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2. 15As evening approached, the disciples came to
himandsaid,“Thisisaremoteplace,andit’salready
gettinglate.Sendthecrowdsaway,sotheycangoto
the villages and buy themselves some food.”
16Jesus replied, “They do not need to go away.
You give them something to eat.”
17“We have here only five loaves of bread and
two fish,” they answered.
18“Bring them here to me,” he said. 19And he di­
rected the people to sit down on the grass. Taking
the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to
heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then
he gave them to the disciples, and the disciples
gave them to the people. 20They all ate and were
satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve bas­
ketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. 21The
number of those who ate was about five thousand
men, besides women and children.
Jesus Walks on the Water
14:22-33pp—Mk 6:45-51; Jn 6:16-21
14:34-36pp—Mk 6:53-56
22Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into
the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side,
while he dismissed the crowd. 23After he had dis­
missed them, he went up on a mountainside by
14:17 five loaves of bread and two fish A meal that
might feed two people. Bread and fish were the staples
of a Galilean peasant diet.
14:20 twelve basketfuls One per disciple. In the OT,
God fed his people with manna, but there were no edible
leftovers (Ex 16:14–21).
Sailboats of this
period had only a
mast and “yard,” and
were used near shore
under favorable wind
conditions.
Ancient fishing vessels
were small and not very
stable or maneuverable.
The fishing
technique of this
period required that
fishermen frequently
dive into the water.
Consequently,
fishermen often
worked without
clothing
(see Jn 21:7).
The cast net
opens as it is
thrown and
hits the water
mostly flat.
Rudder
Oars
Stern
Mast
Yard
The weights on
the perimeter of
the net pull the
edges down
around the fish.
Prow
Weights
Net
As the
fisherman
retrieves the
net, the weights
come together
and trap the
fish inside.
This type of small sailboat was very
common in first century Galilee; it
was likely the same kind that Jesus’
first disciples used.
Galilean
boat
School bus Delivery truck
First-Century
Galilean
Fishing
Boat
SIZE COMPARISON (approximate):
Length: 37 ft. Length: 27 ft. Length: 26 ft.
38 | M at t h e W 1 4 : 1 5
f e aT U R e s
those who ate was about five thousand
sides women and children.
Jesus Walks on the Water
6:45-51; Jn 6:16-21
6:53-56
ly Jesus made the dis
the boat and go on ahead of him to the oth
missed the crowd. 23Af
missed them, he went up on a moun
twelve basketfuls One per disciple. In the OT,
people with manna, but there were no edible
leftovers (Ex 16:14–21).
Sailboats of this
period had only a
Innovative
infographics
to enrich your
Bible study
2

3. THE PARABLES OF JESUS
by Dean Deppe
P
arables are stories drawn from everyday life that illustrate a religious truth. They compare
familiar situations, persons or events to an unfamiliar or unrecognized truth. The hearers
of parables often identify with a particular character and react to the parable’s reversal of
expectations. Parables act as both a window to the kingdom of God and a mirror that convicts
listeners, trapping them through the element of surprise.
The beginning of the parable of the Workers in the Vineyard offers insight into the graciousness of
the God of the kingdom (Mt 20:1–10), whereas its conclusion raises a mirror to the ungracious-
ness of the first workers (Mt 20:11–16). Listeners who identify with the first workers get caught
in the trap of Jesus’ story—identifying this element of surprise is crucial to understanding the
theme of the parable.
Parables are frequently organized according to their literary form. Parables that use simile pres-
ent an explicit comparison using “like” or “as” (e.g., “I am sending you out like sheep among
wolves,” Mt 10:16). Parables that use metaphor equate two things in order to compare them
(e.g., “You are the salt of the earth,” Mt 5:13). Those using similitude link a common event with
a spiritual lesson (e.g., the parable of the Lost Sheep, Lk 15:3–7). Parables often occur as exam-
ple stories, where characters serve as examples for listeners, such as in the Good Samaritan (Lk
10:29–37). There are also parables that are allegories, which consist of a series of metaphors
that together establish an extended comparison at a number of points, such as in the parable of
the Sower (Mk 4:1–9).
THEMES THAT CAN BE SEEN IN THE PARABLES INCLUDE:
Responses to Jesus’ teaching. These stories call listeners to respond faithfully to Jesus; examples
include the parable of the Ten Virgins (Mt 25:1–13) or the Wise and Foolish Builders (Mt 7:24–27).
Warnings about an imminent judgment. These include the parable of the Rich Fool (Lk 12:16–21) and
the Narrow Door (Lk 13:25–28).
Kingdom of God parables. These stories proclaim the coming of the kingdom of God and illustrate its
characteristics. Examples of this theme include the parables of the Wedding Guests (Mt 22:1–14),
and the Patch and Wineskins (Mk 2:19–22).
Growth of the kingdom parables. The parables of the Mustard Seed and Yeast (Lk 13:18–21) illustrate
the special presence of God.
Parables of God’s mercy. These stories show God as one who offers unconditional love; examples
include the parables of the Lost Sheep, Lost Coin and Lost Son (Lk 15:1–32).
Displays of God’s mercy by Jesus. Jesus showers the mercy of God upon marginalized people as in the
Rich Man and Lazarus (Lk 16:19–31) and the Pharisee and Tax Collector (Lk 18:9–14).
Calls to deeper discipleship. These stories stress the importance of obedience (the Two Sons in Mt
21:28–32), placing the kingdom first (the Hidden Treasure and Costly Pearl in Mt 13:44–46), humility
(Places at the Table in Lk 14:7–10) and prayer (the Persistent Widow in Lk 18:1–8).
f e aT U R e s
JESUS
Informative articles
by respected scholars
and best-selling
authors
3

4. house, they saw the child with his mother Mary,
and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then
they opened their treasures and presented him
with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. 12And
having been warned in a dream not to go back
to Herod, they returned to their country by an­
other route.
The Escape to Egypt
13When they had gone, an angel of the Lord
appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up,” he said,
“take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt.
Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to
search for the child to kill him.”
14So he got up, took the child and his mother
during the night and left for Egypt, 15where he
stayed until the death of Herod. And so was ful­
filled what the Lord had said through the prophet:
“Out of Egypt I called my son.”b
of the law, he asked them where the Messiah was
to be born. 5“In Bethlehem in Judea,” they replied,
“for this is what the prophet has written:
6 “ ‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land
of Judah,
are by no means least among the rulers
of Judah;
for out of you will come a ruler
who will shepherd my people Israel.’a”
7Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found
out from them the exact time the star had ap­
peared. 8He sent them to Bethlehem and said,
“Go and search carefully for the child. As soon as
you find him, report to me, so that I too may go
and worship him.”
9After they had heard the king, they went on
their way, and the star they had seen when it
rose went ahead of them until it stopped over
the place where the child was. 10When they saw
the star, they were overjoyed. 11On coming to the a 6 Micah 5:2,4 b 15 Hosea 11:1
2:4 called together all the people’s chief priests
Herod is not demonstrating piety or respect for the priests
in this instance; they functioned as his own cabinet and
body of advisers. He requires their expertise to deter-
mine the Messiah’s birthplace. teachers of the law
Refers to trained interpreters of the Law of Moses. Their
reply in vv. 5–6 reflects a tradition stemming from Isa
11:1–2; Isa 11:10; and Mic 5:2, where the Messiah is
said to originate from the clan of Jesse (David’s father)
in Bethlehem.
2:6 no means least Matthew’s reading of Mic 5:2
reflects neither the original Hebrew nor the Septuagint
(Greek) translation. However, it is likely that multiple
Greek translations were available at this time. Despite the
variations in the text, the sense is the same: Bethlehem’s
importance comes from its connection to David and the
Davidic Messiah. See the table “Jesus’ Fulfillment of Old
Testament Prophecy” on p. XXXX. will shepherd Ancient
Near Eastern rulers often are portrayed as shepherds.
The same imagery is used throughout the OT (see Eze
34:23 and note; Jer 23:1–4; note on Jn 10:1–42).
2:7 the exact time the star had appeared Indicates
that time had already passed since Jesus’ birth. Com-
pare note on 2:16.
2:8 As soon as you find him, report to me The Magi
likely came to Herod expecting to find the child in his
palace.
2:11 they bowed down and worshiped him This was
a common custom in the ancient Near East for honoring
kings, who were viewed as divine figures. gold, frankin-
cense and myrrh These were costly luxury items suit-
able as gifts for the birth of an important or royal figure.
2:13–15 Joseph is warned in a dream to flee with his
family to Egypt. They hide there until Herod dies, and
then return home.
2:15 was fulfilled The ordinary expectations of the
Messiah would not have included fleeing into Egypt, but
Caesar Augustus
decrees a census.
Jesus is born
in Bethlehem.
Jesus is circumcized.
Mary and Joseph
present Jesus at
the temple.
Angels appear to
shepherds.
appears
eph.
Shepherds visit Jesus. Simon and Anna
prophesy
about Jesus.
The Magi ask Herod in Jerusalem
about the “king of the Jews.”
An angel appears
to Joseph in Egypt.
The Magi come
to Bethlehem.
Joseph, Mary
and Jesus flee
to Egypt.
Herod kills all male
children in Bethlehem.
M at t h e W 2 : 1 5 | 9
f e aT U R e s
Refers to trained interpreters of the Law of Moses. Their
6 reflects a tradition stemming from Isa
2; Isa 11:10; and Mic 5:2, where the Messiah is
said to originate from the clan of Jesse (David’s father)
Matthew’s reading of Mic 5:2
reflects neither the original Hebrew nor the Septuagint
(Greek) translation. However, it is likely that multiple
Greek translations were available at this time. Despite the
variations in the text, the sense is the same: Bethlehem’s
importance comes from its connection to David and the
Jesus’ Fulfillment of Old
will shepherd
Near Eastern rulers often are portrayed as shepherds.
Mary and Joseph
Shepherds visit Jesus.
Three detailed life-of-Jesus
event timelines chronicling
his infancy and early ministry,
the journey to Jerusalem, and
the passion and resurrection
4

5. f e aT U R e s
Jesus’ Family Tree According to Matthew
Tamar
Abraham
Isaac
Nahshon
Salmon
Jacob
Judah
Ruth
Bathsheba
Boaz
Rahab
Obed
Jesse
David
Solomon
Rehoboam
Perez Zerah
Hezron
Ram
Amminadab
Abijah
Asa
Jehoshaphat
Jehoram
Uzziah
Jotham
Ahaz
Hezekiah
(Mt 1:1–17)
11 sons
6 | M at t h e W
w
27 family trees and
diagrams illustrate the
interconnectedness
of key characters in
Scripture
5

6. 24“The student is not above the teacher, nor a
servant above his master. 25It is enough for stu­
dents to be like their teachers, and servants like
their masters. If the head of the house has been
called Beelzebul, how much more the members
of his household!
