Genesis 3:11
Genesis 3:11 in Multiple Translations
“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?”
And he said, Who told thee that thou wast naked? Hast thou eaten of the tree, whereof I commanded thee that thou shouldest not eat?
And he said, Who told thee that thou wast naked? Hast thou eaten of the tree, whereof I commanded thee that thou shouldest not eat?
And he said, Who gave you the knowledge that you were without clothing? Have you taken of the fruit of the tree which I said you were not to take?
“Who told you that you were naked?” asked the Lord God. “Did you eat fruit from the tree I ordered you not to?”
And he saide, Who tolde thee, that thou wast naked? Hast thou eaten of the tree, whereof I commanded thee that thou shouldest not eate?
And He saith, 'Who hath declared to thee that thou [art] naked? of the tree of which I have commanded thee not to eat, hast thou eaten?'
God said, “Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree that I commanded you not to eat from?”
And he said, Who told thee that thou wast naked? Hast thou eaten of the tree of which I commanded thee, that thou shouldest not eat?
And he said to him: And who hath told thee that thou wast naked, but that thou hast eaten of the tree whereof I commanded thee that thou shouldst not eat?
God said, “How did you find out you were naked [RHQ]? It must be because you ate some of the fruit from the tree that I told you, ‘Do not eat its fruit.’” [RHQ]
God asked the man, “How do you know that you are naked? Did you eat some of that fruit from the tree that I told you not to eat from?”
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 3:11
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 3:11 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּ֕אמֶר
מִ֚י
הִגִּ֣יד
לְ/ךָ֔
כִּ֥י
עֵירֹ֖ם
אָ֑תָּה
הֲ/מִן
הָ/עֵ֗ץ
אֲשֶׁ֧ר
צִוִּיתִ֛י/ךָ
לְ/בִלְתִּ֥י
אֲכָל
מִמֶּ֖/נּוּ
אָכָֽלְתָּ
וַ/יֹּ֕אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
מִ֚י
mîy
H4310
who?
Part
הִגִּ֣יד
nâgad
H5046
to tell
V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms
לְ/ךָ֔
Prep | Suff
כִּ֥י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
עֵירֹ֖ם
ʻêyrôm
H5903
naked
Adj
אָ֑תָּה
ʼattâh
H859
you(m.s.)
Pron
הֲ/מִן
min
H4480
from
Part | Prep
הָ/עֵ֗ץ
ʻêts
H6086
tree
Art | N-ms
אֲשֶׁ֧ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
צִוִּיתִ֛י/ךָ
tsâvâh
H6680
to command
V-Piel-Perf-1cs | Suff
לְ/בִלְתִּ֥י
biltîy
H1115
lest
Prep | Conj
אֲכָל
ʼâkal
H398
to eat
V-Qal-Inf-a
מִמֶּ֖/נּוּ
min
H4480
from
Prep | Suff
אָכָֽלְתָּ
ʼâkal
H398
to eat
V-Qal-Perf-2ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 3:11
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.
מִ֚י
mîy
H4310
"who?"
Part
This word is used to ask questions like who, whose, or whom. It can also be used to express a wish, like would that or whoever. It appears in many forms throughout the Bible, often in phrases like O that or what.
Definition: who?, whose?, whom?, would that, whoever, whosoever
Usage: Occurs in 342 OT verses. KJV: any (man), [idiom] he, [idiom] him, [phrase] O that! what, which, who(-m, -se, -soever), [phrase] would to God. See also: Genesis 3:11; 2 Samuel 15:4; Psalms 4:7.
הִגִּ֣יד
nâgad
H5046
"to tell"
V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms
To tell or declare something openly, as in Genesis 3:11 where God asks Adam to tell the truth. It means to stand boldly and announce something to someone present. In Exodus 32:27, Moses tells the Levites to declare their actions to the people.
Definition: 1) to be conspicuous, tell, make known 1a) (Hiphil) to tell, declare 1a1) to tell, announce, report 1a2) to declare, make known, expound 1a3) to inform of 1a4) to publish, declare, proclaim 1a5) to avow, acknowledge, confess 1a5a) messenger (participle) 1b) (Hophal) to be told, be announced, be reported
Usage: Occurs in 344 OT verses. KJV: bewray, [idiom] certainly, certify, declare(-ing), denounce, expound, [idiom] fully, messenger, plainly, profess, rehearse, report, shew (forth), speak, [idiom] surely, tell, utter. See also: Genesis 3:11; 1 Samuel 14:33; 2 Kings 9:15.
לְ/ךָ֔
""
Prep | Suff
כִּ֥י
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.
