Genesis 3:8
Verse
Context
God Arraigns Adam and Eve
7And the eyes of both of them were opened, and they knew that they were naked; so they sewed together fig leaves and made coverings for themselves. 8Then the man and his wife heard the voice of the LORD God walking in the garden in the breeze of the day, and they hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God among the trees of the garden.
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
The voice of the Lord - The voice is properly used here, for as God is an infinite Spirit, and cannot be confined to any form, so he can have no personal appearance. It is very likely that God used to converse with them in the garden, and that the usual time was the decline of the day, לרוח היום leruach haiyom, in the evening breeze; and probably this was the time that our first parents employed in the more solemn acts of their religious worship, at which God was ever present. The time for this solemn worship is again come, and God is in his place; but Adam and Eve have sinned, and therefore, instead of being found in the place of worship, are hidden among the trees! Reader, how often has this been thy case!
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
they heard the voice of the Lord God walking in the garden--The divine Being appeared in the same manner as formerly--uttering the well-known tones of kindness, walking in some visible form (not running hastily, as one impelled by the influence of angry feelings). How beautifully expressive are these words of the familiar and condescending manner in which He had hitherto held intercourse with the first pair. in the cool of the day--literally, "the breeze of the day," the evening. hid themselves amongst the trees of the garden--Shame, remorse, fear--a sense of guilt--feelings to which they had hitherto been strangers disordered their minds and led them to shun Him whose approach they used to welcome. How foolish to think of eluding His notice (Psa 139:1-12).
John Gill Bible Commentary
And they heard the voice of the Lord God,.... Which they had heard before, and knew, though perhaps now in another tone, and very terrible, which before was mild and gentle, pleasant and delightful: some by it understand a clap of thunder, sometimes called the voice of the Lord, Psa 29:3 and the rather because mention is made afterwards of a wind; but rather the voice of the Son of God, the eternal Word, is here meant, who appeared in an human form, as a pledge of his future incarnation, and that not only as a Judge, to arraign, examine, and condemn the parties concerned in this act of disobedience to God, but as a Saviour of men, to whom, as such, he made himself known, as the event shows, and therefore they had no reason to entertain such terrible apprehensions of him, as to flee from him; and so the Targums of Onkelos and Jonathan paraphrase it, "the voice of the Word of the Lord God", the essential Word of God then with him, and since made flesh, and dwelt among men as the Saviour of them; and to him agrees what follows: walking in the garden in the cool of the day; or "at the wind of the day" (q); of "that day" in which man was created and fell, as some conclude from hence; in the evening, at sun setting; for very often when the sun sets a wind rises, at least a gentle breeze; and this might bring the sound of the voice, and of the steps of this glorious Person, the sooner to the ears of Adam and his wife, which gave them notice of his near approach, and caused them to hasten their flight: some render it emphatically, "at the wind of that day" (r); as if it was a violent wind which arose at that time, as a sign and testimony of the indignation of God, as the sound of a violent wind was a testimony of the coming of the Spirit of God, Act 2:2. and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God, amongst the trees of the garden; conscious of their guilt, and vainly imagining they could flee from his presence, which is everywhere, and hide themselves from his sight, before whom every creature is manifest, be it where it will; and very foolishly fancying, that the thick trees and bushes in the garden would be a screen and shelter for them: and sad shifts do wretched mortals make to secure themselves from the wrath of God, who are ignorant of the justifying righteousness and atoning sacrifice of the Son of God: it is in the singular number in the original text, "in the midst of the tree of the garden" (s); which some understand of the fig tree, whose leaves they covered themselves with, and under the shade of which they hid themselves; and particularly of the Indian fig tree, which is so large, that it is said that fifty horsemen may shade themselves at noon day under it; nay, some say four hundred (t); but tree may be put for trees, the singular for the plural. (q) "ad ventum diei", Munster, Vatablus, Cartwright, Schmidt. (r) "Ad ventum illius diei", Junius & Tremellius, Piscator, Picherellus. (s) "intra arborem", Fagius. (t) Strabo. Geograph. l. 15. p. 477.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
3:8 When the cool evening breezes were blowing: The Hebrew has traditionally been interpreted as referring to the cool part of the day, most likely the evening. Others think that the language refers to a powerful manifestation of God’s presence (a theophany; see Exod 19:16-25; 1 Sam 7:10) as a storm. If this view is correct, the man and the woman were hiding from the sound of the Lord appearing in judgment (see 2 Sam 5:24; Ps 29). • God put trees in the garden as an environment for humanity to enjoy fellowship with God. Now the man and woman used them to evade the divine presence.