26“So do not be afraid of them, for there is noth­
ing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden
that will not be made known. 27What I tell you in
the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered
in your ear, proclaim from the roofs. 28Do not be
afraidof thosewhokillthebodybutcannotkillthe
soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy
both soul and body in hell. 29Are not two sparrows
soldforapenny?Yetnotoneof themwillfalltothe
ground outside your Father’s care.a 30And even the
veryhairsof yourheadareallnumbered.31Sodon’t
beafraid;youareworthmorethanmanysparrows.
32“Whoever acknowledges me before others, I
will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven.
33But whoever disowns me before others, I will
disown before my Father in heaven.
34“Do not suppose that I have come to bring
peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace,
but a sword. 35For I have come to turn
“ ‘a man against his father,
a daughter against her mother,
is worth his keep. 11Whatever town or village you
enter, search there for some worthy person and
stay at their house until you leave. 12As you enter
the home, give it your greeting. 13If the home is
deserving, let your peace rest on it; if it is not, let
your peace return to you. 14If anyone will not wel­
come you or listen to your words, leave that home
or town and shake the dust off your feet. 15Truly I
tellyou,itwillbemorebearableforSodomandGo­
morrah on the day of judgment than for that town.
16“I am sending you out like sheep among
wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as
innocent as doves. 17Be on your guard; you will be
handed over to the local councils and be flogged
in the synagogues. 18On my account you will be
brought before governors and kings as witnesses
to them and to the Gentiles. 19But when they arrest
you, do not worry about what to say or how to say
it. At that time you will be given what to say, 20for
it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your
Father speaking through you.
21“Brother will betray brother to death, and a
father his child; children will rebel against their
parents and have them put to death. 22You will
be hated by everyone because of me, but the one
who stands firm to the end will be saved. 23When
you are persecuted in one place, flee to another.
Truly I tell you, you will not finish going through
the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes. a 29 Or will; or knowledge
10:11 worthy person Refers to someone willing to
welcome the disciples and show them hospitality. This
also might indicate those who welcome the disciples’
message.
10:13 your peace return to you The initial blessing
or greeting would not take effect on the house or its
inhabitants.
10:14 shake the dust off your feet This symbolic act
was a renunciation and indicated a severed relationship
(compare Ac 13:51).
10:15 Sodom and Gomorrah These cities are often used
as examples of divine judgment (e.g., Mt 11:23–24; 2Pe
2:6; Jude 7; Rev 11:8). Those who reject the disciples
and the message of the kingdom of heaven are left to
inevitable judgment. See Ge 19:1–29. the day of judg-
ment Refers to the time when God will take account of
humanity (Rev 20:11–14).
10:16–25 Jesus himself will face persecution; so too
will his disciples. Here, he warns them of their fate and
assures them that the Spirit will give them the appropri-
ate words in times of trial.
10:16 as shrewd as snakes In the Biblical world,
serpents were associated with wisdom and cleverness
(e.g., Ge 3:1; 2Co 11:3).
10:18 governors and kings The highest officials. Jesus
is looking beyond his mission and predicting what would
happen to his followers in the future.
10:21 Brother will betray brother to death Jesus
predicts that his followers will face persecution and
betrayal by those closest to them.
10:22 will be saved See note on Mt 24:13.
10:23 before the Son of Man comes There are at least
five plausible options for understanding this reference:
Jesus’ coming to his disciples upon their return from this
particular mission (vv. 6–15), Jesus’ resurrection, the
coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, the destruction
of Jerusalem in AD 70, and the second coming of Jesus
at the end of the age. The overall passage is difficult
to interpret, but it seems to be looking ahead to final
judgment. Jesus probably means that, at his second
coming, there will still be people left in the towns of
Israel who have not accepted him. See note on 8:20.
10:25 Beelzebul A deity in the ancient Near East. The
name means “Baal the Prince” (see 2Ki 1:2–6). This
figure is later identified with Satan and the demons.
10:26–33 Despite the hardships they will face, Jesus
commands the disciples not to fear; rather, they should
be bold witnesses to Jesus’ message and faithfully carry
out their tasks.
10:26 nothing concealed that will not be disclosed
In connection with Mt 10:27, this may refer to Jesus’
message of the arrival of the kingdom of heaven (4:17).
It also might refer to the persecutors’ hidden sins that
will be revealed at the judgment.
10:28 be afraid of the One People should have a healthy
fear of God—treating him with reverence.
10:31 So don’t be afraid If God watches over sparrows,
he surely cares for his people.
10:34–39 While some receive Jesus’ message eagerly
and with great joy, others reject it with hostility.
10:34 a sword Jesus’ message inherently brings conflict.
The context may indicate persecution and martyrdom, but
interpersonal discord also results (vv. 21–22).
M at t h e W 1 0 : 3 5 | 29
f e aT U R e s
er, be afraid of the One who can destroy
both soul and body in hell. 29Are not two spar
ny?Yetnotoneof themwillfalltothe
side your Father’s care.
hairsof yourheadareallnum
afraid;youareworthmorethanmanyspar
er acknowledges me be
knowledge before my Fa
er disowns me before others, I will
fore my Father in heaven.
“Do not suppose that I have come to
earth. I did not come to
For I have come to turn
“ ‘a man against his father,
a daughter against her mother,
knowledgeknowledgeknowledge
five plausible options for understanding this reference:
Fair treatment
of multiple
points of view
6

7. came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew
and beat against that house; yet it did not fall,
because it had its foundation on the rock. 26But
everyone who hears these words of mine and
does not put them into practice is like a foolish
man who built his house on sand. 27The rain came
down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and
beat against that house, and it fell with a great
crash.”
28When Jesus had finished saying these things,
the crowds were amazed at his teaching, 29because
he taught as one who had authority, and not as
their teachers of the law.
Jesus Heals a Man With Leprosy
8:2-4pp—Mk 1:40-44; Lk 5:12-14
8When Jesus came down from the mountain­
side, large crowds followed him. 2A man with
leprosya came and knelt before him and said,
“Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean.”
3Jesus reached out his hand and touched the
man. “I am willing,” he said. “Be clean!” Immedi­
ferocious wolves. 16By their fruit you will recog­
nize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbush­
es, or figs from thistles? 17Likewise, every good
tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad
fruit. 18A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a
bad tree cannot bear good fruit. 19Every tree that
does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown
into the fire. 20Thus, by their fruit you will rec­
ognize them.
True and False Disciples
21“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’
will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one
who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.
22Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did
we not prophesy in your name and in your name
drive out demons and in your name perform many
miracles?’ 23Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never
knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’
The Wise and Foolish Builders
7:24-27pp—Lk 6:47-49
24“Therefore everyone who hears these words
of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise
man who built his house on the rock. 25The rain
a 2 The Greek word traditionally translated leprosy was used for
various diseases affecting the skin.
contradict his instruction as false prophets—people who
falsely claim to speak on God’s behalf (compare 2Pe 2:1
and note). sheep’s clothing Refers to disguises that
portray innocence. ferocious wolves Describes those
seeking to undermine Jesus’ teaching for personal gain.
7:16 their fruit Refers to people’s deeds—the natural
outcomes of their choices and inclinations. grapes from
thornbushes, or figs from thistles Images drawn from
horticulture would have resonated with Jesus’ audience,
as first-century Palestine was primarily an agrarian society.
7:19 thrown into the fire See Mt 3:10 and note.
7:21–23 Jesus continues the theme of false prophets,
emphasizing the need for obedience to his teaching.
7:21 Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord’ Those
who say this acknowledge Jesus as master. The affirma-
tion that Jesus is Lord is meaningless if it is not backed
by obedience to God’s will. my Father See note on 5:16.
7:22 on that day Refers to the day of judgment (compare
Isa 2:11,17; Zec 14:4–21; Rev 20:11–15). did we not
prophesy in your name The three activities mentioned
in this verse are associated with the prophetic office.
7:23 I never knew you Communicates disassociation
or estrangement. Away from me, you evildoers A
citation of Ps 6:8.
7:24–27 The Sermon on the Mount ends with this par-
able, which attests to the reliability of Jesus’ teaching.
Wise people hear his words and respond in obedience;
foolish people disregard his words, fail to act according
to his teachings and suffer destructive consequences.
7:24 these words of mine Refers to the entire Sermon
on the Mount (Mt 5–7). puts them into practice Hearing
and understanding Jesus’ teaching is not sufficient; being
his disciple requires action (compare Jas 1:22–25). on
the rock The builder of this house used bedrock—as
opposed to soil or sand—as the foundation.
7:25 streams rose Refers to flash floods. In dry climates
like that of Palestine, the ground often could not absorb
large amounts of rainwater, resulting in rapid flooding
that could produce violent rivers.
7:27 it fell with a great crash Indicates complete
destruction—the fate of those who do not heed Jesus’
teaching. He may be referring to the day of judgment,
since this seems to be the focus of Mt 7:21–23.
7:28–29 The crowds immediately recognize Jesus’ au-
thority. He does not interpret or teach based on the
interpretation of earlier rabbis, as was the custom; rather,
he speaks prophetically on behalf of God.
7:29 one who had authority See note on Lk 4:32.
teachers of the law See note on Mt 2:4.
8:1–17 In the Sermon on the Mount (Mt 5–7), Jesus
teaches about the kingdom of heaven; now he begins
to demonstrate it through powerful deeds.
8:2 leprosy This refers to a variety of skin problems
that rendered a person ritually unclean (Lev 13–14).
People with this ailment lived apart from society and
often banded together to form semi-quarantined colonies.
When they encountered people, lepers were required
to shout a warning so that others would not become
contaminated. People suffering from leprosy rarely recov-
ered. Lord Many of those who come to Jesus for healing
call him “Lord” (kyrios in Greek). In Greco-Roman society,
kyrios was an appropriate title for any superior (like “sir”),
but it also could be used to address the emperor, who
was considered divine. In the Septuagint (the Greek
translation of the OT), kyrios occurs about 6,000 times
to render the Hebrew text’s yhwh (Yahweh), the divine
name of God. Matthew frequently uses kyrios in reference
to Jesus; the context determines whether the speaker
is recognizing Jesus’ divinity or simply showing respect.
8:3 touched the man Normally, touching a leper would
22 | M at t h e W 7 : 1 6
f e aT U R e s
came and knelt before him and said,
“Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean.”
reached out his hand and
man. “I am willing,” he said. “Be
The Greek word traditionally translated
various diseases affecting the skin.
streams rose Refers to flash floods. In dry climates
like that of Palestine, the ground often could not absorb
large amounts of rainwater, resulting in rapid flooding
that could produce violent rivers.
it fell with a great crash
the fate of those who do not heed
teaching. He may be referring to the day of judgment,
since this seems to be the focus of Mt 7:21
The crowds immediately recognize
thority. He does not interpret or teach based on the
interpretation of earlier rabbis, as was the custom; rather,interpretation of earlier rabbis, as was the custom; rather,
he speaks prophetically on behalf of God.
one who had authority See note on Lk 4:32.
teachers of the law See note on Mt 2:4.