עֵירֹ֖ם
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.
אָ֑תָּה
ʼattâh
H859
"you(m.s.)"
Pron
You is the translation of a Hebrew word used to address someone directly, like when God says you to someone in the Bible. It can be singular or plural, and is often translated as thee, thou, or ye.
Definition: you (second pers. sing. masc.)
Usage: Occurs in 997 OT verses. KJV: thee, thou, ye, you. See also: Genesis 3:11; Exodus 23:9; Deuteronomy 14:1.
הֲ/מִן
min
H4480
"from"
Part | Prep
This Hebrew word means a portion or part of something, and is often used to show the relationship between things, like from or out of something.
Definition: prep 1) from, out of, on account of, off, on the side of, since, above, than, so that not, more than 1a) from (expressing separation), off, on the side of 1b) out of 1b1) (with verbs of proceeding, removing, expelling) 1b2) (of material from which something is made) 1b3) (of source or origin) 1c) out of, some of, from (partitively) 1d) from, since, after (of time) 1e) than, more than (in comparison) 1f) from...even to, both...and, either...or 1g) than, more than, too much for (in comparisons) 1h) from, on account of, through, because (with infinitive) conj 2) that Aramaic equivalent: min (מִן־ "from" H4481)
Usage: Occurs in 1094 OT verses. KJV: above, after, among, at, because of, by (reason of), from (among), in, [idiom] neither, [idiom] nor, (out) of, over, since, [idiom] then, through, [idiom] whether, with. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 16:32; Leviticus 14:26.
הָ/עֵ֗ץ
ʻêts
H6086
"tree"
Art | N-ms
This Hebrew word for tree or wood refers to a strong and firm object, like a tree or a wooden plank, as seen in the carpentry work of Jesus' earthly father Joseph in Matthew 13:55.
Definition: : wood 1) tree, wood, timber, stock, plank, stalk, stick, gallows 1a) tree, trees 1b) wood, pieces of wood, gallows, firewood, cedar-wood, woody flax
Usage: Occurs in 289 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] carpenter, gallows, helve, [phrase] pine, plank, staff, stalk, stick, stock, timber, tree, wood. See also: Genesis 1:11; Joshua 9:23; Psalms 1:3.
אֲשֶׁ֧ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
צִוִּיתִ֛י/ךָ
tsâvâh
H6680
"to command"
V-Piel-Perf-1cs | Suff
To command or give orders, as seen in the Bible when God gives charge to his people. It can also mean to appoint or ordain someone for a task. This word is used in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: 1) to command, charge, give orders, lay charge, give charge to, order 1a)(Piel) 1a1) to lay charge upon 1a2) to give charge to, give command to 1a3) to give charge unto 1a4) to give charge over, appoint 1a5) to give charge, command 1a6) to charge, command 1a7) to charge, commission 1a8) to command, appoint, ordain (of divine act) 1b) (Pual) to be commanded
Usage: Occurs in 475 OT verses. KJV: appoint, (for-) bid, (give a) charge, (give a, give in, send with) command(-er, -ment), send a messenger, put, (set) in order. See also: Genesis 2:16; Leviticus 10:13; Deuteronomy 12:11.
לְ/בִלְתִּ֥י
biltîy
H1115
"lest"
Prep | Conj
This Hebrew word means not or except, and is often used with a prepositional prefix. It appears in various forms, such as not, except, or unless, and is used in many biblical passages.
Definition: subst 1) not, except adv 2) not 3) except (after preceding negation) conj 4) except (after an implied or expressed negation) with prep 5) so as not, in order not 6) an account of not, because...not 7) until not
Usage: Occurs in 107 OT verses. KJV: because un(satiable), beside, but, [phrase] continual, except, from, lest, neither, no more, none, not, nothing, save, that no, without. See also: Genesis 3:11; 2 Kings 12:9; Isaiah 10:4.
אֲכָל
ʼâkal
H398
"to eat"
V-Qal-Inf-a
This word means to eat or devour, and it's used in many stories, including when Jesus fed the 5000 with fish and bread in the book of Matthew. It's about taking in nourishment and being satisfied.
