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You will crawl on your belly and you will eat dust all the days of your life. <a href="/nlt/genesis/3.htm">New Living Translation</a> Then the LORD God said to the serpent, “Because you have done this, you are cursed more than all animals, domestic and wild. You will crawl on your belly, groveling in the dust as long as you live. <a href="/esv/genesis/3.htm">English Standard Version</a> The LORD God said to the serpent, “Because you have done this, cursed are you above all livestock and above all beasts of the field; on your belly you shall go, and dust you shall eat all the days of your life. <a href="/bsb/genesis/3.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> So the LORD God said to the serpent: “Because you have done this, cursed are you above all livestock and every beast of the field! On your belly will you go, and dust you will eat, all the days of your life. <a href="/kjv/genesis/3.htm">King James Bible</a> And the LORD God said unto the serpent, Because thou hast done this, thou art cursed above all cattle, and above every beast of the field; upon thy belly shalt thou go, and dust shalt thou eat all the days of thy life: <a href="/nkjv/genesis/3.htm">New King James Version</a> So the LORD God said to the serpent: “Because you have done this, You are cursed more than all cattle, And more than every beast of the field; On your belly you shall go, And you shall eat dust All the days of your life. <a href="/nasb_/genesis/3.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Then the LORD God said to the serpent, “Because you have done this, Cursed are you more than all the livestock, And more than any animal of the field; On your belly you shall go, And dust you shall eat All the days of your life; <a href="/nasb/genesis/3.htm">NASB 1995</a> The LORD God said to the serpent, &#8220Because you have done this, Cursed are you more than all cattle, And more than every beast of the field; On your belly you will go, And dust you will eat All the days of your life; <a href="/nasb77/genesis/3.htm">NASB 1977 </a> And the LORD God said to the serpent, “Because you have done this, Cursed are you more than all cattle, And more than every beast of the field; On your belly shall you go, And dust shall you eat All the days of your life; <a href="/lsb/genesis/3.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> And Yahweh God said to the serpent, “Because you have done this, Cursed are you more than any of the cattle, And more than every beast of the field; On your belly you will go, And dust you will eat All the days of your life; <a href="/amp/genesis/3.htm">Amplified Bible</a> The LORD God said to the serpent, “Because you have done this, You are cursed more than all the cattle, And more than any animal of the field; On your belly you shall go, And dust you shall eat All the days of your life. <a href="/csb/genesis/3.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> So the LORD God said to the serpent: Because you have done this, you are cursed more than any livestock and more than any wild animal. You will move on your belly and eat dust all the days of your life. <a href="/hcsb/genesis/3.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Then the LORD God said to the serpent: Because you have done this, you are cursed more than any livestock and more than any wild animal. You will move on your belly and eat dust all the days of your life. <a href="/asv/genesis/3.htm">American Standard Version</a> And Jehovah God said unto the serpent, Because thou hast done this, cursed art thou above all cattle, and above every beast of the field; upon thy belly shalt thou go, and dust shalt thou eat all the days of thy life: <a href="/cev/genesis/3.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> So the LORD God said to the snake: "Because of what you have done, you will be the only animal to suffer this curse--For as long as you live, you will crawl on your stomach and eat dirt. <a href="/erv/genesis/3.htm">English Revised Version</a> And the LORD God said unto the serpent, Because thou hast done this, cursed art thou above all cattle, and above every beast of the field; upon thy belly shalt thou go, and dust shalt thou eat all the days of thy life: <a href="/gwt/genesis/3.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> So the LORD God said to the snake, "Because you have done this, You are cursed more than all the wild or domestic animals. You will crawl on your belly. You will be the lowest of animals as long as you live. <a href="/gnt/genesis/3.htm">Good News Translation</a> Then the LORD God said to the snake, "You will be punished for this; you alone of all the animals must bear this curse: From now on you will crawl on your belly, and you will have to eat dust as long as you live. <a href="/isv/genesis/3.htm">International Standard Version</a> The LORD God told the Shining One, "Because you have done this, you are more cursed than all the livestock, and more than all the earth's animals, You'll crawl on your belly and eat dust as long as you live. <a href="/msb/genesis/3.