In the Sermon on the Mount (Mt 5–7), Jesus
teaches about the kingdom of heaven; now he beginsteaches about the kingdom of heaven; now he begins
to demonstrate it through powerful deeds.
This refers to a variety of skin problems
that rendered a person ritually unclean (Lev 13–14).
People with this ailment lived apart from society and
often banded together to form semi-quarantined colonies.
When they encountered people, lepers were required
to shout a warning so that others would not become
People suffering from leprosy rarely recov-
Many of those who come to Jesus for healing
call him “Lord” (kyrios in Greek). In Greco-Roman society,
Verse-by-verse study
notes with the unique
focus of revealing nuances
from the original Biblical
languages for modern
readers
7

8. message: ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.’
8Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who
have leprosy,a drive out demons. Freely you have
received; freely give.
9“Do not get any gold or silver or copper to take
with you in your belts — 10no bag for the journey
or extra shirt or sandals or a staff, for the worker
Andrew; James son of Zebedee, and his brother
John; 3Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Mat­
thew the tax collector; James son of Alphaeus, and
Thaddaeus; 4Simon the Zealot and Judas Iscariot,
who betrayed him.
5These twelve Jesus sent out with the following
instructions: “Do not go among the Gentiles or
enter any town of the Samaritans. 6Go rather to
the lost sheep of Israel. 7As you go, proclaim this
a 8 The Greek word traditionally translated leprosy was used for
various diseases affecting the skin.
p. XXXX. Andrew This is the last mention of Andrew by
name in Matthew. James son of Zebedee, and his
brother John James, John and Peter serve as Jesus’
inner circle and often are privy to special circumstances
(see 17:1; 26:37).
10:3 Philip Not mentioned anywhere else in Matthew
(compare Jn 1:43–48; 6:5–7; 12:21–22; 14:8–9).
This apostle is not the same as Philip the evangelist in
the book of Acts (Ac 6:5; 8:1–8; 21:8). Bartholomew
Traditionally thought to be Nathanael (see Jn 1:46);
not mentioned anywhere else in Matthew. Thomas Not
mentioned anywhere else in Matthew (compare Jn 11:16;
14:5; 20:24–28; 21:2). Matthew the tax collector
See note on Mt 9:9. James son of Alphaeus A second
James, differentiated by the name of his father. Thad-
daeus He is mentioned here and in Mark’s list, but the
lists in Luke and Acts have “Judas, son of James.” The
other disciples appear on all four lists (with the exception
of Judas Iscariot, who was dead by Ac 1). The identity of
Thaddeus remains uncertain.
10:4 Simon the Zealot The Greek word used here to
describe Simon, kananaios, translates an Aramaic word
meaning “enthusiast.” In the first century, the term could
refer to a sect of Jewish anti-Roman activists or describe
a person of religious zeal. This Simon is not mentioned
anywhere else in Matthew. See the table “Major Groups
in Jesus’ Time” on p. XXXX. Judas Iscariot Judas’ place-
ment at the end of the list probably reflects his later
betrayal of Jesus (see Mt 26:14–16,25,47–49; 27:3).
10:5 Gentiles Jesus first extends his announcement
of the kingdom of heaven to the Jews, who were ea-
gerly awaiting its arrival. Their eventual rejection of
Jesus leads to the Gentile mission, which receives its
clearest expression in the ministry of the apostle Paul
(e.g., Ac 9:15). See the event line “The Life of Paul”
on p. XXXX. Samaritans Refers to people of mixed
Israelite and foreign descent who lived in the region
of Samaria (formerly the northern kingdom of Israel).
See note on Jn 4:9.
10:6 the lost sheep of Israel Refers to Jews.
10:7 The kingdom of heaven has come near The
disciples were to preach the same message that Jesus
preached and that John the Baptist preached before him
(compare Mt 3:2; 4:17). See note on 3:2.
10:8 The actions listed here authenticate the disciples’
message. These actions also show the arrival of the
kingdom of heaven (Lk 4:17–19).
10:8 Freely you have received; freely give Jesus calls
on the disciples to share the blessings of the kingdom
of heaven with no expectation of being compensated.
10:9 Do not get The disciples were to go without money
or supplies. Their needs would be met through God’s
provision.
The Twelve Apostles
MATTHEW 10:2–4 MARK 3:16–19 LUKE 6:13–16 ACTS 1:13
Simon “Peter” Simon “Peter” Simon “Peter” Peter
Andrew James, son of Zebedee Andrew John
James, son of Zebedee John James James
John Andrew John Andrew
Philip Philip Philip Philip
Bartholomew Bartholomew Bartholomew Thomas
Thomas Matthew Matthew Bartholomew
Matthew Thomas Thomas Matthew
James, son of Alphaeus James, son of Alphaeus James, son of Alphaeus James, son of Alphaeus
Thaddaeus Thaddaeus Simon the Zealot Simon the Zealot
Simon the Zealot Simon the Zealot Judas, son of James Judas, son of James
Judas Iscariot Judas Iscariot Judas Iscariot —
28 | M at t h e W 1 0 : 3
f e aT U R e s
Traditionally thought to be Nathanael (see Jn 1:46);
not mentioned anywhere else in Matthew.
mentioned anywhere else in Matthew (compare Jn 11:16;
14:5; 20:24–28; 21:2). Matthew the tax collector
See note on Mt 9:9. James son of Alphaeus
James, differentiated by the name of his father.
He is mentioned here and in Mark’s list, but the
lists in Luke and Acts have “Judas, son of James.” The
other disciples appear on all four lists (with the exception
of Judas Iscariot, who was dead by Ac 1). The identity of
Thaddeus remains uncertain.
Simon the Zealot The Greek word used here to
describe Simon, kananaios, translates an Aramaic word
meaning “enthusiast.” In the first century, the term could
refer to a sect of Jewish anti-Roman activists or describe
a person of religious zeal. This Simon is not mentioned
anywhere else in Matthew. See the table “Major Groups
in Jesus’ Time” on p. XXXX. Judas Iscariot
Distinct,
attractive
tables for
deeper study
8

9. the price set on him by the people of Israel, 10and
they used them to buy the potter’s field, as the
Lord commanded me.”a
Jesus Before Pilate
27:11-26pp—Mk 15:2-15; Lk 23:2,3,18-25;
Jn 18:29–19:16
11Meanwhile Jesus stood before the governor,
and the governor asked him, “Are you the king
of the Jews?”
“You have said so,” Jesus replied.
12When he was accused by the chief priests
and the elders, he gave no answer. 13Then Pilate
asked him, “Don’t you hear the testimony they
are bringing against you?” 14But Jesus made no
reply, not even to a single charge — to the great
amazement of the governor.
15Now it was the governor’s custom at the festi­
val to release a prisoner chosen by the crowd. 16At
that time they had a well­known prisoner whose
name was Jesusb Barabbas. 17So when the crowd
had gathered, Pilate asked them, “Which one do
you want me to release to you: Jesus Barabbas, or
Jesus who is called the Messiah?” 18For he knew
it was out of self­interest that they had handed
Jesus over to him.
19While Pilate was sitting on the judge’s seat, his
wife sent him this message: “Don’t have anything
to do with that innocent man, for I have suffered
a great deal today in a dream because of him.”
73After a little while, those standing there went
up to Peter and said, “Surely you are one of them;
your accent gives you away.”
74Then he began to call down curses, and he
swore to them, “I don’t know the man!”
Immediately a rooster crowed. 75Then Peter re­
membered the word Jesus had spoken: “Before the
rooster crows, you will disown me three times.”
And he went outside and wept bitterly.
Judas Hangs Himself
27Early in the morning, all the chief priests
and the elders of the people made their
plans how to have Jesus executed. 2So they bound
him, led him away and handed him over to Pilate
the governor.
3When Judas, who had betrayed him, saw that
Jesus was condemned, he was seized with remorse
and returned the thirty pieces of silver to the chief
priests and the elders. 4“I have sinned,” he said,
“for I have betrayed innocent blood.”
“What is that to us?” they replied. “That’s your
responsibility.”
5So Judas threw the money into the temple and
left. Then he went away and hanged himself.
6The chief priests picked up the coins and said,
“It is against the law to put this into the trea­
sury, since it is blood money.” 7So they decided
to use the money to buy the potter’s field as a
burial place for foreigners. 8That is why it has
been called the Field of Blood to this day. 9Then
what was spoken by Jeremiah the prophet was
fulfilled: “They took the thirty pieces of silver,
a 10 See Zech. 11:12,13; Jer. 19:1-13; 32:69. b 16 Many
manuscripts do not have Jesus; also in verse 17.
26:73 your accent gives you away Peter speaks as
a Galilean.
26:74 to call down curses, and he swore Peter’s
third denial adds a curse to the oath. The meaning of
this detail is not clear; it does not necessarily refer to
using profanity.
27:1–2 As the day dawns, the religious leaders take
Jesus to Pilate to be sentenced. See the event line “The
Life of Jesus: Passion and Resurrection” on p. XXXX.
27:2 handed him over to Pilate Roman governor of
Judea. Only Roman authorities could impose the death
penalty (Jn 18:31). See the infographic “Pontius Pilate’s
Inscription” on p. XXXX.
Matthew 27:2
PILATE
Little is known of this Roman governor of Judea, but his
rule of the Jews is often depicted as turbulent. Philo,
a first-century Hellenistic-Jewish philosopher, describes
Pilate’s reign as characterized by theft, dishonesty,
violence and frequent executions of untried prisoners
(Philo, Gaium 302; compare Lk 13:1 and note). See
the table “Political Leaders in the New Testament” on
p. XXXX.
27:3–10 Recognizing his guilt in Jesus’ death sentence,
Judas hangs himself.
27:5 threw the money into the temple A parallel to Zec
11:13. he went away and hanged himself Compare
Ac 1:18 and note.
27:7 a burial place for foreigners Gentiles could not
be buried with Jews.
27:8 Field of Blood See Ac 1:19 and note.
27:9 spoken by Jeremiah the prophet The reference
to the potter and 30 pieces of silver comes from Zec
11:12–13; the allusion to a business transaction ap-
pears to reflect Jer 32:6–9. Thirty pieces of silver is
also the price someone owed if their ox killed a slave
(Ex 21:32). See the table “Jesus’ Fulfillment of Old
Testament Prophecy” on p. XXXX.
27:11–26 The religious leaders hand Jesus over to
Pilate. Apparently wanting to free Jesus, Pilate offers
to release a prisoner, but the crowd calls for Barabbas
instead of Jesus.
27:16 Jesus Barabbas The other Gospels identify Barab-
bas as a violent insurrectionist (Mk 15:7; Lk 23:19;
Jn 18:40).