Genesis 3:8
God Arraigns Adam and Eve
7And the eyes of both of them were opened, and they knew that they were naked; so they sewed together fig leaves and made coverings for themselves. 8Then the man and his wife heard the voice of the LORD God walking in the garden in the breeze of the day, and they hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God among the trees of the garden.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Sin Leads Down
By Billy Graham42K02:50GEN 3:8This sermon emphasizes the importance of heeding God's word and the consequences of disobedience and sin. It warns about the impending judgment for wickedness and the need for repentance, drawing parallels to the current state of the world. The story of Jonah fleeing from God's command is used to illustrate the futility of trying to escape from God's presence and the downward spiral of sin. It highlights the inevitability of facing the consequences of disobedience.
Adam and Eve & the Fall
By A.W. Tozer3.7K47:05The FallGEN 3:8EXO 3:4PSA 19:1ISA 6:8MAT 6:33JHN 10:27REV 3:20In this sermon, the preacher discusses the different voices that we encounter in life. He mentions the harsh voice of duty, the accusing voice of our conscience, and the voice of fear that permeates the world. However, he emphasizes that there is another voice, a gentle and inviting voice, that calls us to come to Jesus Christ and leave behind the foolishness of sin. The preacher believes in a friendly heavens and a seeking presence of God, and encourages the listeners to come to God's side and listen to His friendly voice.
Adam and Eve and the Fall - Part 2
By A.W. Tozer3.1K16:39The FallGEN 3:8MAT 6:19MAT 22:37LUK 15:4LUK 15:11LUK 18:13ROM 3:23In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of humility and the foolishness of pride. He uses the example of a wealthy person who only wears one pair of pants, eats one meal, and sleeps in one bed, just like everyone else. The preacher then shifts to the story of Samuel, a young boy who hears the voice of God calling him. He highlights the significance of recognizing and responding to God's voice. The sermon concludes with the message that there is a voice inviting people into God's presence, urging them to come and receive forgiveness and salvation.
And He Saw God - Not the Devil
By Manley Beasley2.2K31:34SatanGEN 3:8ACT 16:25In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of seeing adversities and challenges in life as messages from God rather than the work of the devil. He encourages the audience to shift their perspective and recognize that God allows these difficulties in order to draw them closer to Him. The preacher emphasizes that only God has the power to change one's circumstances and that trying to change the environment on one's own is futile. He urges the congregation to listen to God's voice and respond with praise and thanksgiving, as this will lead to revival and a closer relationship with God.
The Sermon on the Mount - Part 2
By Leonard Ravenhill1.9K51:12Sermon on the MountGEN 3:8MAT 5:48ROM 8:82CO 4:18GAL 6:7JAS 4:14In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that the way the world lives is not aligned with God's plan. He highlights that the answer to all our problems cannot be achieved by human efforts alone, but rather through God's intervention. The preacher emphasizes that the kingdom of God is not found in physical structures like castles and mansions, but rather within each individual. He encourages Christians to have a godlike disposition and to focus on spiritual growth rather than worldly pursuits. The sermon also touches on the importance of living a life dedicated to God and doing His will, rather than seeking personal gain or recognition.
(Through the Bible) Exodus 1-5
By Chuck Smith1.8K1:23:21ExpositionalGEN 50:26EXO 2:15EXO 4:1EXO 4:10In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that God is not just a passive observer of our struggles and suffering. He takes action to deliver His people from their hardships. The preacher also highlights the importance of not getting too attached to material possessions, as they can easily be taken away. Instead, our focus should be on the things of the Spirit and God's eternal kingdom. The sermon references the story of Moses and the Israelites in Egypt, where they faced oppression and hardship, but ultimately God delivered them.