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> So the LORD God said to the serpent: ?Because you have done this, cursed are you above all livestock and every beast of the field! On your belly will you go, and dust you will eat, all the days of your life. <a href="/net/genesis/3.htm">NET Bible</a> The LORD God said to the serpent, "Because you have done this, cursed are you above all the wild beasts and all the living creatures of the field! On your belly you will crawl and dust you will eat all the days of your life. <a href="/nheb/genesis/3.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> So God said to the serpent, "Because you have done this, cursed are you above every tame animal, and above every wild animal. On your belly you shall go, and you shall eat dust all the days of your life. <a href="/wbt/genesis/3.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And the LORD God said to the serpent, Because thou hast done this, thou art cursed above all cattle, and above every beast of the field: upon thy belly shalt thou go, and dust shalt thou eat all the days of thy life: <a href="/web/genesis/3.htm">World English Bible</a> Yahweh God said to the serpent, “Because you have done this, you are cursed above all livestock, and above every animal of the field. You shall go on your belly and you shall eat dust all the days of your life. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/genesis/3.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And YHWH God says to the serpent, “Because you have done this, cursed [are] you above all the livestock, and above every beast of the field: on your belly you go, and dust you eat, [for] all days of your life; <a href="/ylt/genesis/3.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And Jehovah God saith unto the serpent, 'Because thou hast done this, cursed art thou above all the cattle, and above every beast of the field: on thy belly dost thou go, and dust thou dost eat, all days of thy life; <a href="/slt/genesis/3.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And Jehovah God will say to the serpent, Because thou didst this, cursed art thou above all cattle, and above every beast of the field; upon thy belly shalt thou go, and dust thou shalt eat all the days of thy life.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/genesis/3.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And the Lord God said to the serpent: Because thou hast done this thing, thou art cursed among all cattle, and the beasts of the earth: upon thy breast shalt thou go, and earth shalt thou eat all the days of thy life. <a href="/cpdv/genesis/3.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And the Lord God said to the serpent: “Because you have done this, you are cursed among all living things, even the wild beasts of the earth. Upon your breast shall you travel, and the ground shall you eat, all the days of your life. <a href="/nabre/genesis/3.htm">New American Bible</a> Then the LORD God said to the snake: Because you have done this, cursed are you among all the animals, tame or wild; On your belly you shall crawl, and dust you shall eat all the days of your life. <a href="/nrsvce/genesis/3.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> The LORD God said to the serpent, “Because you have done this, cursed are you among all animals and among all wild creatures; upon your belly you shall go, and dust you shall eat all the days of your life.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/genesis/3.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And the LORD God said to the serpent, Because you have done this thing, cursed are you above all cattle, and above all beasts of the field; on your belly shall you go, and dust shall you eat all the days of your life; <a href="/hpbt/genesis/3.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And LORD JEHOVAH God said to the Serpent, “Because you have done this, you are cursed more than all cattle, and more than every animal of the wilderness, and upon your belly you will walk, and you will eat dust all the days of your life:<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/genesis/3.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> And the LORD God said unto the serpent: 'Because thou hast done this, cursed art thou from among all cattle, and from among all beasts of the field; upon thy belly shalt thou go, and dust shalt thou eat all the days of thy life. <a href="/sep/genesis/3.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And the Lord God said to the serpent, Because thou hast done this thou art cursed above all cattle and all the brutes of the earth, on thy breast and belly thou shalt go, and thou shalt eat earth all the days of thy life. <a href="/parallel/genesis/3-14.