Definition: 1) to eat, devour, burn up, feed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to eat (human subject) 1a2) to eat, devour (of beasts and birds) 1a3) to devour, consume (of fire) 1a4) to devour, slay (of sword) 1a5) to devour, consume, destroy (inanimate subjects - ie, pestilence, drought) 1a6) to devour (of oppression) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be eaten (by men) 1b2) to be devoured, consumed (of fire) 1b3) to be wasted, destroyed (of flesh) 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to cause to eat, feed with 1c2) to cause to devour 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to feed 1d2) to cause to eat 1e) (Piel) 1e1) consume Aramaic equivalent: a.khal (אֲכַל "to devour" H0399)
Usage: Occurs in 703 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, burn up, consume, devour(-er, up), dine, eat(-er, up), feed (with), food, [idiom] freely, [idiom] in...wise(-deed, plenty), (lay) meat, [idiom] quite. See also: Genesis 2:16; Leviticus 6:9; Numbers 24:8.
מִמֶּ֖/נּוּ
min
H4480
"from"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means a portion or part of something, and is often used to show the relationship between things, like from or out of something.
Definition: prep 1) from, out of, on account of, off, on the side of, since, above, than, so that not, more than 1a) from (expressing separation), off, on the side of 1b) out of 1b1) (with verbs of proceeding, removing, expelling) 1b2) (of material from which something is made) 1b3) (of source or origin) 1c) out of, some of, from (partitively) 1d) from, since, after (of time) 1e) than, more than (in comparison) 1f) from...even to, both...and, either...or 1g) than, more than, too much for (in comparisons) 1h) from, on account of, through, because (with infinitive) conj 2) that Aramaic equivalent: min (מִן־ "from" H4481)
Usage: Occurs in 1094 OT verses. KJV: above, after, among, at, because of, by (reason of), from (among), in, [idiom] neither, [idiom] nor, (out) of, over, since, [idiom] then, through, [idiom] whether, with. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 16:32; Leviticus 14:26.
אָכָֽלְתָּ
ʼâkal
H398
"to eat"
V-Qal-Perf-2ms
This word means to eat or devour, and it's used in many stories, including when Jesus fed the 5000 with fish and bread in the book of Matthew. It's about taking in nourishment and being satisfied.
Definition: 1) to eat, devour, burn up, feed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to eat (human subject) 1a2) to eat, devour (of beasts and birds) 1a3) to devour, consume (of fire) 1a4) to devour, slay (of sword) 1a5) to devour, consume, destroy (inanimate subjects - ie, pestilence, drought) 1a6) to devour (of oppression) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be eaten (by men) 1b2) to be devoured, consumed (of fire) 1b3) to be wasted, destroyed (of flesh) 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to cause to eat, feed with 1c2) to cause to devour 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to feed 1d2) to cause to eat 1e) (Piel) 1e1) consume Aramaic equivalent: a.khal (אֲכַל "to devour" H0399)
Usage: Occurs in 703 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, burn up, consume, devour(-er, up), dine, eat(-er, up), feed (with), food, [idiom] freely, [idiom] in...wise(-deed, plenty), (lay) meat, [idiom] quite. See also: Genesis 2:16; Leviticus 6:9; Numbers 24:8.
Study Notes — Genesis 3:11
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 3:11 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 3:11
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 3:11
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 3:11
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 3:11
- Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 3:11
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 3:11
- Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 3:11
- Sermons on Genesis 3:11
Context — God Arraigns Adam and Eve
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.” 13Then the LORD God said to the woman, “What is this you have done?” “The serpent deceived me,” she replied, “and I ate.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Romans 3:20 | Therefore no one will be justified in His sight by works of the law. For the law merely brings awareness of sin. |
| 2 | Genesis 4:10 | “What have you done?” replied the LORD. “The voice of your brother’s blood cries out to Me from the ground. |
| 3 | Psalms 50:21 | You have done these things, and I kept silent; you thought I was just like you. But now I rebuke you and accuse you to your face. |
Genesis 3:11 Summary
In Genesis 3:11, God asks Adam if he has eaten the forbidden fruit, and this question helps Adam to realize his sin and take responsibility for his actions. This verse teaches us that sin has consequences and that we must acknowledge and confess our wrongdoing to God (as seen in 1 John 1:9). It also reminds us that God is a loving and merciful God who desires our honesty and repentance, and who provides forgiveness and restoration through faith in Him (as seen in Romans 5:8). By reflecting on this verse, we can learn to be honest with ourselves and with God about our sin, and to seek His forgiveness and love.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did God ask Adam if he had eaten from the tree if He already knew what had happened?
God asked this question to prompt Adam to acknowledge his sin and take responsibility for his actions, as seen in Genesis 3:11, and to initiate a conversation about the consequences of disobedience, similar to how God asked Adam where he was in Genesis 3:9.
What does it mean that Adam realized he was naked after eating the forbidden fruit?
Adam's realization of his nakedness symbolizes the loss of innocence and the awareness of sin that came with disobeying God's command in Genesis 2:16-17, and it highlights the spiritual consequences of sin, as mentioned in Romans 3:23.