27:19 the judge’s seat An elevated bench that allowed
Pilate to be heard over the crowd. See the infographic
“A Judgment Seat in Jerusalem” on p. XXXX. dream In
writings from this period, dreams were common means
of supernatural revelation.
M at t h e W 2 7 : 1 9 | 67
f e aT U R e s
it was out of self­it was out of self­it was out of self interest that they had handed
Jesus over to him.
19While Pilate was sit
wife sent him this mes
to do with that inno
a great deal today in a
picked up the coins and said,
against the law to put this into the trea­
blood money.” 7So they decided
ey to buy the potter’s field as a
eigners. 8That is why it has
Field of Blood to this day. 9Then
ken by Jeremiah the prophet was
filled: “They took the thirty pieces of silver,
a 10 See Zech. 11:12,13; Jer. 19:1-13; 32:69.
manuscripts do not have Jesus
your accent gives you away Peter speaks as
to call down curses, and he swore Peter’s
third denial adds a curse to the oath. The meaning of
this detail is not clear; it does not necessarily refer to
As the day dawns, the religious leaders take
Jesus to Pilate to be sentenced. See the event line “The
Jesus: Passion and Resurrection” on p. XXXX.
handed him over to Pilate Roman governor of
Judea. Only Roman authorities could impose the death
penalty (Jn 18:31). See the infographic “Pontius Pilate’s
Matthew 27:2
27:3–10 Recognizing his guilt inRecognizing his guilt in
Judas hangs himself.
27:5 threw the money into the temple
11:13. he went away and hanged himself Compare
Ac 1:18 and note.
27:7 a burial place for foreigners Gentiles could not
be buried with Jews.
27:8 Field of Blood See Ac 1:19 and note.
27:9 spoken by Jeremiah the prophet The reference
to the potter and 30 pieces of silver comes from Zec
11:12–13; the allusion to a business transaction ap-
pears to reflect Jer 32:6–9. Thirty pieces of silver is
also the price someone owed if their ox killed a slave
(Ex 21:32). See the table “Jesus’ Fulfillment of Old
Testament Prophecy” on p. XXXX.
27:11–26 The religious leaders hand Jesus over to
Pilate. Apparently wanting to free Jesus, Pilate offers
Clear call-out boxes
provide concise
overviews of key
concepts or people
9

10. INTRODUCTION TO GENESIS
Genesis is about beginnings — ​of the world, of humanity and of Israel. The book focuses on the
early stages of God’s relationship with humankind, as he sets a plan in motion to redeem the
world. God chooses Abraham — ​known as Abram at the time — ​and his descendants to participate
in this plan. The thrilling stories of Abraham and his family make up the majority of Genesis.
BACKGROUND
The name “Genesis” comes from the Greek word meaning “origins.” But there is great debate
about the book’s origins and the rest of the Pentateuch (the first five books of the Bible). While
the text of Genesis does not identify its author, Jewish and Chris­tian traditions ascribe the book
to Moses (e.g., Lk 24:44). However, this does not necessarily mean Moses himself wrote the Pen-
tateuch — ​it may simply be in the tradition of Moses, the first known writing prophet (Ex 20). The
Pentateuch may use multiple sources, and multiple ­people may have added to it and edited it over
time — ​with it reaching its final form in the fifth century BC. Even if Moses had a major hand in
shaping this material, certain passages (such as the record of his death in Dt 34:1 – 12) indicate
that it underwent at least some editorial revision.
STRUCTURE
Genesis can be divided into two sections. First, Genesis 1 – 11 is known as the primeval history;
this section describes creation and its corruption by sin, with passages about humanity’s fall (Ge
3), Noah’s ark (chs. 6 – 9), and the tower of Babel (ch. 11). The second section, the patriarchal
GENESIS
Caption to come
Euphrates
River
Tigris River
Mediterranean
Sea
Ur?
Harran
ShechemBethel
Beersheba
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11. narratives (chs. 12 – 50), begin with God’s promise to Abram — ​to make him a great nation, bless
him and make him a blessing to the world (12:2). As the patriarchal narratives unfold, we discover
how Abram and his descendants respond to this promise.
Genesis 1 – 11 serves as a literary prequel to the rest of the book and to the Pentateuch. Israel’s
origin is set within the context of the origins of the universe, the earth, humanity and separate
­people groups and languages. The section concludes with the introduction of Abram (11:27 – 32),
the major character of the patriarchal narratives and the forefather of the Israelites. As a backdrop
to the Bible’s message, Genesis 1 – 11 introduces us to God (known as Yahweh) — ​showing his
power in creation and revealing his expectations for humanity.
In Genesis 12 – 25, God calls Abram to leave his home and move to a new land. God intends to
show Abraham a land that he and his descendants will inhabit, the future land of Israel. God also
promises that a great nation will descend from Abram and his barren wife, Sarai. As a sign of
God and Abram’s special relationship — ​called a “covenant” — ​God changes the ­couple’s names
to Abraham and Sarah (ch. 17). Holding onto a promise but still impatient, the ­couple decides
for Abraham to have a son by Hagar, Sarah’s servant; the son is named Ishmael. In spite of this,
Sarah eventually gives birth to the son promised by God, Isaac.
Isaac fathers twins, Esau and Jacob (25:19 — ​36:43). Jacob — ​whose name God changes to
“Israel” — ​has 12 sons, including Joseph. Through a series of challenging events, Joseph eventu-
Dates Related to Genesis
Age 160 Age 175Age 75
Age 86 Age 100
Age 99
Age 140
Age 137
Abram
leaves Haran
for Canaan
Ishmael
is born
Abraham is
given the
sign of the
covenant
Abraham
dies
Isaac
is born
Isaac marries
Rebekah at 40
Jacob and Esau
are born when
Isaac is 60
Sarah dies
at 127
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12. ally claims a powerful role in Egypt’s royal court, and his family joins him in Egypt where, unfortu-
nately, they will one day be enslaved (chs. 37 – 50; see Exodus).
At every stage of the story, characters take matters into their own hands and often suffer painful
consequences, yet God remains faithful to his promises and his ­people, now known as Israel.
OUTLINE
• Creation, sin and the early history of the nations (1:1 — ​11:32)
• The life of Abraham (12:1 — ​25:18)
• The lives of Isaac and Jacob (25:19 — ​36:43)
• The lives of Joseph and his brothers (37:1 — ​50:26)
THEMES
Adam and Eve’s choices compromised our ability to live in God’s image; Genesis tells the story
of the beginning of God’s effort to renew his image in us. In Genesis, the ­people of Israel are
selected to initiate God’s grand plan of salvation by being a blessing to the world — ​a plan that is
ultimately fulfilled in ­Jesus.
The major themes of promise and blessing run throughout the patriarchal narratives, as God’s
promises are repeated to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Their failures send a clear message that
God’s blessing is not because of any merit or righ­teous­ness on their own part; instead, God’s
blessing reflects his desire to restore humanity to right relationship with him. Genesis is the story
of God calling ­people to turn from the sinful world and obey him.
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13. 5 God ­called the ­light “day,” and the dark­ness
he ­called “night.” And ­there was eve­ning, and
­there was morn­ing — ​the ­first day.
6 And God said, “Let ­there be a ­vault be­tween
the wa­ters to sep­a­rate wa­ter from wa­ter.”
7 So God made the ­vault and sep­a­rat­ed the
wa­ter un­der the ­vault from the wa­ter ­above
it. And it was so. 8 God ­called the ­vault “sky.”
And ­there was eve­ning, and ­there was morn­
ing — ​the sec­ond day.
The Beginning
1 In the be­gin­ning God cre­at­ed the heav­ens
and the ­earth. 2 Now the ­earth was form­less
and emp­ty, dark­ness was over the sur­face of
the deep, and the Spir­it of God was hov­er­ing
over the wa­ters.
3 And God said, “Let ­there be ­light,” and ­there
was ­light. 4 God saw that the ­light was good,
and he sep­a­rat­ed the ­light from the dark­ness.
1:1 — ​2:3 The Bible’s opening narrative introduces the
Bible’s main character — ​God. The creation account
emphasizes God’s power as he brings all things into
existence through divine decree. God’s creative activity
occurs over six days in Ge 1:3 – 31. The account ends
with the description of God’s rest on the seventh day in
2:1 – 3. The six-day structure reflects the overall pattern
the writer gives to God’s work. Creation is organized into
three categories: the heavens, the sea and sky, and the
earth. God’s creative activity forms and then fills each
of these categories. The focus of the creation account
demonstrates how God brought order and structure to
the universe. Throughout the Bible, God’s power over
creation shows his sovereignty (see Ps 104:1 – 35 and
note; Isa 40:12 and note).
1:1 In the beginning Genesis opens with the Hebrew
phrase bere’shith, typically translated as “in the begin-
ning.” There are two possible interpretations of this
phrase: a specific, absolute beginning of all time; or a
nonspecific, general beginning of God’s work of creation.
God The Hebrew word used here for “God,” elohim, is
plural. While elohim may be used to describe multiple
deities, OT authors usually use the term to refer to the
singular God of Israel (more than 2,000 instances), such
as here. See the infographic “The Days of Creation” on p.
XXXX. created The Hebrew word used here is bara. Com-
pare Isa 40:26; note on Ge 1:27. the heavens and the
earth This phrase refers to the entirety of creation. The
OT often uses opposing word pairs to refer to a totality.
Genesis 1:1
BARA
The Hebrew word for “create” (bara) is used in the OT
to refer to divine activity only — ​Yahweh alone serves
as its grammatical subject — ​implying the writer wanted
to emphasize that ­people cannot create in the way
that Yahweh creates and that no other god can claim
to be the creator. The verb bara also conveys the idea
of ordering or determining function, suggesting God’s
creative activity consists of bringing proper order and
function to the cosmos.
1:2 formless and empty The Hebrew terms used here,
tohu and bohu, describe material substance lacking bound-
ary, order and definition. This same word pairing occurs in
Jer 4:23, indicating that the meaning of tohu and bohu is
not nonexistence but a nonfunctional, barren state. The
Hebrew structure implies that this material existed in a
formless and empty state when God began his creative
work. This does not mean that God didn’t create this
material prior to the time period recorded by the Biblical
text. Hence, Isa 45:18, which declares that God did not
create the earth empty (bohu), does not contradict Ge
1:2, where God orders and fills an initially empty (bohu)
creation. darkness Throughout the Bible darkness rep-
resents evil or calamity. Here, darkness refers to the
unformed and unfilled conditions of the material of v. 1.
the deep The Hebrew word used here, tehom, refers to
the primordial or primeval sea — ​the cosmic waters of
chaos. Tehom is similar to the Babylonian words tamtu
and Tiamat. Tiamat refers to a chaos deity, and the slaying
of a chaos monster is described elsewhere in the OT in
the context of creation (Ps 74:12 – 17). However, a closer
parallel can be found in the Ugaritic thm, the term for the
primeval abyss. Since thm is not personified, tehom in
Ge 1:2 should likewise not be considered a personified
god. In both instances, the description credits the God
of Israel with subduing the chaotic primordial conditions
to bring about an ordered, habitable creation. Although
chaos is not eliminated in the OT account, God’s action
yields order and restraint. The chaos is part of what God
deems “very good” in v. 31. It is nevertheless a perpetual
danger that will only be finally removed at the end of the
age when there is no longer any sea (Rev 21:1). Spirit
of God Since the Hebrew word used here, ruach, can
mean “spirit” or “wind,” this phrase can be translated
“Spirit of God” or “wind from God” (or even “mighty
wind”). However, the pairing of ruach with God (elohim
in Hebrew) usually refers to God’s Spirit.