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7ehevn8iSgc?start=633" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/genesis/3.htm">The Fate of the Serpent</a> 14<a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">So the LORD</a> <a href="/hebrew/430.htm" title="430: ’ĕ·lō·hîm (N-mp) -- Plural of 'elowahh; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used of the supreme God">God</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mer (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">said</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. ">to</a> <a href="/hebrew/5175.htm" title="5175: han·nā·ḥāš (Art:: N-ms) -- A serpent. From nachash; a snake.">the serpent:</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">“Because</a> <a href="/hebrew/6213.htm" title="6213: ‘ā·śî·ṯā (V-Qal-Perf-2ms) -- To do, make. A primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application.">you have done</a> <a href="/hebrew/2063.htm" title="2063: zōṯ (Pro-fs) -- Hereby in it, likewise, the one other, same, she, so much, such deed, that. Irregular feminine of zeh; this.">this,</a> <a href="/hebrew/779.htm" title="779: ’ā·rūr (V-Qal-QalPassPrtcpl-ms) -- To curse. A primitive root; to execrate.">cursed</a> <a href="/hebrew/859.htm" title="859: ’at·tāh (Pro-2ms) -- You (masc. sing.). ">are you</a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: mik·kāl (Prep-m:: N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">above all</a> <a href="/hebrew/929.htm" title="929: hab·bə·hê·māh (Art:: N-fs) -- A beast, animal, cattle. From an unused root; properly, a dumb beast; especially any large quadruped or animal.">livestock</a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: ū·mik·kōl (Conj-w, Prep-m:: N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">and every</a> <a href="/hebrew/2416.htm" title="2416: ḥay·yaṯ (N-fsc) -- Alive, raw, fresh, strong, life. From chayah; alive; hence, raw; fresh, strong; also life, whether literally or figuratively.">beast</a> <a href="/hebrew/7704.htm" title="7704: haś·śā·ḏeh (Art:: N-ms) -- Field, land. Or saday; from an unused root meaning to spread out; a field.">of the field!</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘al- (Prep) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">On</a> <a href="/hebrew/1512.htm" title="1512: gə·ḥō·nə·ḵā (N-msc:: 2ms) -- Belly (of reptiles). Probably from giyach; the external abdomen, belly (compare Giychown).">your belly</a> <a href="/hebrew/1980.htm" title="1980: ṯê·lêḵ (V-Qal-Imperf-2ms) -- To go, come, walk. Akin to yalak; a primitive root; to walk.">will you go,</a> <a href="/hebrew/6083.htm" title="6083: wə·‘ā·p̄ār (Conj-w:: N-ms) -- Dry earth, dust. From aphar; dust; hence, clay, earth, mud.">and dust</a> <a href="/hebrew/398.htm" title="398: tō·ḵal (V-Qal-Imperf-2ms) -- To eat. A primitive root; to eat.">you will eat,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: kāl- (N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">all</a> <a href="/hebrew/3117.htm" title="3117: yə·mê (N-mpc) -- Day. From an unused root meaning to be hot; a day, whether literal, or figurative.">the days</a> <a href="/hebrew/2416.htm" title="2416: ḥay·ye·ḵā (N-mpc:: 2ms) -- Alive, raw, fresh, strong, life. From chayah; alive; hence, raw; fresh, strong; also life, whether literally or figuratively.">of your life.</a> 15And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her seed. He will crush your head, and you will strike his heel.”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/revelation/12-9.htm">Revelation 12:9</a> And the great dragon was hurled down—that ancient serpent called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world. He was hurled to the earth, and his angels with him. <a href="/isaiah/65-25.htm">Isaiah 65:25</a> The wolf and the lamb will feed together, and the lion will eat straw like the ox, but the food of the serpent will be dust. They will neither harm nor destroy on all My holy mountain,” says the LORD. <a href="/romans/16-20.htm">Romans 16:20</a> The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. <a href="/revelation/20-2.htm">Revelation 20:2</a> He seized the dragon, that ancient serpent who is the devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years. <a href="/isaiah/11-8.htm">Isaiah 11:8</a> The infant will play by the cobra’s den, and the toddler will reach into the viper’s nest. <a href="/2_corinthians/11-3.htm">2 Corinthians 11:3</a> I am afraid, however, that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning, your minds may be led astray from your simple and pure devotion to Christ. <a href="/john/8-44.htm">John 8:44</a> You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out his desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, refusing to uphold the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, because he is a liar and the father of lies. <a href="/matthew/23-33.htm">Matthew 23:33</a> You snakes! You brood of vipers! How will you escape the sentence of hell? <a href="/revelation/12-14.htm">Revelation 12:14-15</a> But the woman was given two wings of a great eagle to fly from the presence of the serpent to her place in the wilderness, where she was nourished for a time, and