(Daniel) the Writing on the Wall
By Willie Mullan1.7K1:01:37NebuchadnezzarGEN 3:8LEV 10:1PSA 68:35DAN 5:1ROM 1:21ROM 1:25In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of King Belshazzar from the book of Daniel in the Bible. The sermon begins by describing how Belshazzar and his companions were engaging in blasphemous behavior, praising false gods and disrespecting the vessels taken from the temple of God. Suddenly, a supernatural event occurs where fingers of a man's hand appear and write a message on the wall. The preacher highlights how Daniel interprets the message, revealing that God has judged Belshazzar and his kingdom will be divided and given to others. The sermon concludes by emphasizing the importance of not despising God's righteousness and the consequences of defying the Lord.
(Genesis) 9 - the Sting of Death and the Seed of the Woman
By S. Lewis Johnson1.7K51:29DeathGEN 3:8In this sermon, the preacher focuses on Genesis chapter 3, specifically verses 8-19. He highlights the consequences of Adam and Eve's sin, including their awareness of their nakedness and their attempt to hide from God. The preacher emphasizes the need for individuals to come to Jesus for salvation and acknowledges the power of Christ's sacrifice to overcome sin. He concludes by urging listeners to acknowledge their sin, receive God's salvation, and pray for others to do the same.
Every Knee Shall Bow
By Paris Reidhead1.6K45:48WorshipGEN 1:26GEN 3:8GEN 6:14GEN 12:1EXO 3:10ROM 2:14PHP 2:10In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of giving Jesus Christ the worship, love, adoration, and obedience that he deserves. The preacher highlights the sins committed by humanity, including trampling underfoot the blood of the everlasting covenant. The sermon warns of the consequences of sin and the weight of guilt, stating that only God's loving protection keeps us from the pit. The preacher also emphasizes the incredible act of God's love in sending his Son to become flesh and dwell among us, taking on our form and experiencing temptation without sinning.
(Genesis #4) Thunder-Peals in Paradise
By J. Glyn Owen1.6K55:26RebellionGEN 3:8In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the confrontation between God and Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. He emphasizes that God's justice is not without mercy, even in this situation. The main themes discussed are the divine summons for Adam and Eve to explain their actions and the divine sentence that follows. The preacher highlights the principle that sin is always followed by judgment and emphasizes the importance of being accountable to God.
How Satan Destroys a Church - Part 2 (How Satan Destroys by Dividing)
By Don Courville1.3K55:05Spiritual WarfareGEN 3:8JDG 7:19MAT 6:33ROM 8:371CO 15:55EPH 5:211PE 1:7In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of unity and agreement in relationships. He uses the analogy of a car engine to illustrate the need to address any issues or disagreements immediately, as they can lead to bigger problems down the road. The preacher also discusses the concept of rebellion, stating that any disobedience or non-submission is considered rebellion against God. He then delves into how Satan tries to destroy the church by dividing believers, using the example of the enemy's tactics in the Genesis account. The sermon concludes with a prayer expressing gratitude for God's love and the hope that comes from experiencing trials and hardships.
Jesus Before Bethlehem
By David Guzik1.3K37:51GEN 3:8GEN 18:1MIC 5:2REV 22:13In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of Jesus coming to earth and having face-to-face encounters with his people. The preacher highlights instances in the Bible where Jesus, in his pre-incarnate form, walked and met with Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden and appeared to Abraham as three visitors. The preacher expresses concern over people finding meaning and purpose in entertainment, such as the Backstreet Boys, and emphasizes that true purpose can only be found in Jesus Christ. The sermon concludes with an invitation to follow Jesus and experience a higher calling and purpose in life.