1:3 And God said The ordering of creation begins with
the spoken word. Only one other ancient Near Eastern
creation account, the Egyptian Memphite Theology, in-
cludes an example of creation by speech. Let there be
light God creates light before the creation of the sun (Ge
1:14 – 18). This reflects an understanding of the world,
common in the ancient Near East, that held that the sun
does not serve as the source of light. See the infographic
“Ancient Hebrew Conception of the Universe” on p. XXXX.
1:4 good God calls his handiwork good seven times in
ch. 1 (vv. 4,10,12,18,21,25,31). The Hebrew word used
here, tov, has a broad range of meaning but generally
describes what is desirable, beautiful or right. In essence,
God affirms creation as right and in right relationship with
him immediately after he creates it. The material world
is good as created by God.
1:5 evening, and there was morning — ​the first day
The expression “evening, and there was morning” speci-
fies the length of a “day” (yom in Hebrew). While the author
may have meant a 24-hour day, less specific interpreta-
tions are possible. The Hebrew word yom can refer to a
24-hour cycle, the daylight hours or an unspecified future
“someday.” The meaning of the word, though, does not
settle the debate over whether the passage references a
literal six-day creation or symbolic days. In addition, the
sun (which marks the change from evening to morning)
is not created until the fourth day. Nonliteral interpreta-
tions of this phrase fall into two main groups: those that
privilege the literary qualities of ch. 1, and those that
seek to accommodate scientific conclusions about the
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14. The ancient Israelites divided the world into Heaven, Earth, Sea and the Underworld.
GOD
EARTH
HEAVEN OF HEAVENS
HEAVENSHEAVENS
GATEOFHEAVEN
SHEOL
FOUNDATIONS OF
THE HEAVENS
FOUNDATIONS OF
THE HEAVENS
MOON
STARS
SUN
CLOUDS
SEA
SEASEA
SEA
MOUNTAINSMOUNTAINS
WINDOWS AND
DOORS OF
HEAVEN
THE SKY
THE GREAT DEEP
FOUNDATIONS OF
THE EARTH
WATERS ABOVE THE FIRMAMENT
FIRMAMENT
FIRMAMENT
They viewed the sky as a vault resting on foundations—perhaps mountains—with doors and
windows that let in the rain. God dwelt above the sky, hidden in cloud and majesty.
The world was viewed as a disk floating on the waters, secured or moored by pillars.The earth was
the only known domain—the realm beyond it was considered unknowable.
The Underworld (Sheol) was a watery or dusty prison from which no one returned. Regarded as a
physical place beneath the earth, it could be reached only through death.
Ancient Hebrew Conception
of the Universe
G ENESIS | 5
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15. ac­cord­ing to ­their var­i­ous ­kinds.” And it was
so. 12 The land pro­duced veg­e­ta­tion: ­plants
bear­ing seed ac­cord­ing to ­their ­kinds and
­trees bear­ing ­fruit with seed in it ac­cord­
ing to ­their ­kinds. And God saw that it was
good. 13 And ­there was eve­ning, and ­there was
morn­ing — ​the ­third day.
14 And God said, “Let ­there be ­lights in the ­vault
9 And God said, “Let the wa­ter un­der the sky be
gath­ered to one ­place, and let dry ­ground
ap­pear.” And it was so. 10 God ­called the dry
­ground “land,” and the gath­ered wa­ters he
­called “seas.” And God saw that it was good.
11 Then God said, “Let the land pro­duce
veg­e­ta­tion: seed-bear­ing ­plants and ­trees
on the land that bear ­fruit with seed in it,
age of the earth. The first group includes the framework
view, in which the days of creation are a literary device
that structures the creation account. Also included in
this group is the analogical day view, in which each day
of creation represents God’s work day, but the length
of this day might not equal a literal 24-hour period (see
2Pe 3:8). Three main theories try to reconcile science
with the days of creation. The punctuated activity view
says that each day of creation was separated by a huge
gap of time. The gap view argues for a gap of millions
or billions of years between Ge 1:1 and 1:2. Finally, the
day-age view states that each day of creation represents
a geological era. These three theories are all influenced
by scientific conclusions that the earth is millions or
billions of years old.
1:6 a vault The Hebrew word used here, raqia’, refers
to a dome-like structure that was thought to separate
the sky from the heavens (v. 8). In the ancient Near
East, ­people conceived of the structure of the universe
differently than the modern conception. ­People thought
of a solid, dome-like structure encircling and enclosing
the earth (e.g., Job 26:10; Pr 8:27 – 28; Job 37:18;
compare Eze 1:22). God dwelled above this expanse
(Ps 148:1) as though the earth was his throne (Am 9:6;
Ps 29:10). The earth was thought to be surrounded
by waters, so the seas were gathered together in one
place (Ge 1:9).
1:9 – 13 The third day of creation involves two more dis-
tinct acts of creation. Both are affirmed with the phrase,
“And God saw that it was good.” The first three days of
creation are characterized by three acts of separation:
God separates light from darkness (v. 4), heaven from
earth (vv. 7 – 8), and land from sea (vv. 9 – 10).
1:9 water under the sky The writer explicitly distin-
guishes the waters of the sea from the waters above the
expanse because of the ancient Near Eastern view that the
sky held back the waters above (compare note on v. 6).
1:11 – 13 This passage refers to the creation of plant
life, but it does not cover all botanical varieties. Similarly,
the list of animals in vv. 20 – 25 does not represent all
categories of animal life. Both lists are selective. Here,
the seed-bearing plants and fruit trees likely represent
only the plants designated for human consumption.
1:11 Let the land produce vegetation God’s command
for vegetation to grow is the first indirect command in
the creation sequence. seed-bearing plants The earth
is to produce not only plants and fruit trees, but also
plants and fruit trees that bear seeds.
1:14 – 18 God creates the sun and moon on the fourth
day. The sun, moon and stars provide the daily and
seasonal cycles required for agriculture that, combined
with land and water, sustain life.
The Days of
Creation
Ocean/abyss Ocean
DAY 1 DAY 2
DAY 3 DAY 4
DAY
NIGHT
NIGHT Vault of heaven NIGHT
Waters above
the heavens
The
Cre
NIGHT
In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.
And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light.
God called the light “day,” and the darkness he called
“night.”
And God said, “Let there be a vault between the waters
to separate water from water.” God called the vault “sky.”
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16. ­light from dark­ness. And God saw that it was
good. 19 And ­there was eve­ning, and ­there was
morn­ing — ​the ­fourth day.
20 And God said, “Let the wa­ter teem with liv­ing
crea­tures, and let ­birds fly ­above the ­earth
­across the ­vault of the sky.” 21 So God cre­at­ed
the ­greatcrea­turesof theseaandev­eryliv­ing
­thing with ­which the wa­ter ­teems and that
moves about in it, ac­cord­ing to ­their ­kinds,
and ev­ery ­winged bird ac­cord­ing to its kind.
of the sky to sep­a­rate the day from the ­night,
and let them ­serve as ­signs to mark ­sacred
times, and days and ­years, 15 and let them be
­lights in the ­vault of the sky to give ­light on
the ­earth.” And it was so. 16 God made two
­great ­lights — ​the great­er ­light to gov­ern the
day and the less­er ­light to gov­ern the ­night.
He also made the ­stars. 17 God set them in the
­vault of the sky to give ­light on the ­earth, 18 to
gov­ern the day and the ­night, and to sep­a­rate
1:14 lights The creation of the lights in the heavens on
the fourth day parallels the creation of light in general on
the first day. These lights produce another separation — ​
day from night (compare note on vv. 1:9 – 13). signs
to mark Celestial phenomena were often understood
as divine signs in the ancient Near East (see note on
Jer 8:2). sacred times The Hebrew word used here,
mo’adim, could refer to seasons — ​indicating the natural
agricultural cycle — ​but mo’adim also frequently indicates
religious festivals or sacred times.
1:16 two great lights This refers to the sun and the moon,
but the writer deliberately avoids the words “sun” (shemesh
in Hebrew) and “moon” (yareach in Hebrew) that correspond
to the names of West Semitic deities: Shamash and Yarik.
Avoiding the Hebrew words for “sun” and “moon” may be
part of a larger agenda in the narrative to cast all of the
heavenly bodies as natural, created phenomena that are
subject to the Creator — ​not deities in themselves. In this
way, Ge 1 offers a subtle critique of prevailing ancient Near
Eastern beliefs about the sun, moon and stars.
1:20 – 25 Creation on the fifth day includes the creatures
of the sky and sea. God creates land animals on the sixth
day. These creative acts parallel the activity on the second
day, when God separates sky and sea, and the third day,
when land appears. The description focuses on order
and balance in nature. The zoological categories reflect
those known to human experience: sea creatures, birds,
wild and domesticated animals, and creatures that move
along the ground. (The latter description is not restricted
to insects as it describes movement, not species.)
1:20 living creatures Here, the Hebrew term nephesh
refers to animal life.
Genesis 1:20
NEPHESH
While the Hebrew word nephesh (often translated as
“soul”) can refer to animal life, it can also refer to hu-
man life or a person’s life force (their soul) along with
emotions, intellect, personality and will (see Ge 9:5;
27:4; Ex 23:9; 1Sa 19:11).
1:21 creatures of the sea A translation of the Hebrew
word tannin, which does not refer to any specific ­member
The Days of
Creation
Ocean/abyss Ocean
DAY 1 DAY 2
DAY 3 DAY 4
DAY
DAY
Mountains
Sun
Stars
Moon
NIGHT
NIGHT Vault of heaven NIGHT
NIGHT NIGHT
Waters above
the heavens
DAY
NIGHT NIGHT
And God said, “Let the water under the sky be gathered
to one place, and let dry ground appear.” God called the
dry ground “land,” and the gathered waters he called
“seas.” Then God said, “Let the land produce vegetation:
seed-bearing plants and trees on the land that bear fruit
with seed in it, according to their various kinds.”
And God said, “Let there be lights in the vault of the sky
to separate the day from the night, and let them serve
as signs to mark sacred times, and days and years, and
let them be lights in the vault of the sky to give light
on the earth.” God made two great lights—the greater
light to govern the day and the lesser light to govern the
night. He also made the stars.