times, and half a time. / Then from his mouth the serpent spewed water like a river to overtake the woman and sweep her away in the torrent. <a href="/isaiah/27-1.htm">Isaiah 27:1</a> In that day the LORD will take His sharp, great, and mighty sword, and bring judgment on Leviathan the fleeing serpent—Leviathan the coiling serpent—and He will slay the dragon of the sea. <a href="/job/1-7.htm">Job 1:7</a> “Where have you come from?” said the LORD to Satan. “From roaming through the earth,” he replied, “and walking back and forth in it.” <a href="/luke/10-19.htm">Luke 10:19</a> Behold, I have given you authority to tread on snakes and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy. Nothing will harm you. <a href="/1_john/3-8.htm">1 John 3:8</a> The one who practices sin is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the very start. This is why the Son of God was revealed, to destroy the works of the devil. <a href="/revelation/20-10.htm">Revelation 20:10</a> And the devil who had deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and sulfur, into which the beast and the false prophet had already been thrown. There they will be tormented day and night forever and ever. <a href="/psalms/72-9.htm">Psalm 72:9</a> May the nomads bow before him, and his enemies lick the dust.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And the LORD God said to the serpent, Because you have done this, you are cursed above all cattle, and above every beast of the field; on your belly shall you go, and dust shall you eat all the days of your life:thou art.<a href="/genesis/3-1.htm">Genesis 3:1</a> Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?<a href="/genesis/9-6.htm">Genesis 9:6</a> Whoso sheddeth man's blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made he man.<a href="/exodus/21-28.htm">Exodus 21:28-32</a> If an ox gore a man or a woman, that they die: then the ox shall be surely stoned, and his flesh shall not be eaten; but the owner of the ox shall be quit… dust.<a href="/psalms/72-9.htm">Psalm 72:9</a> They that dwell in the wilderness shall bow before him; and his enemies shall lick the dust.<a href="/isaiah/29-4.htm">Isaiah 29:4</a> And thou shalt be brought down, and shalt speak out of the ground, and thy speech shall be low out of the dust, and thy voice shall be, as of one that hath a familiar spirit, out of the ground, and thy speech shall whisper out of the dust.<a href="/isaiah/65-25.htm">Isaiah 65:25</a> The wolf and the lamb shall feed together, and the lion shall eat straw like the bullock: and dust shall be the serpent's meat. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain, saith the LORD.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/genesis/3-1.htm">Animal</a> <a href="/genesis/3-1.htm">Beast</a> <a href="/genesis/2-20.htm">Beasts</a> <a href="/revelation/10-10.htm">Belly</a> <a href="/genesis/2-20.htm">Cattle</a> <a href="/revelation/21-27.htm">Cursed</a> <a href="/genesis/2-7.htm">Dust</a> <a href="/genesis/3-13.htm">Eat</a> <a href="/genesis/3-1.htm">Field</a> <a href="/genesis/2-20.htm">Livestock</a> <a href="/genesis/3-13.htm">Serpent</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/genesis/6-7.htm">Animal</a> <a href="/genesis/6-7.htm">Beast</a> <a href="/genesis/7-2.htm">Beasts</a> <a href="/genesis/41-21.htm">Belly</a> <a href="/genesis/4-20.htm">Cattle</a> <a href="/genesis/3-17.htm">Cursed</a> <a href="/genesis/3-19.htm">Dust</a> <a href="/genesis/3-17.htm">Eat</a> <a href="/genesis/3-18.htm">Field</a> <a href="/genesis/4-20.htm">Livestock</a> <a href="/genesis/49-17.htm">Serpent</a><div class="vheading2">Genesis 3</div>1. <a href="/genesis/3-1.htm">The serpent deceives Eve.</a> 6. <a href="/genesis/3-6.htm">Both she and Adam transgress the divine command, and fall into sin.</a> 8. <a href="/genesis/3-8.htm">God arraigns them.</a> 14. <a href="/genesis/3-14.htm">The serpent is cursed.</a> 15. <a href="/genesis/3-15.htm">The promised seed.</a> 16. <a href="/genesis/3-16.htm">The punishment of mankind.</a> 21. <a href="/genesis/3-21.htm">Their first clothing.</a> 22. <a href="/genesis/3-22.htm">Their expulsion from paradise.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/genesis/3.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/genesis/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/genesis/3.