Lame Feet Under the King's Table - Mephibosheth
By Paris Reidhead1.2K39:04Christian LifeGEN 3:8MAT 9:12JHN 3:16ROM 6:23EPH 2:8In this sermon, the preacher discusses the theme of fellowship as portrayed in 2 Samuel chapter 9. The sermon emphasizes the principles of fellowship that are eternally true and useful. The preacher shares a story about a conversation between Mr. Moody and a woman who is hesitant to kneel alongside her coachman due to social differences. Mr. Moody's response highlights the importance of being placed in the father's family as a child, a son, and an heir through Christ. The sermon concludes by emphasizing the incomprehensible love and mercy of God, who welcomes sinners to eat at the king's table through the covenant made with Jesus Christ.
Praying the Scriptures - Volume 1
By David Ford1.1K1:00:25Scripture PrayingGEN 3:8REV 3:15In this sermon, the preacher addresses the issue of lukewarm faith and warns against being neither hot nor cold in one's devotion to God. He emphasizes the need for repentance and zealousness in order to avoid being rejected by God. The preacher also highlights the importance of recognizing and responding to the voice of God, using biblical references such as Genesis 3:8. The sermon concludes with a call to humble ourselves, pray, seek God's face, and turn from our wicked ways, in order to experience revival and healing in our lives and land.
His Manifest Presence - Part 2
By Walter Beuttler1.0K54:57Presence of GodGEN 3:8EXO 33:14PSA 25:4PSA 51:11PSA 139:7JON 1:3MAT 11:25In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a personal encounter with God. He highlights that while acquiring knowledge is valuable, it is our personal relationship with God that truly matters in ministry. The speaker encourages the audience to seek the presence of God as a place of refuge and restoration. He also discusses the importance of following the laws of God's presence, which govern our actions and thoughts.
Prayer
By Don Courville57227:02PrayerGEN 3:8PSA 14:2PSA 15:1MAT 6:33JHN 15:7PHP 3:7In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of prayer in the life of a believer. They highlight the need for the church to awaken and recognize the power of prayer. The speaker references various Christian leaders who have emphasized the significance of prayer, such as E. Host, A.W. Tozer, J.H. Jowett, and Hugh Redwood. They also quote a poem that emphasizes the need for more prayer in our lives. Overall, the sermon encourages listeners to prioritize prayer and seek a deeper relationship with God through it.
Understanding the Cycles of Revival
By Richard Owen Roberts54623:20GEN 3:8This sermon delves into the cycles of history and revival, emphasizing the importance of repentance, genuine tears of sorrow, and crying out to God for deliverance. It highlights the pattern of a right relationship with God, sin leading to judgment, heartfelt cries for help, and God raising up deliverers. The speaker urges the audience to recognize the decline in faith, the need for repentance, and the power of a remnant crying out to God for restoration.
The Fall of Man
By Zac Poonen50425:04GEN 3:8This sermon delves into Genesis chapters 1, 2, and 3, exploring God's original purpose for humanity, the fall into sin, and the consequences of sin. It emphasizes the tendency to hide from God and others due to shame, symbolized by Adam and Eve's fig leaves. The sermon highlights the human desire for acceptance, often leading to wearing masks and seeking approval from others. It concludes with the importance of taking personal responsibility for sin, acknowledging failures, and finding acceptance in God rather than seeking validation from people.
The Second Coming 07 How I Came to Know Him
By Stan Ford43655:49GEN 3:8GEN 37:28MAT 22:37ROM 3:231TI 1:121TI 1:152TI 3:16In this sermon, the preacher shares his personal experience of encountering Jesus and the impact it had on his life. He describes how he initially had a religious mindset but was confronted with the truth about his own sinfulness through the Word of God. This realization led him to understand the love of God and the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross for his sins. As he continued to attend the preaching sessions, he found joy and peace in the presence of God and became more engaged with the message. The preacher emphasizes the importance of focusing on Jesus and His love rather than just following a set of rules or regulations.