G e n e s i s 1 : 2 1 | 7
FIRST PROOFS
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17. cord­ing to ­their ­kinds. And God saw that it
was good.
26 Then God said, “Let us make man­kind in
our im­age, in our like­ness, so that they may
rule over the fish in the sea and the ­birds in
the sky, over the live­stock and all the wild
an­i­mals, a and over all the crea­tures that move
­along the ground.”
27 So God created mankind in his own image,
in the image of God he created them;
male and female he created them.
And God saw that it was good. 22 God ­blessed
them and said, “Be fruit­ful and in­crease in
num­ber and fill the wa­ter in the seas, and let
the ­birds in­crease on the ­earth.” 23 And ­there
was eve­ning, and ­there was morn­ing — ​the
­fifth day.
24 And God said, “Let the land pro­duce liv­ing crea­
tures ac­cord­ing to ­their ­kinds: the live­stock,
the crea­tures that move ­along the ­ground,
and the wild an­i­mals, each ac­cord­ing to its
kind.” And it was so. 25 God made the wild
an­i­mals ac­cord­ing to ­their ­kinds, the live­
stock ac­cord­ing to ­their ­kinds, and all the
crea­tures that move ­along the ­ground ac­
a 26 Probable reading of the original Hebrew text (see Syriac);
Masoretic Text the earth
of the aquatic kingdom. The term tannin occurs in Ca-
naanite mythology for supernatural sea creatures who
served the god Yam in his primordial battle with the god
Baal. Yam was depicted as Leviathan, a chaotic monster
of the primordial deep. Attributing the creation of the tan-
nin to the God of Israel served to assert his superiority
over the gods of Canaan, especially those symbolizing
the watery chaos that existed before God brought order
to the world. It was a message of hope that God was
the Creator of even the chaos and thus could subdue it.
1:22 Be fruitful and increase in number God created
life to be fertile. Here, the capacity for sexual reproduc-
tion is cast as a divine blessing.
1:26 – 31 The creation of man and woman is the climax
of God’s creative activity. This passage contains several
key words and concepts: God’s reference to himself in the
plural, the concept of the “image of God,” the separation
of humanity into two genders — ​male and female — ​and
the divine command for humanity to fill and rule the earth.
1:26 Let us make The occurrence of “us” in this pas-
sage has been understood to refer to the plurality of the
godhead: the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. This understand-
ing would have been unknown to the authors of the OT.
Another possible explanation is the so-called “plural of
majesty,” but this type of grammatical usage is more
common for nouns and adjectives than verbs. A simpler
explanation is that “us” reflects an announcement by
the single God of Israel to a group in his presence — ​the
heavenly host. Other OT passages support the idea of
a heavenly host or divine council (Ps 29:1; see Ps 82:1
and note). This explanation also applies to Ge 11:7. The
phrase “our image” then means that the members of the
heavenly host also reflect the divine image.
1:27 image of God Being created in the image of God
distinguishes ­people from all other earthly creation. God’s
image is not described as being possessed in part or given
gradually; rather, it is an immediate and inherent part of
being human. The image of God likely does not refer to
DAY 5 DAY 6
DAY 7
NIGHT NIGHT NIGHT NIGHT
DAY DAY
Small birds Larger birds
Larger fish
Humans
Small fish
HH
Larger animals
Small animals
And God said, “Let the water teem with living creatures,
and let birds fly above the earth across the vault of
the sky.” God blessed them and said, “Be fruitful and
increase in number and fill the water in the seas, and let
the birds increase on the earth.”
And God said, “Let the land produce living creatures
according to their kinds: the livestock, the creatures
that move along the ground, and the wild animals, each
according to its kind.” Then God said, “Let us make
mankind in our image, in our likeness.” God blessed
them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in
number.”
8 | G e n e s i s 1 : 2 2
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18. very good. And ­there was eve­ning, and ­there
was morn­ing — ​the ­sixth day.
2 Thus the heav­ens and the ­earth were com­
plet­ed in all ­their vast ar­ray.
2 By the sev­enth day God had fin­ished the work
he had been do­ing; so on the sev­enth day he
rest­ed from all his work. 3 Then God ­blessed
the sev­enth day and made it holy, be­cause
on it he rest­ed from all the work of cre­at­ing
that he had done.
Adam and Eve
4 This is the ac­count of the heav­ens and the ­earth
when they were cre­at­ed, when the Lord God made
the ­earth and the heav­ens.
28 God ­blessed them and said to them,
“Be fruit­ful and in­crease in num­ber; fill
the ­earth and sub­due it. Rule over the fish
in the sea and the ­birds in the sky and over
ev­ery liv­ing crea­ture that ­moves on the
ground.”
29 Then God said, “I give you ev­ery seed-
bear­ing ­plant on the face of the ­whole ­earth
and ev­ery tree that has ­fruit with seed in it.
They will be ­yours for food. 30 And to all the
­beasts of the ­earth and all the ­birds in the
sky and all the crea­tures that move along the
­ground — ​ev­ery­thing that has the ­breath of
life in it — ​I give ev­ery ­green ­plant for food.”
And it was so.
31 God saw all that he had made, and it was
any specific ability (intelligence, sentience, emotional
capacity, free will, etc.). This would result in an ethical
problem, since human beings do not possess these
abilities equally. Likewise, connecting the image of God
to the internal makeup of a human being — ​by appeal-
ing to the application of the Hebrew words nephesh for
“soul” or ruach for “spirit” for ­people — ​does not resolve
this issue, as both terms are used to describe members
of the animal kingdom. Rather, it refers to our creation
as God’s image, his unique representatives on earth.
­People are thus God’s agents, functioning as he would
if he were embodied. ­Jesus is the ultimate image of God
(Heb 1:3). male and female There is no status distinction
among bearers of the divine image; they are equal while
having distinct capacities and roles in fulfilling the divine
mandate to steward the earth. he created them The
Hebrew verb used here, bara, is the same word used in
Ge 1:1. However, the plural declaration “let us make” in
v. 26 uses a different verb. The verbs for “make” (asah)
and “form” (yatsar) are also used elsewhere with bara to
refer to God’s work as Creator in chs. 1 – 2. In ch. 2, yet
another verb is used for the fashioning of Adam (yatsar).
These verbs are synonyms. Compare note on 1:1.
1:28 Be fruitful and increase in number As with
the animal kingdom, humanity is created to be fertile.
The capacity for sexual reproduction is cast as a divine
blessing. subdue it. Rule over These terms indicate
active power or rule involving physical force or effort (Jer
34:16; Est 7:8; Jos 18:1; Isa 14:2; Eze 29:15). Active
rule is not destructive, as creation is meant to sustain
­people. Humanity is instructed to keep creation under
control — ​to keep the chaotic conditions that God sub-
dued at bay. All must function as God originally ordered
it to function (compare Ge 2:15).
1:31 very good The totality of the ordered creation
meets the expectations of its Creator.
2:1 – 3 The seven days of creation end with this descrip-
tion of God’s rest. The creation account of Ge 1:1 — ​2:3,
where God works for six days and rests on the seventh,
provides a theological rationale for the Sabbath obser-
vance. The command to observe the Sabbath in Ex
20:8 – 11 is based directly on the pattern developed
in this passage.
2:2 By the seventh day God had finished Some
translations render this “on the seventh day,” suggest-
ing that God worked on the seventh day in violation
of the Sabbath. However, the Hebrew text here can
be translated “by the seventh day,” resulting in the
verb being rendered “had finished,” expressing the
completion of the act. See the infographic “The Days
of Creation” on p. XXXX.
2:3 God blessed the seventh day The creation week
serves as the model for the six-day week and Sabbath
rest noted in Ex 20:11 and other Israelite laws.
2:4 – 25 Leaving behind the cosmic view of creation in
Ge 1:1 — ​2:3, the narrative turns to what is happening
on earth — ​specifically, the creation of the first man and
the preparation of the Garden of Eden as his home.
The narrative presents a more personal view of God
interacting with his creation. Rather than presenting two
unconnected creation accounts, the narratives of chs.
1 and 2 tell complementary stories, with ch. 2 offering
a closer look at the creation of humanity.
2:4 This is the account The formulaic Hebrew phrase
used here, elleh toledoth, is used throughout Genesis
NIGHT
ls
DAY 5 DAY 6
DAY 7
DAY
NIGHT NIGHT
NIGHT NIGHT NIGHT NIGHT
DAY DAY
Small birds Larger birds
Larger fish
Humans
Small fish
HH
Larger animals
Small animals
Thus the heavens and the earth were completed in all
their vast array. By the seventh day God had finished
the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he
rested from all his work.
G e n e s i s 2 : 4 | 9
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19. 11 The name of the ­first is the Pi­shon; it ­winds
­through the en­tire land of Hav­i­lah, ­where ­there
is gold. 12 (The gold of that land is good; ar­o­mat­ic
res­in d and onyx are also ­there.) 13 The name of the
sec­ond riv­er is the Gi­hon; it ­winds ­through the
en­tire land of Cush. e 14 The name of the ­third riv­er
is the Ti­gris; it runs ­along the east side of Ash­ur.
And the ­fourth riv­er is the Eu­phra­tes.
15 TheLordGodtookthemanandputhiminthe
Gar­denof Edentoworkitandtakecareof it.16 And
the Lord God com­mand­ed the man, “You are free
to eat from any tree in the gar­den; 17 but you must
noteatfromthetreeof theknowl­edgeof goodand
evil,forwhenyoueatfromityouwillcer­tain­lydie.”
5 Now no ­shrub had yet ap­peared on the ­earth a
and no ­plant had yet ­sprung up, for the Lord God
hadnotsentrainonthe ­earthand ­therewasnoone
toworkthe ­ground,6 but ­streams b cameupfromthe
­earthandwa­teredthe ­wholesur­faceof the ­ground.
7 Then the Lord God ­formed a man c from the dust
of the ­ground and ­breathed into his nos­trils the
­breath of life, and the man be­came a liv­ing be­ing.
8 Now the Lord God had plant­ed a gar­den in the
east, in Eden; and ­there he put the man he had
­formed. 9 The Lord God made all ­kinds of ­trees
grow out of the ­ground — ​­trees that were pleas­ing
to the eye and good for food. In the mid­dle of the
gar­den were the tree of life and the tree of the
knowl­edge of good and evil.
10 Ariv­er wa­ter­ing the gar­den ­flowed from Eden;
from ­there it was sep­a­rat­ed into four head­wa­ters.
a 5 Or land ; also in verse 6 b 6 Or mist c 7 The Hebrew
for man (adam) sounds like and may be related to the Hebrew
for ground (adamah) ; it is also the name Adam (see verse 20).
d 12 Or good; pearls e 13 Possibly southeast Mesopotamia
to mark the beginning of major sections (5:1; 6:9; 10:1;
11:10,27; 25:12,19; 36:1,9; 37:2). Lord God The first
occurrence of the personal divine name Yahweh. Here it
is combined with elohim, the Hebrew word that identifies
God in ch. 1. This combination occurs only 37 times in
the OT. Twenty of these instances appear in ch. 2; there
is only one more in the rest of the Pentateuch (Ex 9:30).