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>So the LORD God said to the serpent: This phrase introduces the divine judgment pronounced by God. The serpent, identified later in Scripture as Satan (<a href="/revelation/12-9.htm">Revelation 12:9</a>), is addressed directly by God, indicating the seriousness of the transgression. The use of "LORD God" emphasizes God's authority and sovereignty. The serpent's role in the fall of man marks the beginning of enmity between humanity and evil, a theme that runs throughout the Bible.Because you have done this: The phrase refers to the serpent's deception of Eve, leading to the fall of humanity. This act of deception is pivotal in the narrative of sin entering the world. It highlights the serpent's cunning nature and sets the stage for the ongoing spiritual battle between good and evil. This moment is foundational for understanding the need for redemption and the eventual coming of Christ.Cursed are you above all livestock and every beast of the field! The curse pronounced on the serpent is unique and severe, indicating its role in the fall. The comparison to livestock and beasts underscores the serpent's degradation. In ancient Near Eastern culture, serpents were often seen as symbols of chaos and evil, which aligns with the biblical portrayal. This curse foreshadows the ultimate defeat of Satan, as seen in <a href="/revelation/20-10.htm">Revelation 20:10</a>.On your belly will you go, This phrase suggests a change in the serpent's form or status, symbolizing humiliation and defeat. The imagery of crawling on the belly is associated with subjugation and disgrace. It serves as a reminder of the consequences of rebellion against God. This imagery is echoed in <a href="/isaiah/65-25.htm">Isaiah 65:25</a>, where peace is restored, and the serpent's role is diminished.And dust you will eat, Eating dust is a metaphor for total defeat and subjugation. In the ancient world, dust was often associated with death and mourning. This phrase signifies the serpent's ultimate humiliation and the futility of its rebellion. It also points to the ongoing struggle between humanity and evil, culminating in Christ's victory over sin and death.All the days of your life. The perpetual nature of the curse indicates that the serpent's defeat is ongoing and eternal. This phrase underscores the enduring consequences of sin and the certainty of God's judgment. It also points to the hope of redemption and restoration through Jesus Christ, who will ultimately crush the serpent's head, as prophesied in <a href="/genesis/3-15.htm">Genesis 3:15</a>.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/t/the_lord_god.htm">The LORD God</a> The Creator and sovereign ruler of the universe, who pronounces judgment on the serpent. 2. <a href="/topical/t/the_serpent.htm">The Serpent</a> The creature used by Satan to deceive Eve, leading to the fall of man. The serpent is cursed by God as a result of its role in the deception. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_garden_of_eden.htm">The Garden of Eden</a> The setting of the fall, where Adam and Eve lived before their disobedience led to their expulsion.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_reality_of_sin_and_its_consequences.htm">The Reality of Sin and Its Consequences</a> The curse on the serpent is a direct result of sin, illustrating that sin has real and lasting consequences. <a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_in_judgment.htm">God's Sovereignty in Judgment</a> God's pronouncement of judgment on the serpent demonstrates His authority and justice. <a href="/topical/t/the_symbolism_of_the_serpent.htm">The Symbolism of the Serpent</a> The serpent's curse to crawl on its belly and eat dust symbolizes humiliation and defeat, serving as a reminder of the ultimate defeat of evil. <a href="/topical/h/hope_in_redemption.htm">Hope in Redemption</a> While the curse is a result of sin, it also points to the hope of redemption and the eventual restoration of creation. <a href="/topical/s/spiritual_warfare.htm">Spiritual Warfare</a> Understanding the serpent's role helps believers recognize the ongoing spiritual battle and the need for vigilance against deception.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_genesis_3.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Genesis 3</a> <a href="/q/how_does_the_bible_turn_curses_to_blessings.htm">How does the Bible transform curses into blessings?</a> <a href="/q/is_satan_a_serpent_in_texts.htm">Is Satan depicted as a serpent in religious texts?</a> <a href="/q/what_is_the_adamic_covenant.htm">What is the Adamic Covenant?</a> <a href="/q/can_animals_commit_sins.htm">Can animals commit sins?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/genesis/3.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(14, 15) Unto the serpent.--As the serpent had tempted our first parents purposely and consciously in order to lead them into sin, he stood there without excuse, and received a threefold penalty. The outward form of the condemnation is made suitable to the shape which the tempter had assumed; but the true force and meaning, especially in the last and most intense portion of the sentence, belong, not to the animal, but to Satan himself. The serpent is but the type: diabolic agency the reality. First, therefore, the serpent is condemned to crawl. As he is pronounced to be "cursed above (or rather, among) all cattle"--that is, the tame animals subjected to man's service--and also "among all beasts of the field"--that is, the wild animals, but a term not applicable to reptiles--it has been supposed that the serpent was originally erect and beautiful, and that Adam had even tamed serpents, and had them in his household. But such