Serpent (of Eden)

Technical Profile

  • Name Meaning: Hebrew נָחָשׁ (nāḥāš), “serpent,” indicating a snake-like creature in the Eden narrative.
  • Period/Era: Primeval History
  • Main References: Genesis 3:1–15
  • Key Connections: Eve and Adam within the first human family; set in the garden of Eden.

Who was Serpent (of Eden)?

The serpent is a creature in the Eden account described as “more crafty” than the other beasts (Gen 3:1).
It engages Eve in dialogue and challenges God’s command about the tree.
Its actions contribute to the humans eating the forbidden fruit and the subsequent judgments.

Key Events & Achievements

  • Event 1: Questions and reframes God’s command to the woman regarding the tree (Genesis 3:1).
  • Event 2: Contradicts the warning of death and presents the fruit as a path to gained knowledge (Genesis 3:4–5).
  • Event 3: Receives a divine judgment that includes humiliation and ongoing hostility with the woman’s offspring (Genesis 3:14–15).

Life Lesson & Legacy

The Eden serpent functions as a narrative agent of deception whose speech leads to mistrust of God’s word and results in judgment within Primeval History.

Key Verse

"Now the serpent was more crafty than any other beast of the field that the LORD God had made." — Genesis 3:1, ESV

Quizzes

Answer the questions below. When you choose an option, you will see the result and an explanation.

1. How is the serpent described in the Eden account?

2. What is included in the divine judgment the serpent receives?