Genesis 2:7, 1:26-27

Genesis 3:1-6        – Bible Study Questions

The Fall of Man: Understanding Temptation

Paul J. Bucknell

Observations | The Temptation (Genesis 3:1-6) | The Fall (Genesis 3:7-13) | Questions 3:1-6 | Questions 3:7-13

Genesis 3:1-6   – Bible Study Questions

The Fall into Sin (Genesis 3:1-6)

1 Now the serpent was more crafty than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said to the woman, “Indeed, has God said, ‘You shall not eat from any tree of the garden’?” 2 And the woman said to the serpent, “From the fruit of the trees of the garden we may eat; 3 but from the fruit of the tree which is in the middle of the garden, God has said, ‘You shall not eat from it or touch it, lest you die.’” 4 And the serpent said to the woman, “You surely shall not die! 5 “For God knows that in the day 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 tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was desirable to make one wise, she took from its fruit and ate; and she gave also to her husband with her, and he ate (Genesis 3:1-6, NASB).

  1. Who for the first time is being introduced in Genesis 3:1?

  2. Where is this scene taking place? What do we know of this place? (See Genesis 2:8-17).

  3. What do we know about the serpent from Genesis 3:1?

  4. Who did the serpent speak to (Genesis 3:1)? Who else could he have spoken to?

  5. What did he say in verse 1?

  6. How does this differ from what the Lord God said in Genesis 2:16-17?

  7. Do you think that focusing exclusively on prohibitions is a trick that Satan uses to tempt us? Explain.

  8. Did the woman know ‘God’s Word?’ How do you know (Genesis 3:2-3)?

  9. How did Eve’s response compare to what God said (Genesis 2:16-17)?

  10. What is the second thing the serpent said to Eve in Genesis 3:4-5?

  11. How did what he say here compare to what God said?

  12. What aspect did the serpent focus on in Genesis 3:4?

  13. Was the serpent speaking the whole truth? Where was the temptation?

  14. How did the woman respond to the serpent’s second statement (Genesis 3:6)?

  15. What are the three things that caused her to respond in that way (Genesis 3:6)?

  16. How are these three things similar to the temptations that we face today?

  17. Read 1 John 2:15-17 and compare each of the three items.

  18. After Eve ate from the forbidden tree, what did she do? What happened as a result?

  19. Was Adam deceived the same way that Eve was?

  20. Read 1 Timothy 2:13-14. What further thoughts does this add to the former question.

Taking Your Next Step Toward Full-Time Ministry

    Get the 300+ page book on Genesis! See details.

Discussion questions on Genesis 3:1-6

  1. How would you define temptation? What place does deception play in it? Give an example from your own life where you were tempted? How did you respond? Why?


  2. Who is actually tempting us? Is he saying words to us like he did to Eve? List three methods of trickery that he uses. Give an example of each.


  3. Did God and Satan really speak back then? Do they speak today? Refer to John 8:43-47. Discuss how our discernment of whom is speaking has to do with how we can avoid or fall into temptation.


  4. Our protection will have much to do with how we know and live by the truth. Discuss how we can better acquire and obey these truths. Remember Eve did know God’s truth.


  5. Eve knew the truth but began to think and feel differently. Did you ever feel or think one way even though your feelings did not fully reflect the facts? Should we trust such feelings? How should we handle such situations?


  6. Why was the serpent’s appeal so strong? Was he appealing to an innate desire in Eve? Did Eve want to be like God? Or want to be God? Can she be? Who wanted to be God?


  7. Man’s quest is to be like God. “Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children” (Ephesians 5:1). How did the serpent twist this godly pursuit in 3:5? Notice the phrase ‘like God’ used. How should we rightly pursue God?


The Genesis Index

Genesis Introduction:  Introduction to Genesis |  Outline and Genealogies  |  Genesis' Chronologies (5 & 11) |   Unified Themes of Genesis
Genesis 1-2:3:   The Worship of the Creator |  The Meaning of Creation  |  Creation Lessons on God.  |  God and the World's Religions
Genesis 2:4-17:    Preparation for Man (Genesis 2:4-6) |  Creation of Man (Gen. 2:7, 1:26-27) |  Purpose for Man (Genesis 2:8-17)
Genesis 2:18-25: The Foundations of Marriage
Genesis 3:1-13: The Fall of Man | Temptation (Genesis 3:1-6) | The Fall (Genesis 3:7-13) | Questions 3:1-6 | Questions 3:7-13
Genesis 5-9: Genesis Flood | Genesis 05 Genealogical Chart
Genesis 10-11: Noah's Sons| Questions | History Genesis 10:6-11 | Tower of Babel Genesis 11:1-9 | Questions | Culture Genesis 11
Genesis 12-22:   The Call: Genesis 12.1The Promises: Genesis 12.2-3  |  The Means: Genesis 15The Testing: Genesis 22
Genesis 12-16: Introduction |   Place Detour: Genesis 12:10-20; 20 |  Person Detour: Genesis 12:13-14Procedure Detour: Genesis 16-17
Genesis 14:1-24: Three Steps to Spiritual Growth | #1 Observe | #2 Utlilitize | #3 Secure
Genesis 18-19: Cultural Woes of Sodom | Appearing to Abraham | Visit to Sodom | Debate of Homosexuality and Sodom
Genesis 21-26: Isaac's Model for Godly Marriages
Genesis 27-36: Genesis 27-36 Jacob's Life of Faith
Genesis 25-37: Influence of Sin | God and Man's Sin | Understanding Man's Sin Nature | Understanding Jacob's Sins
Genesis 37-50: Joseph’s Dillusonment | Genesis 42-47:12: The Big Picture | Conclusion | The Reason



BFF Homepage | Top | Back | Bible Topics | Genesis

Biblical Foundations for Freedom