a transformation belongs to the region of fable, and the meaning is that henceforward the serpent's crawling motion is to be to it a mark of disgrace, and to Satan a sign of meanness and contempt. He won the victory over our guileless first parents, and still he winds in and out among men, ever bringing degradation with him, and ever sinking with his victims into deeper abysses of shame and infamy. Yet, even so, perpetually he suffers defeat, and has, secondly, to "lick the dust," because his mean devices lead, as in this place, only to the manifestation of God's glory. In the Paradise Lost Milton has made Satan a hero, though fallen; really he is a despicable and mean-spirited foe, whose strength lies in man's moral feebleness. Finally, there is perpetual enmity between the serpent and man. The adder in the path bites man's heel, and is crushed beneath his tramp. It has been noticed that in spite of the beauty and gracefulness of many of the species, man's loathing of them is innate; while in hot countries they are his great enemy, the deaths in India, for instance, from snake-bites being many times more than those caused by the carnivora.Her seed . . . shall bruise thy head.--We have here the sum of the whole matter, and the rest of the Bible does but explain the nature of this struggle, the persons who wage it, and the manner and consequences of the victory. Here, too, we learn the end and purpose for which the narrative is cast in its present form. It pictures to us man in a close and loving relation, not to an abstract deity, but to a personal and covenant Jehovah. This Being with tender care plants for him a garden, gathers into it whatever is most rare and beautiful in vegetation, and, having given it to him for his home, even deigns at eventide to walk with him there. In the care of this garden He provides for Adam pleasant employment, and watches the development of his intellect with such interest as a father feels in the mental growth of his child. Day by day He brings new animals within his view; and when, after studying their habits, he gives them names, the Deity shares man's tranquil enjoyment. And when he still feels a void, and needs a companion who can hold with him rational discourse, Jehovah elaborately fashions for him, out of his own self, a second being, whose presence satisfies all his longings. Meanwhile, in accordance with the universal law that hand in hand with free-will goes responsibility, an easy and simple trial is provided for man's obedience. He fails, and henceforward he must wage a sterner conflict, and attain to victory only by effort and suffering. In this struggle man is finally to prevail, but not unscathed. And his triumph is to be gained not by mere human strength, but by the coming of One who is "the Woman's Seed;" and round this promised Deliverer the rest of Scripture groups itself. Leave out these words, and all the inspired teaching which follows would be an ever-widening river without a fountain-head. But necessarily with the fall came the promise of restoration. Grace is no after-thought, but enters the world side by side with sin. Upon this foundation the rest of Holy Scripture is built, till revelation at last reaches its corner-stone in Christ. The outward form of the narrative affords endless subjects for curious discussion; its inner meaning and true object being to lay the broad basis of all future revealed truth.As regards the reading of the Vulgate and some of the Fathers, ipsa conteret, "she shall bruise," not only is the pronoun masculine in the Hebrew, but also the verb. This too is the case in the Syriac, in which language also verbs have genders. Most probably a critical edition of the Vulgate would restore even there ipse conteret, "he shall bruise."Like a large proportion of the words used in Genesis, the verb is rare, being found only twice elsewhere in Scripture. In <a href="/job/9-17.htm" title="For he breaks me with a tempest, and multiplies my wounds without cause.">Job 9:17</a> the meaning seems plainly to be to break, but in <a href="/psalms/139-11.htm" title="If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me.">Psalm 139:11</a>, where, however, J the reading is uncertain, the sense required is to cover or veil, though Dr. Kay translates overwhelm. Some versions in this place translate it observe; and the Vulgate gives two renderings, namely, "She shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt lie in ambush for (his or her) heel" (gender not marked--calcaneo ejus). The translation of the Authorised Version may be depended upon as correct, in spite of its not being altogether applicable to the attack of a natural serpent upon a wayfarer's heel.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/genesis/3.