Genesis 3:13 Meaning and Explanation
“And the LORD God said unto the woman, What is this that thou hast done? And the woman said, The serpent beguiled me, and I did eat.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →God questions the woman, and she blames the serpent's deception for leading her to eat.
The Context of Genesis 3:13
God questions the woman about her disobedience, and she blames the serpent.
What Does Genesis 3:13 Mean?
God addresses the woman directly, asking her to account for her action. She responds by attributing her choice to the serpent's deception. The serpent 'beguiled' her—led her astray through cunning words and false promises.
Unlike Adam, the woman acknowledges her action directly ('I did eat') but attributes the cause to external manipulation. Her response captures a real truth: the serpent did deceive her through false claims. Yet by focusing on being beguiled, she frames herself as a victim of a superior deception rather than taking full responsibility.
Genesis 3:13 in the Original Language
nashag (נָשַׁג), beguiled — to lead astray or deceive; suggests the serpent's cunning exploitation of the woman's trust
Frequently Asked Questions About Genesis 3:13
What does Genesis 3:13 mean?
God questions the woman, and she blames the serpent's deception for leading her to eat.
What is the context of Genesis 3:13?
God questions the woman about her disobedience, and she blames the serpent.