Is God accusing Adam of eating the forbidden fruit, or is He giving him an opportunity to confess?
God's question in Genesis 3:11 is an invitation for Adam to confess his sin and acknowledge his disobedience, rather than simply accusing him, and it reflects God's desire for Adam to take ownership of his actions and seek forgiveness, as seen in 1 John 1:9.
How does this verse relate to the concept of sin and guilt in the Bible?
This verse introduces the concept of sin and guilt, which is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, and it highlights the idea that sin separates us from God and requires confession and forgiveness, as seen in Psalm 51:1-4 and Romans 5:8.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which I try to hide or justify my sin, rather than confessing it to God?
- How does the concept of sin and guilt affect my relationships with others and with God?
- What does it mean to 'take responsibility' for my actions, and how can I apply this principle in my life?
- In what ways can I seek forgiveness and restoration when I have sinned, and how can I trust in God's mercy and love?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 3:11
And he said,.... The Lord God, or the Word of the Lord; who told thee that thou [wast] naked? or showed it to thee; by what means hast thou got knowledge of it?
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 3:11
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 3:11
That thou wast naked; or, that thy nakedness, which lately was thy glory, was now become matter of shame. Whereof I commanded thee; concerning which I gave thee so severe a charge upon pain of death.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 3:11
Genesis 3:11 And he said, Who told thee that thou [wast] naked? Hast thou eaten of the tree, whereof I commanded thee that thou shouldest not eat?Ver. 11. Who told thee.] His own conscience, awakened and cited by God’ s voice, "told him" - as the woman of Samaria said of our Saviour - "all that ever he did." Before and in the acting of sin, we will hear nothing; but afterwards, conscience will send forth a shrill and sharp voice, that shall be heard all the soul over; such as was that of Reuben to his brethren: "Spake I not unto you, saying, Do not sin against the child?" &c. The books of our consciences are now sealed up, and the woeful contents are not read by the law. They remain as letters written with the juice of oranges or onions, which are only to be made legible by the fire of God’ s wrath. Then shall the wicked run away (but all in vain). with those words in their mouths, "Who amongst us shall dwell with the devouring fire? who shall dwell with everlasting burnings?" Then shall they tire the mountains with their hideous outcries, Fall upon us, hide us, crush us in pieces, grind us to powder. But how can that be, when the mountains melt, and the rocks rend asunder at the presence of the Lord, at the presence of the God of Jacob?
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 3:11
(11) Who told thee that thou wast naked?—Adam had given as his excuse that which was really the consequence of his sin; but by this question God awakens his conscience, and makes him feel that what he had described as a want or imperfection was really the result of his own act. And as long as a man feels sorrow only for the results of his actions there is no repentance, and no wish to return to the Divine presence. God, therefore, in order to win Adam back to better thoughts, carries his mind from the effect to the sin that had caused it.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 3:11
11. Who told thee, &c.?] To this question no answer is expected. The knowledge could only come in one way. The sense of shame implies contact with sin. Hast thou eaten, &c.?] An opportunity is given for a full confession of disobedience and for the expression of contrition.
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 3:11
11. Who told thee — A question adapted to suggest to him the cause of his sense of nakedness. How is it that thou wast never conscious of thy nakedness before? This plea of nakedness was itself a confession of guilt.
Sermons on Genesis 3:11
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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God Is Light and God Is Love by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of understanding the dual nature of God, focusing on His perfect holiness and His perfect love. It delves into the need for believers to have |
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Hells Best Kept Secret by Ray Comfort | In this sermon, the speaker discusses his approach to sharing the gospel with others. He starts by engaging in casual conversation about everyday topics like weather and sports to |
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(The Glory of God) in Ministering to the Lord by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the book of Romans and its significance in understanding the Christian life. He emphasizes the faithfulness of God and how He fulfills all Hi |
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Faith to Leave the Gas Station by Major Ian Thomas | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal story of how he came to have faith in God. He emphasizes the importance of mixing the truth of God's word with faith in order to exper |
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(So Great a Salvation) Conviction and Repentance by Paris Reidhead | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of addressing the spiritual needs of individuals when they become aware of them. He prays for God's guidance in reaching out |
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The Right Use of the Law by Paris Reidhead | In this sermon, the speaker shares his personal experience of being challenged by professors in college who tried to brainwash him against the Bible. Despite their efforts, he deci |
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Becoming the Christian You Are by Major Ian Thomas | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes that the content of the gospel is Jesus Christ Himself. He explains that Jesus gave Himself for redemption and continues to give Himself for |