Interactive Study Companion
Before You Begin
Materials Needed
- Bible
- Notebook or Study Journal
- Pen or Pencil
- Dictionary
Research Tools
Use the following resources as you complete this study:
- Reference materials found at BlueLetterBible.com
- Various Bible translations found at BibleGateway.com
Step 1: Search the Chapter
Open your Bible to the chapter being studied.
Read the entire chapter before answering any questions.
As you read, underline or highlight every instance where you find covenant language, including phrases such as:
- I will
- I shall
- Surely
- Certainly
and other similar covenant statements.
Record each occurrence in your notebook.
Step 2: Look for the Promise
For each instance you find, ask:
- Who is speaking?
- What is being promised?
- Who is the promise directed toward?
- What does this reveal about God’s character?
Record your observations in your notebook.
Do not rush through this study.
Slow down.
Compare Scripture with Scripture.
Look up definitions.
Compare translations.
Follow the evidence.
Introduction
Genesis 3 contains some of the most quoted passages in Scripture.
Because they are so familiar, it can be easy to assume we already understand them.
This study examines covenant language in Genesis 3 and encourages us to look carefully at what the text actually says.
As you work through this study, pay close attention to:
- God’s use of “I will”.
- The promises and consequences spoken
- Accountability
- Responses to God’s questions
- The words sorrow and conception
- What Scripture says versus what we may assume it says
1. Check Your Understanding
Search It Out
Look up each passage and record your observations.
Genesis References
- Genesis 1:29
- Genesis 2:17
- Genesis 2:24
- Genesis 3:15
- Genesis 3:16
- Genesis 4:7
Following the Serpent Thread
- Revelation 12:3
- Revelation 12:9
- Revelation 17:3
- Revelation 20:2
- Luke 10:18
- Luke 10:19
- John 12:31
- John 14:30
- John 16:11
- Acts 26:18
- 2 Corinthians 4:4
- Ephesians 2:2
- Ephesians 6:12
- 2 Peter 2:4
- Jude 6
Accountability & Seeking God
- 2 Chronicles 16:1–12
- James 4:2–3
- John 14:13–14
2. Berean Study
Answer the following questions using Scripture and your own observations.
Question 1
When God says “I will” in Genesis 3:15–16, what specifically does He say He will do?
List each statement.
Question 2
Why is it important to study the actual words used in a passage rather than relying on what we have always heard about it?
Use examples from this study.
Question 3
Read Genesis 3:9–13.
What question did God ask Adam?
Did Adam directly answer the question?
Explain your observations.
Question 4
Read Genesis 3:13.
What question did God ask Eve?
How did Eve respond?
Record your observations.
Question 5
What questions arise when you carefully examine the words sorrow and conception in Genesis 3:16?
Record your observations.
3. Go Deeper
A. Compare the Responses
Read Genesis 3:9–13.
Compare:
- Adam’s response
- Eve’s response
Questions
- What similarities do you observe?
- What differences do you observe?
- Who accepted responsibility?
- Where do you see blame shifting?
- What lessons can be learned from each response?
Record your findings.
B. Follow the Consequences
Read Genesis 3:14–19.
Create three columns in your notebook:
- Serpent
- Eve
- Adam
Record everything spoken to each.
Questions
- Which received a direct curse?
- What was cursed because of Adam?
- Is Eve specifically described as cursed?
- What observations can you make?
C. Conception Investigation
Read Genesis 3:16 using various Bible translations found at BibleGateway.com.
Using reference materials found at BlueLetterBible.com:
Questions
- Compare how different translations render Genesis 3:16.
- Which translations use the word conception?
- Which translations use different wording?
- Define the word conception.
- Define the word labor.
- Is conception and labor the same thing?
- What observations do you make from your comparison?
Record your findings in your notebook.
D. Scripture Connection Activity
Match the Scripture to the Description.
Scriptures
- Revelation 12:9
- Luke 10:19
- John 12:31
- Acts 26:18
- Ephesians 6:12
Descriptions
A. Authority over the enemy
B. Spiritual warfare
C. The serpent of old
D. Deliverance from darkness
E. The ruler of this world
E. Define This
Using a dictionary, define:
- Enmity
- Sorrow
- Conception
- Accountability
- Repentance
After defining each word, compare the definitions with how they are used in Genesis 3.
Record your observations.
4. Follow the Thread
Multiple Choice
1.
According to Genesis 3:15, God said He would put enmity between:
A. Adam and Eve
B. Cain and Abel
C. The serpent and the woman
D. The nations
2.
Which word became a major focus of this study?
A. Garden
B. Tree
C. Conception
D. River
3.
According to Revelation 12:9, the serpent is identified as:
A. A prophet
B. The devil and Satan
C. A king
D. An angel
4.
According to 2 Chronicles 16:12, which king sought physicians but did not seek the Lord?
A. David
B. Solomon
C. Asa
D. Hezekiah
5.
Which phrase represents covenant language examined in this study?
A. Fear not
B. It came to pass
C. I Will
D. Let there be
Fill in the Blank
- “I will put ______ between you and the woman.”
- “I will greatly multiply your sorrow and your ______.”
- The great dragon is identified as that ancient ______.
- King ______ sought physicians but did not seek the Lord.
- Our struggle is not against flesh and ______.
5. Personal Application
Looking Beneath the Surface
Think about a challenge you are facing.
Instead of focusing only on the visible problem, consider:
- Is there a deeper root?
- Is there a lesson to be learned?
- Have I examined my own actions honestly?
Record your observations.
Search It Out for Yourself
Choose one of the following words:
- Enmity
- Sorrow
- Conception
- Accountability
- Repentance
Using:
- A dictionary
- Reference materials found at BlueLetterBible.com
- Various Bible translations found at BibleGateway.com
Research the word and record your findings.
Follow the Thread
Choose one passage from the serpent thread.
Trace that theme through at least three additional Scriptures.
Record what you discover.
6. Reflection
One of the themes of this study is the importance of slowing down and examining the actual words found in Scripture.
Take a few moments to reflect on the following:
- What discovery surprised you most?
- What assumption was challenged?
- What did you learn about accountability?
- What did you learn about searching the Scriptures for yourself?
Record your thoughts in your notebook.
7. Continue the Journey
Sometimes the greatest discoveries begin with a single question.
Sometimes a familiar passage reveals something new when we slow down and examine the details.
Continue looking for covenant language.
Continue asking questions.
Continue comparing Scripture with Scripture.
Continue testing assumptions against the text.
The goal is not merely to read Scripture.
The goal is to understand it.
Next Study
Understanding Covenant Language – Genesis 13
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