Genesis 3:10
Genesis 3:10 in Multiple Translations
“I heard Your voice in the garden,” he replied, “and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid myself.”
And he said, I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself.
And he said, I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself.
And he said, Hearing your voice in the garden I was full of fear, because I was without clothing: and I kept myself from your eyes.
“I heard you walking in the garden and I was afraid because I was naked, so I hid,” he replied.
Who saide, I heard thy voyce in the garden, and was afraide: because I was naked, therefore I hid my selfe.
and he saith, 'Thy sound I have heard in the garden, and I am afraid, for I am naked, and I hide myself.'
The man said, “I heard your voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; so I hid myself.”
And he said, I heard thy voice in the garden: and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself.
And he said: I heard thy voice in paradise; and I was afraid, because I was naked, and I hid myself.
The man replied, “I heard the sound of your footsteps/walking in the garden, and I was naked, so I was afraid and I hid myself.”
The man said, “I heard you walking in the garden, and I was frightened, because I’m naked. So I hid from you.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 3:10
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Genesis 3:10 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּ֕אמֶר
אֶת
קֹלְ/ךָ֥
שָׁמַ֖עְתִּי
בַּ/גָּ֑ן
וָ/אִירָ֛א
כִּֽי
עֵירֹ֥ם
אָנֹ֖כִי
וָ/אֵחָבֵֽא
וַ/יֹּ֕אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
קֹלְ/ךָ֥
qôwl
H6963
voice
N-ms | Suff
שָׁמַ֖עְתִּי
shâmaʻ
H8085
to hear
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
בַּ/גָּ֑ן
gan
H1588
garden
Prep | N-cs
וָ/אִירָ֛א
yârêʼ
H3372
to fear
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cs
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
עֵירֹ֥ם
ʻêyrôm
H5903
naked
Adj
אָנֹ֖כִי
ʼânôkîy
H595
I
Pron
וָ/אֵחָבֵֽא
châbâʼ
H2244
to hide
Conj | V-Niphal-ConsecImperf-1cs
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 3:10
וַ/יֹּ֕אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
קֹלְ/ךָ֥
qôwl
H6963
"voice"
N-ms | Suff
A voice or sound, it can refer to the sound of a person speaking, an animal, or a musical instrument. In the Bible, it is often used to describe God's voice or the sound of praise and worship.
Definition: : sound/noise 1) voice, sound, noise 1a) voice 1b) sound (of instrument)
Usage: Occurs in 436 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] aloud, bleating, crackling, cry ([phrase] out), fame, lightness, lowing, noise, [phrase] hold peace, (pro-) claim, proclamation, [phrase] sing, sound, [phrase] spark, thunder(-ing), voice, [phrase] yell. See also: Genesis 3:8; Judges 5:11; Job 4:10.
שָׁמַ֖עְתִּי
shâmaʻ
H8085
"to hear"
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
To hear and listen is what this Hebrew word means, often implying attention and obedience. In Exodus and Deuteronomy, it is used when God speaks to the people, and they must listen and obey.
Definition: : hear v 1) to hear, listen to, obey 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to hear (perceive by ear) 1a2) to hear of or concerning 1a3) to hear (have power to hear) 1a4) to hear with attention or interest, listen to 1a5) to understand (language) 1a6) to hear (of judicial cases) 1a7) to listen, give heed 1a7a) to consent, agree 1a7b) to grant request 1a8) to listen to, yield to 1a9) to obey, be obedient 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be heard (of voice or sound) 1b2) to be heard of 1b3) to be regarded, be obeyed 1c) (Piel) to cause to hear, call to hear, summon 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to hear, tell, proclaim, utter a sound 1d2) to sound aloud (musical term) 1d3) to make proclamation, summon 1d4) to cause to be heard n m 2) sound
Usage: Occurs in 1072 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] attentively, call (gather) together, [idiom] carefully, [idiom] certainly, consent, consider, be content, declare, [idiom] diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make to) hear(-ken, tell), [idiom] indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be) obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish, regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, [idiom] surely, tell, understand, whosoever (heareth), witness. See also: Genesis 3:8; Exodus 32:18; Deuteronomy 27:9.
בַּ/גָּ֑ן
gan
H1588
"garden"
Prep | N-cs
The word for garden refers to an enclosed area, like the Garden of Eden. It can also symbolize a bride or a place for plants.
Definition: 1) garden, enclosure 1a) enclosed garden 1a1) (fig. of a bride) 1b) garden (of plants) 1c) Garden of Eden
Usage: Occurs in 37 OT verses. KJV: garden. See also: Genesis 2:8; 2 Kings 25:4; Isaiah 51:3.
וָ/אִירָ֛א
yârêʼ
H3372
"to fear"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cs
This Hebrew word means to fear or revere, and is used to describe being afraid or standing in awe of something, like God's power. It appears in the Bible to convey a sense of respect or reverence. In the KJV, it's translated as 'affright' or 'reverence'.