On Eagles' Wings Pt 109
By Don Courville32626:56Radio ShowGEN 3:8MAT 6:33ROM 12:22CO 6:142TI 1:7HEB 10:35JAS 1:22In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience where God revealed to him the perversion of Bible versions. He emphasizes that the presence of confusion in churches is a characteristic of Satan, which is caused by the various versions of the Bible available today. The speaker also mentions the spiritual warfare they are currently facing and the need for believers to be prepared and not deceived. The sermon concludes with a reminder of the importance of walking in the Spirit and trusting in Jesus as the only Savior.
Walking in God's Light
By Phil Beach Jr.2751:01Christian LifeWalking in the LightHumility and ConfessionGEN 3:8Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the necessity of walking in God's light to experience true healing and intimacy with Him. He reflects on his own struggles with pride and fear of exposure, likening them to Adam and Eve's hiding from God in the garden. Beach encourages believers to confront their hidden sins and embrace vulnerability, as true fellowship with God and others can only occur in the light of honesty and humility. He shares personal testimonies of healing through confession and the transformative power of God's love, urging listeners to come to God as they are, acknowledging their need for grace.
Walking With God - Part 1
By Phil Beach Jr.231:05:55Spiritual FellowshipWalking With GodGodGEN 3:8PSA 42:1PSA 63:1ISA 55:1MAT 5:6JHN 21:18PHP 3:14HEB 12:1JAS 4:81JN 2:6Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the profound calling of walking with God, highlighting that this relationship is rooted in fellowship and communication with the Creator. He reflects on the significance of walking as a spiritual metaphor, contrasting it with the contemporary focus on physical exercise, and stresses that true fulfillment comes from a deep connection with God. The sermon explores the biblical foundation of this calling, beginning with Genesis 3:8, where God seeks fellowship with humanity, and discusses the necessity of spiritual hunger and brokenness to truly desire a relationship with Him. Beach encourages believers to recognize God's pursuit of them and to respond by seeking a deeper communion with Him, especially during times of spiritual dryness or wilderness experiences.
Genesis 3 - What Extinguishes the Presence of the Lord
By Shane Idleman1755:43The Presence of GodOvercoming SinGEN 3:8ROM 1:18Shane Idleman addresses the critical issue of what extinguishes the presence of the Lord, emphasizing the alarming statistics of a declining biblical worldview in America. He highlights the importance of understanding and embracing God's Word, particularly in the context of contemporary issues like gender identity and sin. Shane stresses that sin, fear, lack of desire, and pride can hinder our relationship with God, while true repentance and a hunger for His presence can restore it. He encourages believers to seek a deeper relationship with God, reminding them that the presence of the Lord brings life, hope, and renewal amidst the chaos of the world.
Manifest Presence of God - Part 9
By Walter Beuttler1GEN 3:81SA 3:10JER 23:24MAT 6:6JHN 14:21Walter Beuttler shares personal experiences of feeling the omnipresence of God in various challenging situations, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging God's presence in our lives at all times. Through moments of danger and uncertainty, Beuttler learns to trust in God's presence, finding comfort and reassurance even in the face of potential disaster. He highlights the power of prayer and the manifestation of God's presence in times of need, encouraging believers to seek a deeper, more personal relationship with Jesus.
Drawing Closer to Him
By David Wilkerson0Intimacy With GodJustificationGEN 3:81PE 3:18David Wilkerson emphasizes that the essence of true, saving faith is the desire to draw closer to God, highlighting that Jesus suffered and died to restore our intimate fellowship with the Father. He explains that sin separates us from God, just as it did with Adam, and that God's hatred for sin stems from its ability to rob us of this fellowship. The power of justification through Christ allows us to overcome feelings of unworthiness and access God's presence, as we are made righteous in Him. Wilkerson reminds us that Jesus' sacrifice was not merely for our salvation but for daily communion with God, inviting us to live in close relationship with Him.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
The voice of the Lord - The voice is properly used here, for as God is an infinite Spirit, and cannot be confined to any form, so he can have no personal appearance. It is very likely that God used to converse with them in the garden, and that the usual time was the decline of the day, לרוח היום leruach haiyom, in the evening breeze; and probably this was the time that our first parents employed in the more solemn acts of their religious worship, at which God was ever present. The time for this solemn worship is again come, and God is in his place; but Adam and Eve have sinned, and therefore, instead of being found in the place of worship, are hidden among the trees! Reader, how often has this been thy case!
