Genesis 3:3 meaning

In the dialogue between Eve and the serpent, the pivotal moment occurs when Eve alters God's command. By adding “neither shall you touch it,” she misquotes the divine prohibition, demonstrating her misunderstanding of God's intentions. This moment is critical as it reveals how distortion of God's Word can lead to doubt about His goodness and ultimately incite disobedience. The enemy’s strategy begins here, planting seeds of confusion and questioning God’s motives.

Genesis 3:3 highlights the dangers of engaging in dialogue with temptation and the importance of holding fast to the truth of God's Word. The addition to God's command reflects not only a shift in perspective but also a reliance on human reasoning over divine assurance. This subtle alteration lays the groundwork for the ensuing fall into sin, illuminating the theme that our ability to remain steadfast in faith is often tested through the integrity of our understanding of God's laws. The struggle with temptation, as seen in Eve's interaction, serves as a reminder that legalism and distortion can lead us away from the grace and truth embodied in God's Word, leading to dire consequences.

Reference: But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God has said, “You shall not eat of it or touch it, lest you die.” (Genesis 3:3, NASB95)