This suggests that Ge 1 and 2 were composed separately
and combined with the rest of the book at a later date.
2:5 there was no one to work the ground Verse 5
implies that the earth is barren because there is no one
to work the ground, but the man is not assigned this
task until he is placed in the Garden of Eden (v. 15).
Even so, the garden requires very little work until after
the fall (when the ­people oppose God’s will), when the
ground is cursed (3:23). Here God sustains plant life
in the Garden of Eden without any work on the man’s
part (see vv. 9 – 10). The following verse (v. 6) indicates
that God uses a “mist” or “streams” (ed in Hebrew) to
water the ground.
2:7 formed The Hebrew verb used here is yatsar, whereas
different verbs appear in the declaration and action of
1:26 – 27 (asah and bara respectively). See note on 1:27.
man The Hebrew word used here is adam, which is also
used in the Bible as the proper name for the first man,
Adam (e.g., Ge 3:17; 1Co 15:45). the breath of life
The Hebrew phrase used here, nishmathchayyim, occurs
only this one time in the OT. Genesis 6:17 uses the He-
brew phrase ruachchayyim, which is regularly translated
“breath of life.” Genesis 7:22 has a close parallel that
combines both: nishmath ruach chayyim, which is also
often translated “breath of life.” The phrases refer broadly
to animate life, which was naturally shown by breathing.
2:8 in Eden Eden was distinguished from the entirety
of creation and had specific geographical boundaries.
The narrative does not say what the rest of the creation
was like, only that Eden was the unique dwelling place
of God. Thus, it is not certain if all of creation was like
Eden — ​ideal and without death.
2:9 tree of life The wider garden imagery in the ancient
Near East helps in understanding the tree of life. The
tree of life refers to two concepts: one earthly and the
other symbolic of divine life and cosmological wellness.
The tree is described as being located in Eden, which
is a garden with abundant water and lush vegetation,
paradise for those living in agrarian or pastoral settings.
In the ancient Near East, garden imagery was used to
describe the abodes of deities, representing luxury and
abundance. The divine abode also represented the place
where heaven and earth met. The OT often connects trees
with divine encounters and sacred geography (21:33;
35:4; Jos 24:26; Jdg 4:5; 6:11,19).
2:10 four headwaters The geographical details position-
ing Eden in relation to a river that branches into four rivers
do not help pinpoint Eden’s location. Two of the rivers
named here are unknown (the Pishon and Gihon). The
references to the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers suggest a
connection with Mesopotamia.
2:11 Havilah The precise location of this land is un-
known, but it is mentioned again later in Genesis (Ge
10:7,29; 25:18). Genesis 10:7 includes the name in a
list of Arabian regions.
2:13 Cush The land of Cush (kush in Hebrew) refers to a
region of East Africa that likely included southern Egypt
and northern Sudan. The Greek Septuagint as well as
some modern translations use “Ethiopia” to translate
Hebrew kush. The Biblical region was probably located
further north than modern Ethiopia.
2:14 Tigris The Tigris, the river mentioned here, is the
eastern of the two great rivers in Mesopotamia (Da 10:4).
Ashur The region around the upper Tigris. Later, Assyria
would become the center of a major Mesopotamian
empire. See note on Mic 5:5. Euphrates The western of
the two great rivers in Mesopotamia. The ancient city of
Babylon was built near the Euphrates. The Euphrates is
the largest river in southwest Asia, flowing southeast for
nearly 1,800 miles before emptying into the Persian Gulf.
Genesis 2:14
TIGRIS RIVER
The Tigris River begins in the Taurus Mountains of
southeastern Turkey and flows southeast for 1,150
miles to the Persian Gulf.
2:15 to work it and take care of it This phrase helps
define the language of subduing and ruling in Ge 1:28;
­people represent God as stewards of his creation — ​tend-
ing to it as he would. ­People have the power to rule and
are told to do so, but are instructed to do so appropriately.
2:17 tree of the knowledge of good and evil No
such tree appears in other ancient Near Eastern texts
10 | G e n e s i s 2 : 5
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20. she shall be called ‘woman,’
for she was taken out of man.”
24 That is why a man ­leaves his fa­ther and moth­er
and is unit­ed to his wife, and they be­come one
flesh.
25 Adam and his wife were both na­ked, and they
felt no shame.
The Fall
3Now the ser­pent was more ­crafty than any of
the wild an­i­mals the Lord God had made. He
said to the wom­an, “Did God real­ly say, ‘You must
not eat from any tree in the gar­den’?”
2 The wom­an said to the ser­pent, “We may eat
­fruit from the ­trees in the gar­den, 3 but God did
say, ‘You must not eat ­fruit from the tree that is in
18 The Lord God said, “It is not good for the man
to be ­alone. I will make a help­er suit­able for him.”
19 Now the Lord God had ­formed out of the
­ground all the wild an­i­mals and all the ­birds in
the sky. He ­brought them to the man to see what
he ­would name them; and what­ev­er the man ­called
each liv­ing crea­ture, that was its name. 20 So the
man gave ­names to all the live­stock, the ­birds in
the sky and all the wild an­i­mals.
But for Adam a no suit­able help­er was ­found.
21 So the Lord God ­caused the man to fall into a
deep ­sleep; and ­while he was sleep­ing, he took
one of the ­man’s ribs b and then ­closed up the ­place
with ­flesh. 22 Then the Lord God made a wom­an
from the rib c he had tak­en out of the man, and he
­brought her to the man.
23 The man said,
“This is now bone of my bones
and flesh of my flesh;
a 20 Or the man b 21 Or took part of the man’s side
c 22 Or part
and traditions. This tree was located within Eden — ​the
dwelling place of God and his heavenly host (see note
on 1:26; note on 2:8). This particular tree represents
a counterpart to the tree of life, which could bestow
immortality (3:22; see note on 2:9). you must not eat
Eating from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil is
not what awakened moral discernment in humans, since
they would need to possess this already to understand
God’s command. you will certainly die This refers to
the certainty of death, not to immediate death. Adam and
Eve did not immediately die after eating from the tree, but
they were cut off from the tree of life and driven from the
garden after their disobedience (3:6). Their immortality
depended on remaining in God’s presence, symbolized
by the tree of life and its fruit. Driven out, they would
inevitably die, as all mortals do (compare note on 3:22).
2:18 helper The Hebrew term used here, ezer, refers
broadly to rendering aid. While used to refer to subordi-
nates, the word does not necessarily imply inferiority: God
is called Israel’s helper (ezer in Hebrew; Hos 13:9). Ezer
does not imply that the woman is inferior to the man, es-
pecially since Eve’s creation was prompted by a perceived
insufficiency in Adam to image God. Through wordplay,
the term may also draw attention to Adam’s inability to
fulfill one of God’s primary mandates: procreation (Ge
1:28). The pronunciation of ezer resembles zera’ (often
translated as “seed” or “offspring”), which expresses
that Eve is an essential part of humanity imaging God as
Creator of life. While the naming of Eve by Adam after the
fall implies some level of authority on Adam’s part (3:20;
compare 2:20), the purpose seems to be to bless Eve and
properly steward his relationship with her (see note on
2:20). Eve’s status remains equal as divine imager (see
note on 1:27). Their equivalence (or equality) is indicated
by Adam’s response to Eve in 2:23 — ​where he refers to
her as bone of his bones and flesh of his flesh. In addi-
tion, the dominion (stewardship) mandate was issued to
both the man and woman at the same time (see 1:28).
This shows that Adam’s relationship to Eve is not one of
dominion; instead, it involves a difference in roles — ​he
blesses creation through his naming of the animals, while
she blesses it by continuing the life of humanity (3:20).
Eve comes alongside Adam to help him in his mandate
to steward creation — ​Adam leads in the sense that he
is already working with creation before she is created.
2:20 gave names to all the livestock In exercising his
stewardship over creation, Adam names the animals. In
ancient Israelite belief, knowing the name of a thing is
what enabled one to do good for the thing named or to
pronounce a blessing. In 32:26 – 29, the divine figure
who wrestles with Jacob must know the name of Jacob
before he can bless him. Adam also gives Eve her name
(3:20), but in the ch. 2 account, Eve is simply called
woman, not given a proper name (2:23).
2:21 – 23 The language used to describe the first man and
woman in these verses indicates that they were human
and needed all the things necessary to sustain human
life. Due to their environment (Eden), Adam and Eve
enjoyed perpetual, but contingent, immortality by being
able to eat from the tree of life and not sinning against
God’s command. All of this ended with their fall (ch. 3).
2:21 one of the man’s ribs The woman is made from
the side (tsela’ in Hebrew) of the man. Usually used in
architectural contexts (Ex 25:12,14; 26:20), this is the
only occurrence of the word in reference to human flesh.
2:25 naked In light of the later events, the use of this
Hebrew term here, arom, involves wordplay — ​the serpent
is described as crafty (arum in Hebrew; 3:1). The parallel
words indicate a contrast: innocence being transformed
into shame.
3:1 – 24 The idyllic life of the first man and woman in the
Garden of Eden is disrupted by the appearance of the
serpent. This serpent tempts the woman to break God’s
command not to eat from the tree of the knowledge of
good and evil. Her choice to taste the fruit disturbs the
order of creation and damages the relationship between
God and his creation, because now part of his creation
is out of order (or harmony) — ​humanity.
3:1 serpent The Hebrew word used here, nachash,
means “snake” or “serpent.” The Hebrew word satan
does not appear in this passage, but the NT associates
the events recorded here with Satan (Rev 12:9; 20:2).
The attribution of human characteristics (cleverness
and speech) to the nachash suggests it is more than an
ordinary member of the animal kingdom. Proper nouns of
­people or cities that include the Hebrew nachash indicate
that the term may also mean “bronze” or “diviner.” Con-
ceptual parallels between Ge 3 and ancient Near Eastern
G e n e s i s 3 : 3 | 11
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21. 10 He an­swered, “I ­heard you in the gar­den, and
I was ­afraid be­cause I was na­ked; so I hid.”
11 And he said, “Who told you that you were
na­ked? Have you eat­en from the tree that I com­
mand­ed you not to eat from?”
12 The man said, “The wom­an you put here with
me — ​she gave me some ­fruit from the tree, and
I ate it.”
13 Then the Lord God said to the wom­an, “What
is this you have done?”
The wom­an said, “The ser­pent de­ceived me,
and I ate.”
14 So the Lord God said to the ser­pent, “Be­cause
you have done this,
“Cursed are you above all livestock
and all wild animals!