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
they heard the voice of the Lord God walking in the garden--The divine Being appeared in the same manner as formerly--uttering the well-known tones of kindness, walking in some visible form (not running hastily, as one impelled by the influence of angry feelings). How beautifully expressive are these words of the familiar and condescending manner in which He had hitherto held intercourse with the first pair. in the cool of the day--literally, "the breeze of the day," the evening. hid themselves amongst the trees of the garden--Shame, remorse, fear--a sense of guilt--feelings to which they had hitherto been strangers disordered their minds and led them to shun Him whose approach they used to welcome. How foolish to think of eluding His notice (Psa 139:1-12).
John Gill Bible Commentary
And they heard the voice of the Lord God,.... Which they had heard before, and knew, though perhaps now in another tone, and very terrible, which before was mild and gentle, pleasant and delightful: some by it understand a clap of thunder, sometimes called the voice of the Lord, Psa 29:3 and the rather because mention is made afterwards of a wind; but rather the voice of the Son of God, the eternal Word, is here meant, who appeared in an human form, as a pledge of his future incarnation, and that not only as a Judge, to arraign, examine, and condemn the parties concerned in this act of disobedience to God, but as a Saviour of men, to whom, as such, he made himself known, as the event shows, and therefore they had no reason to entertain such terrible apprehensions of him, as to flee from him; and so the Targums of Onkelos and Jonathan paraphrase it, "the voice of the Word of the Lord God", the essential Word of God then with him, and since made flesh, and dwelt among men as the Saviour of them; and to him agrees what follows: walking in the garden in the cool of the day; or "at the wind of the day" (q); of "that day" in which man was created and fell, as some conclude from hence; in the evening, at sun setting; for very often when the sun sets a wind rises, at least a gentle breeze; and this might bring the sound of the voice, and of the steps of this glorious Person, the sooner to the ears of Adam and his wife, which gave them notice of his near approach, and caused them to hasten their flight: some render it emphatically, "at the wind of that day" (r); as if it was a violent wind which arose at that time, as a sign and testimony of the indignation of God, as the sound of a violent wind was a testimony of the coming of the Spirit of God, Act 2:2. and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God, amongst the trees of the garden; conscious of their guilt, and vainly imagining they could flee from his presence, which is everywhere, and hide themselves from his sight, before whom every creature is manifest, be it where it will; and very foolishly fancying, that the thick trees and bushes in the garden would be a screen and shelter for them: and sad shifts do wretched mortals make to secure themselves from the wrath of God, who are ignorant of the justifying righteousness and atoning sacrifice of the Son of God: it is in the singular number in the original text, "in the midst of the tree of the garden" (s); which some understand of the fig tree, whose leaves they covered themselves with, and under the shade of which they hid themselves; and particularly of the Indian fig tree, which is so large, that it is said that fifty horsemen may shade themselves at noon day under it; nay, some say four hundred (t); but tree may be put for trees, the singular for the plural. (q) "ad ventum diei", Munster, Vatablus, Cartwright, Schmidt. (r) "Ad ventum illius diei", Junius & Tremellius, Piscator, Picherellus. (s) "intra arborem", Fagius. (t) Strabo. Geograph. l. 15. p. 477.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
3:8 When the cool evening breezes were blowing: The Hebrew has traditionally been interpreted as referring to the cool part of the day, most likely the evening. Others think that the language refers to a powerful manifestation of God’s presence (a theophany; see Exod 19:16-25; 1 Sam 7:10) as a storm. If this view is correct, the man and the woman were hiding from the sound of the Lord appearing in judgment (see 2 Sam 5:24; Ps 29). • God put trees in the garden as an environment for humanity to enjoy fellowship with God. Now the man and woman used them to evade the divine presence.