Definition: : frightening(DANGER) 1) to fear, revere, be afraid 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to fear, be afraid 1a2) to stand in awe of, be awed 1a3) to fear, reverence, honour, respect 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be fearful, be dreadful, be feared 1b2) to cause astonishment and awe, be held in awe 1b3) to inspire reverence or godly fear or awe 1c) (Piel) to make afraid, terrify 2) (TWOT) to shoot, pour
Usage: Occurs in 318 OT verses. KJV: affright, be (make) afraid, dread(-ful), (put in) fear(-ful, -fully, -ing), (be had in) reverence(-end), [idiom] see, terrible (act, -ness, thing). See also: Genesis 3:10; 1 Samuel 12:18; Psalms 3:7.
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
עֵירֹ֥ם
ʻêyrôm
H5903
"naked"
Adj
This Hebrew word means naked or nudity, describing a state of being without clothes. It appears in various Bible translations, including the KJV, as naked or nakedness.
Definition: adj 1) naked n m 2) nakedness
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: naked(-ness). See also: Genesis 3:7; Ezekiel 16:22; Ezekiel 23:29.
אָנֹ֖כִי
ʼânôkîy
H595
"I"
Pron
This simple Hebrew word just means 'I', referring to the speaker, like in Genesis 27 where Esau says 'I' when talking to his father Isaac.
Definition: I (first pers. sing.) Another spelling of a.ni (אֲנִי, אָֽנֹכִ֫י "I" H0589)
Usage: Occurs in 335 OT verses. KJV: I, me, [idiom] which. See also: Genesis 3:10; Deuteronomy 11:26; 2 Samuel 3:39.
וָ/אֵחָבֵֽא
châbâʼ
H2244
"to hide"
Conj | V-Niphal-ConsecImperf-1cs
To hide means to secrete or withdraw, often for safety or protection. In the Bible, this word is used to describe hiding oneself or being forced into hiding. It appears in various forms, including to hide oneself or to be hidden by someone else.
Definition: 1) to withdraw, hide 1a) (Niphal) to hide oneself 1b) (Pual) to be forced into hiding 1c) (Hiphil) to hide 1d) (Hophal) to be hidden 1e) (Hithpael) 1e1) to hide oneself, draw back 1e2) to draw together, thicken, harden
Usage: Occurs in 33 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] held, hide (self), do secretly. See also: Genesis 3:8; 1 Kings 18:4; Isaiah 42:22.
Study Notes — Genesis 3:10
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 3:10 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 3:10
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 3:10
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 3:10
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 3:10
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 3:10
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 3:10
- Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 3:10
- Sermons on Genesis 3:10
Context — God Arraigns Adam and Eve
8Then the man and his wife heard the voice of the LORD God walking in the garden in the breeze of the day, and they hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God among the trees of the garden.
9But the LORD God called out to the man, “Where are you?”
10“I heard Your voice in the garden,” he replied, “and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid myself.”
11“Who told you that you were naked?” asked the LORD God. “Have you eaten from the tree of which I commanded you not to eat?” 12And the man answered, “The woman whom You gave me, she gave me fruit from the tree, and I ate it.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 2:25 | And the man and his wife were both naked, and they were not ashamed. |
| 2 | Psalms 119:120 | My flesh trembles in awe of You; I stand in fear of Your judgments. |
| 3 | Isaiah 47:3 | Your nakedness will be uncovered and your shame will be exposed. I will take vengeance; I will spare no one.” |
| 4 | Isaiah 57:11 | Whom have you dreaded and feared, so that you lied and failed to remember Me or take this to heart? Is it not because I have long been silent that you do not fear Me? |
| 5 | Job 23:15 | Therefore I am terrified in His presence; when I consider this, I fear Him. |
| 6 | Exodus 3:6 | Then He said, “I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” At this, Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look at God. |
| 7 | 1 John 3:20 | Even if our hearts condemn us, God is greater than our hearts, and He knows all things. |
| 8 | Isaiah 33:14 | The sinners in Zion are afraid; trembling grips the ungodly: “Who of us can dwell with a consuming fire? Who of us can dwell with everlasting flames?” |
| 9 | Genesis 3:7 | And the eyes of both of them were opened, and they knew that they were naked; so they sewed together fig leaves and made coverings for themselves. |
| 10 | Exodus 32:25 | Moses saw that the people were out of control, for Aaron had let them run wild and become a laughingstock to their enemies. |
Genesis 3:10 Summary
In Genesis 3:10, Adam tells God that he hid because he was afraid of being naked, which shows that he felt ashamed and guilty after disobeying God. This verse helps us understand that when we sin, we often try to hide from God, but He still loves us and wants to talk to us. Just like Adam, we need to be honest with God about our mistakes and seek His forgiveness, as seen in 1 John 1:9, which says 'If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness'. By being open with God, we can restore our relationship with Him and find peace.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Adam hide from God after hearing His voice in the garden?