You will crawl on your belly
and you will eat dust
all the days of your life.
the mid­dle of the gar­den, and you must not ­touch
it, or you will die.’ ”
4 “You will not cer­tain­ly die,” the ser­pent said
to the wom­an. 5 “For God ­knows that when you eat
from it your eyes will be ­opened, and you will be
like God, know­ing good and evil.”
6 When the wom­an saw that the ­fruit of the tree
was good for food and pleas­ing to the eye, and also
de­sir­able for gain­ing wis­dom, she took some and
ate it. She also gave some to her hus­band, who was
with her, and he ate it. 7 Then the eyes of both of
them were ­opened, and they re­al­ized they were
na­ked; so they ­sewed fig ­leaves to­geth­er and made
cov­er­ings for them­selves.
8 Then the man and his wife ­heard the ­sound of
the Lord God as he was walk­ing in the gar­den in
the cool of the day, and they hid from the Lord
God ­among the ­trees of the gar­den. 9 But the Lord
God ­called to the man, “Where are you?”
material — ​which also forms the backdrop of passages
with similar language (Isa 14; Eze 28) — ​suggests that
the nachash in Ge 3 could be understood in two ways.
The narrative may refer to a shining divine being — ​a
member of God’s heavenly host or council (compare
note on 1:26) — ​in serpentine appearance. In addition,
the serpentine imagery may be used to convey the motif
of threatening disorder associated with other serpentine
figures in the OT (see Ps 74:13 – 14; 104:26 and note;
Job 26:12 and note; Job 41:1 and note). Did God really
say The serpent’s question omits the positive statement
made by God in Ge 2:16. The serpent also distorts the
earlier statement by presenting God as saying Adam and
Eve could not eat from any tree at all.
3:2 We may eat The woman corrects the serpent’s
wording, but she does not do so precisely. Instead of
echoing 2:16, where God gave the human ­couple permis-
sion to eat from every tree except one, she generalizes
the permission, noting simply that they may eat of the
trees in the garden.
3:3 you must not touch it Eve adds to God’s original
prohibition, which states nothing about touching the fruit
from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. or you
will die The original threat of 2:17 points to the certainty
of death upon disobedience, but it says nothing of an
immediate death. The serpent will introduce the idea of
an immediate death into the meaning of 2:17 to deceive
the woman (see v. 4).
3:5 God The Hebrew word used here, elohim, is plural.
Depending on grammar and context, the plural form
can be translated as plural or singular — ​God or gods
(divine beings). It is the most common word used in
the OT to refer to the singular God of Israel (over 2,000
occurrences). But elohim here may be translated as a
plural because of v. 22, where elohim says (according
to a literal rendering of the Hebrew): “they have become
as one of us.” Like 1:26, the plurality refers to God
and those with him in his abode and throne room: the
heavenly host or council (compare Dt 32:8 – 9; Ps 82;
note on 82:title – 8; 1Ki 22:19 – 23; note on 22:19). In
the ancient Near East, the knowledge of good and evil
was believed to be a divine attribute that humans must
earn or receive in some fashion. This possibility has
seductive power for the woman in the Genesis account
and may indicate why God did not reveal this information
earlier. God created the test by issuing the prohibition of
Ge 2:16 – 17, but he did not intend the temptation to be
overwhelming. The serpent is the one who makes it seem
irresistible. knowing good and evil This does not refer
only to the ability to choose between right and wrong. If
the man and woman did not already possess this ability,
the original command would have been meaningless.
Rather, knowing good and evil refers to divine wisdom,
which corresponds with the idea of becoming like God
or the gods (elohim in Hebrew).
3:6 husband, who was with her Since there is no
mention of the woman leaving the serpent to find Adam,
Adam was most likely present for the entire conversation.
3:7 the eyes of both of them were opened Both
Adam and Eve ate the forbidden fruit (v. 6), so they both
experienced the new knowledge of rebellion.
3:8 Lord God as he was walking This signals that
the writer wants the reader to picture God as a human
being (an anthropomorphism) present in the Garden of
Eden. This is the first theophany in the OT — ​an appear-
ance of God to human beings in a manner that can be
processed by the human senses. See the table “Old
Testament Theophanies” on p. XXXX. in the cool of
the day Translating this phrase is difficult. The Hebrew
term used here, ruach, is normally translated “spirit” or
“wind” (see note on 1:2), but is often translated here
as “cool.” This may mean that it is intended to evoke
the unmistakable power of God’s presence.
3:10 I was afraid Adam says he is afraid because he
is unclothed, but he really fears the shame of appearing
naked in God’s presence. His awareness of that shame
exposes his guilt. Before their disobedience, Adam and
Eve had no reason to be ashamed (2:25).
3:11 Who told you that you were naked God asks not
because he lacks information, but to elicit a confession.
3:12 woman you put Adam tries to pass responsibility
to his wife — ​and perhaps even to God.
3:14 Cursed are you It is unclear how the serpent (na-
chash in Hebrew) is more cursed than any other animal.
This supports the view that the nachash is not an ordinary
member of the animal kingdom and the serpent imagery
evokes other ancient Near Eastern parallels. See note
on 3:1. You will crawl on your belly The language and
context suggest that this condition was new in some
way. Since the Hebrew word used for serpent, nachash,
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22. 19 By the sweat of your brow
you will eat your food
until you return to the ground,
since from it you were taken;
for dust you are
and to dust you will return.”
20 Adam c ­named his wife Eve, d be­cause she
­would be­come the moth­er of all the liv­ing.
21 TheLordGodmadegar­mentsof skinforAdam
andhiswifeand ­clothedthem.22 AndtheLordGod
said,“Themanhasnowbe­comelikeoneof us,know­
ing good and evil. He must not be al­lowed to ­reach
out his hand and take also from the tree of life and
eat, and live for­ev­er.” 23 So the Lord God ban­ished
him from the Gar­den of Eden to work the ­ground
from ­whichhehadbeentak­en.24 Af­terhe ­drovethe
man out, he ­placed on the east side e of the Gar­den
of Eden cher­u­bim and a flam­ing ­sword flash­ing
back and ­forth to ­guard the way to the tree of life.
15 And I will put enmity
between you and the woman,
and between your offspring a and hers;
he will crush b your head,
and you will strike his heel.”
16 To the wom­an he said,
“I will make your pains in childbearing very
severe;
with painful labor you will give birth to
children.
Your desire will be for your husband,
and he will rule over you.”
17 To Adam he said, “Be­cause you lis­tened to
your wife and ate fruit from the tree ­about ­which
I com­mand­ed you, ‘You must not eat from it,’
“Cursed is the ground because of you;
through painful toil you will eat food from it
all the days of your life.
18 It will produce thorns and thistles for you,
and you will eat the plants of the field.
a 15 Or seed b 15 Or strike c 20 Or The man d 20 Eve
probably means living. e 24 Or placed in front
and its affiliated imagery are often paired with chaotic
and disorderly forces in opposition to the divine order
in the ancient Near East, there is no need for a literal
zoological explanation. Rather, this passage indicates
that the serpent, God’s cosmic enemy, has been made
docile (i.e., he is defeated). you will eat dust Ancient
Near Eastern texts, such as the Akkadian work Descent of
Ishtar, depict serpents as inhabitants of the underworld
that feed on dust and clay.
3:15 enmity This word refers to hostility, not fear. The
curse is not aimed at the woman, but at the serpent. Its
language speaks of combat — ​specifically between the
serpent and its offspring (those that follow its ways),
and the woman and her descendants. The serpent is a
divine enemy of God rather than a member of the animal
kingdom. As such, this text contains a prophecy indicating
that animosity and spiritual war will ensue between the
serpent (nachash in Hebrew) and humanity (compare note
on 3:1). In the NT, the offspring of the devil are equated
with evildoers who oppose God’s will and the Messiah,
­Jesus (Rev 12:9; Jn 8:44; 1Jn 3:8,12,23). offspring
The Hebrew word used here, zera’ (which may be literally
rendered “seed”), can refer to one person or many. he
will crush your head In the Hebrew text, the singular
pronoun here refers collectively to the offspring (zera’ in
Hebrew) of Eve. The NT presents ­Jesus as the ultimate
human descendant of Eve who defeats Satan or the
devil (Lk 3:38; 10:17 – 19; Rev 12:9 – 11; compare Gal
3:16). Paul seems to reference this line when he tells
the Roman Chris­tians that God will give them the power
to crush Satan (Ro 16:20).
3:16 your pains The Hebrew word used here is also
used to describe Adam’s punishment: He will work the
ground in pain. The original tasks given to both Adam
and Eve (tending to creation, and being fruitful and
multiplying) now involve great difficulty because they live
outside Eden (Ge 1:28; 3:24). Compare note on 2:18.
Your desire will be for your husband The Hebrew
word used here, teshuqah, occurs elsewhere only twice
(4:7; SS 7:10). In the Song of Songs the term seems to
indicate sexual desire, but that meaning does not work
well in this context. In Ge 4:7 the word connotes desire
to control or desire to conquer (compare note on 4:7).
3:17 Cursed is the ground because of you The context
of the curse shows that serious effort and the overcom-
ing of obstacles will be necessary to make the earth
produce what human survival requires.
3:19 to dust you will return The consequences of sin
include lifelong toil. This line could be understood as
indicating that only death is the release from that curse
of toil, or that natural death may be another consequence
of sin (compare Ro 5:12). It is unclear whether natural
death existed prior to Adam and Eve’s sin — ​whether in
Eden or elsewhere (see note on Ge 3:22; note on 6:3).
3:20 Adam named his wife Eve Eve’s name in Hebrew,
chawwah, is related to the Hebrew verb chayah, which
may be translated “to live.” This is wordplay — ​Eve is
described as the mother of all life.
3:22 The man The Hebrew grammar here can be under-
stood as including Eve. like one of us The plural here
refers to more than just the singular God Yahweh — ​it
speaks of the heavenly host or God’s council. See note
on 3:5. tree of life See note on 2:9. live forever Adam
and Eve had to be driven from the garden. To remain in
God’s presence and eat of the tree of life would have
resulted in them becoming immortal, thus thwarting
the penalty for their transgression (2:17). Cut off from
God’s presence, immortality was unavailable — ​they
would eventually die. God’s statement here does not
indicate whether Adam and Eve were eating from the tree
of life before their sin and thus it is unclear if they were
immortal (compare 2:16). God could be concerned that
they will start eating from the tree of life or that they be
prevented from continuing to eat from it. However, several
factors seem to hint at their immortality prior to their
sin. The tree of life was probably intended to perpetually
sustain all life in Eden, in order to sustain its ideal state
(2:8 – 9). In addition, God’s original command hints that
Adam and Eve knew what death was but were currently
experiencing an immortal life in God’s presence — ​the
source of life itself (2:16). Adam and Eve also were al-
lowed to eat from any tree but the tree of knowledge of
good and evil (2:17). Compare note on 6:3.
3:24 cherubim The Hebrew term used here is plural.
The noun comes from the Akkadian term karub, which
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