dominion over the earth. Satisfied with His creation, He declares it "very good." On the seventh day, He rests, establishing a pattern of work and rest for all creation.