Genesis 3 - The Root of All Sin

We’ve talked a lot about the root of sin. About choice and free will. About desires. About what the two trees in the middle of the garden represent and how this scene in the Garden of Eden gives us a glimpse into the core struggle of our human nature.

This reference in Dr. Constable’s Notes (listed on the Resources page) shares a robust explaination of this idea.

“The root of sin should be understood. The foundation of all sin lies in man’s desire of self-assertion and his determination to be independent of God. Adam and Eve chafed under the restriction laid upon them by the command of God, and it was in opposition to this that they asserted themselves, and thereby fell. Man does not like to be dependent upon another, and subject to commands upon another, and subject to commands from without. He desires to go his own way, to be his own master; and as a consequence he sins, and becomes ’lord of himself, that heritage of woe.’” - Constable’s Notes on Genesis referencing (Thomas, Genesis, p. 49. Cf. Waltke, Genesis, p. 103.)

Adding to this, the Logos bible study app has a resource titled “Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible” by Brown, David, Fausset, A. R., Jamieson, Robert. They have a comment on verse 3:6 that states:

“6. And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food—Her imagination and feelings were completely won; and the fall of Eve was soon followed by that of Adam. The history of every temptation, and of every sin, is the same; the outward object of attraction, the inward commotion of mind, the increase and triumph of passionate desire; ending in the degradation, slavery, and ruin of the soul (Jam 1:15; 1 Jn 2:16).” - Reference

Notice the reference to James 1:15 and 1 John 2:16 which we have previously discussed.

These notes are unpolished on purpose. You can read more about why, here.