Genesis 3:5
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.
Genesis 3:5 · King James Version
Meaning
This verse from the book of Genesis is a pivotal moment in the story of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. It is the serpent tempting Eve to eat the forbidden fruit from the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil. The serpent implies that by eating the fruit, their eyes will be opened, and they will be like gods, knowing good and evil. This verse signifies the moment when humanity's innocence is lost and they gain the ability to distinguish between right and wrong. It symbolizes the transition from a state of ignorance to one of awareness and accountability. The serpent's words reveal the desire for power and knowledge that can ultimately lead to their downfall. By disobeying God's command, Adam and Eve ultimately suffer the consequences of their actions, highlighting the timeless lesson of the dangers of succumbing to temptation and the importance of obedience to divine authority.
Theological Overview
One theological interpretation of this verse from Genesis 3:5 is that it speaks to the temptation of humanity to be like God, to have knowledge of good and evil. When the serpent tempts Eve with the idea that eating the forbidden fruit will allow her to be like God, knowing good and evil, it captures the desire of humans to have ultimate knowledge and power. Some theologians see this as the root of sin - the desire to be like God, to place oneself above God in knowledge and wisdom. The word study of "know" in this verse reveals a deeper meaning, as it signifies not just awareness but experiential knowledge, suggesting that by eating the fruit, Adam and Eve would not just know about good and evil but experience it in a way that only God should. This interpretation highlights the fall of humanity from grace and the consequences of seeking to be equal to God.
Genesis 3:5 in other translations
American Standard Version
for God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as God, knowing good and evil.
World English Bible
for God knows that in the day you eat it, your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.”
Douay-Rheims
For God doth know that in what day soever you shall eat thereof, your eyes shall be opened: and you shall be as Gods, knowing good and evil.
Geneva Bible (1599)
But God doeth knowe, that when ye shall eate thereof, your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and euill.