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 14. - Confession having thus been made by both delinquents, and the arch-contriver of the whole mischief discovered, the Divine Judge proceeds to deliver sentence. And the Lord God said unto the serpent. Which he does not interrogate as he did the man and woman, "because (1) in the animal itself there was no sense of sin, and (2) to the devil he would hold out no hope of pardon" (Calvin); "because the trial has now reached the fountain-head of sin, the purely evil purpose (the demoniacal) having no deeper ground, and requiring no further investigation" (Lange). Because thou hast done this. I.e. beguiled the woman. The incidence of this curse has been explained as - 1. The serpent only (Kalisch). . . . <a href="/commentaries/genesis/3-14.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>So the LORD יְהֹוָ֨ה (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel God אֱלֹהִ֥ים ׀ (’ĕ·lō·hîm) Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_430.htm">Strong's 430: </a> gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative said וַיֹּאמֶר֩ (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> To utter, say to אֶֽל־ (’el-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> Near, with, among, to the serpent: הַנָּחָשׁ֮ (han·nā·ḥāš) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5175.htm">Strong's 5175: </a> A serpent “Because כִּ֣י (kî) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> A relative conjunction you have done עָשִׂ֣יתָ (‘ā·śî·ṯā) Verb - Qal - Perfect - second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6213.htm">Strong's 6213: </a> To do, make this, זֹּאת֒ (zōṯ) Pronoun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2063.htm">Strong's 2063: </a> Hereby in it, likewise, the one other, same, she, so much, such deed, that, cursed אָר֤וּר (’ā·rūr) Verb - Qal - QalPassParticiple - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_779.htm">Strong's 779: </a> To execrate are you אַתָּה֙ (’at·tāh) Pronoun - second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_859.htm">Strong's 859: </a> Thou and thee, ye and you above all מִכָּל־ (mik·kāl) Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> The whole, all, any, every livestock הַבְּהֵמָ֔ה (hab·bə·hê·māh) Article | Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_929.htm">Strong's 929: </a> A dumb beast, any large quadruped, animal and every וּמִכֹּ֖ל (ū·mik·kōl) Conjunctive waw, Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> The whole, all, any, every beast חַיַּ֣ת (ḥay·yaṯ) Noun - feminine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2416.htm">Strong's 2416: </a> Alive, raw, fresh, strong, life of the field! הַשָּׂדֶ֑ה (haś·śā·ḏeh) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7704.htm">Strong's 7704: </a> Field, land On עַל־ (‘al-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> Above, over, upon, against your belly גְּחֹנְךָ֣ (gə·ḥō·nə·ḵā) Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1512.htm">Strong's 1512: </a> The external abdomen, belly {will} you go, תֵלֵ֔ךְ (ṯê·lêḵ) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1980.htm">Strong's 1980: </a> To go, come, walk and dust וְעָפָ֥ר (wə·‘ā·p̄ār) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6083.htm">Strong's 6083: </a> Dust, clay, earth, mud you {will} eat, תֹּאכַ֖ל (tō·ḵal) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_398.htm">Strong's 398: </a> To eat all כָּל־ (kāl-) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> The whole, all, any, every the days יְמֵ֥י (yə·mê) Noun - masculine plural construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3117.htm">Strong's 3117: </a> A day of your life. חַיֶּֽיךָ׃ (ḥay·ye·ḵā) Noun - masculine plural construct | second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2416.htm">Strong's 2416: </a> Alive, raw, fresh, strong, life <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/genesis/3-14.htm">Genesis 3:14 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/genesis/3-14.htm">Genesis 3:14 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/genesis/3-14.htm">Genesis 3:14 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/genesis/3-14.htm">Genesis 3:14 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/genesis/3-14.htm">Genesis 3:14 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/genesis/3-14.htm">Genesis 3:14 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/genesis/3-14.htm">Genesis 3:14 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/genesis/3-14.htm">Genesis 3:14 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/genesis/3-14.htm">Genesis 3:14 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/genesis/3-14.htm">Genesis 3:14 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/genesis/3-14.htm">OT Law: Genesis 3:14 Yahweh God said to the serpent Because (Gen. Ge Gn)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/genesis/3-13.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Genesis 3:13"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Genesis 3:13" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/genesis/3-15.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Genesis 3:15"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Genesis 3:15" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>