Adam hid because he was afraid, knowing he was naked, which symbolized his newfound shame and guilt after disobeying God's command in Genesis 2:16-17, as seen in this verse, Genesis 3:10, where Adam says, 'I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid myself'
What does it mean that Adam was afraid because he was naked?
Adam's fear of being naked signifies his loss of innocence and his awareness of his sin, as God had previously stated that Adam and Eve were naked but unashamed in Genesis 2:25, before they ate from the forbidden tree
Is Adam's response to God's question a form of excuses or blame-shifting?
While Adam's response in Genesis 3:10 does not directly shift blame, his subsequent statement in Genesis 3:12, where he says 'The woman whom You gave me, she gave me fruit from the tree, and I ate it', shows that he is attempting to deflect responsibility, which is a common human tendency when confronted with sin
How does this verse relate to our relationship with God today?
This verse reminds us that, like Adam, we often try to hide from God when we are aware of our sin, but God still calls out to us and desires a personal relationship, as seen in Jeremiah 29:13, where it says 'You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart'
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I try to hide from God, and how can I come out of hiding?
- In what ways do I, like Adam, try to justify or excuse my sin, rather than taking responsibility and seeking forgiveness?
- How does the fact that God still speaks to us and desires a relationship with us, despite our sin, impact my understanding of His love and character?
- What are some practical steps I can take to cultivate a deeper sense of awareness of God's presence in my life, and to respond to Him with honesty and humility?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 3:10
And he said, I heard thy voice in the garden,.... The voice of thy Word, as the Targums of Onkelos and Jonathan: this was not the true cause of his hiding himself; he had heard his voice in the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 3:10
And he said, I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 3:10
He confesseth his nakedness, which was evident, but saith nothing of his sin; which, if possible, he would have hid: see . And is grieved for the shameful effects of his sin, but not yet sincerely penitent for his sin. I hid myself, out of reverence to thy glorious majesty.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 3:10
Genesis 3:10 And he said, I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I [was] naked; and I hid myself.Ver. 10. I heard thy voice.] So he had done before his fall, and feared not. "Do not my words do good to him that walketh uprightly?" Excellently St Austin, Adversarius est nobis, quamdiu sumus et ipsi nobis: Quamdiu tu tibi inimicus es, inimicum habebis sermonem Dei . Yea, but I was naked, and therefore hid myself. This also was non causa pro causa . There was another pad in the straw, which he studiously conceals, viz., the conscience of his sin. Hic vero non factum suum, sed Dei factum in semetipso reprehendit saith Rupertus. He blames not himself, but God, for making him naked; and so verifies that of Solomon, "The foolishness of man perverteth his way"; and then, to mend the matter, "his heart fretteth against the Lord." O silly simple! Excusando seipsum accusat . - Gregor.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 3:10
Verse 10. I was afraid, because I was naked] See the immediate consequences of sin. 1. SHAME, because of the ingratitude marked in the rebellion, and because that in aiming to be like God they were now sunk into a state of the greatest wretchedness. 2. FEAR, because they saw they had been deceived by Satan, and were exposed to that death and punishment from which he had promised them an exemption. How worthy is it of remark that this cause continues to produce the very same effects! Shame and fear were the first fruits of sin, and fruits which it has invariably produced, from the first transgression to the present time.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 3:10
10. heard … afraid … hid] The man has not courage to tell the whole truth. Fear suppresses that part of the truth which love should have avowed. To hide from God’s presence is the instinct of guilt; it is the converse of “to seek His face.”
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 3:10
10. I was afraid, because I was naked — Adam’s self-defence was a self-betrayal. Fear, consequent upon a sense of guilt, distracts the reason, demoralizes the judgment, and exposes the transgressor to certain condemnation.
Sermons on Genesis 3:10
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Genesis #06 Ch. 3 by Chuck Missler | In this sermon, the speaker begins with a prayer, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to share the word of God. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the predicament o |
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(Genesis) Genesis 3:6-7 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher discusses how Satan uses the same tactics to deceive people today as he did in the Garden of Eden. The preacher explains that Satan appeals to the lust |
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(Genesis) Genesis 3:10-13 by J. Vernon McGee | J. Vernon McGee discusses the account of Adam and Eve's response to God after their disobedience, emphasizing Adam's fear and shame as he admits to hiding due to his nakedness. McG |
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(Genesis) - Part 5 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of chaos in the Bible, specifically in Genesis 1. He emphasizes that despite the chaos, God can make something excellent out of i |
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Adamic Administration - Hamartology - Fall of Man by John Murray | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the radical revolution that occurred in the relationship between man and God after the events in the Garden of Eden. The speaker emphasizes th |
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Two Men Who Lost Great Wealth Adam and Cain by Svend Christensen | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the consequences of Adam and Eve's disobedience in the Garden of Eden. He highlights how they tried to cover their nakedness with fig leaves, |
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Wilt Thou Be Made Whole by Phil Beach Jr. | Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the importance of acknowledging our brokenness and the need for healing in his sermon 'Wilt Thou Be Made Whole.' He draws parallels between the physical a |