serpent. Hebrew. Nachash,. shining one. See note on Numbers 21:6; Numbers 21:9. The old serpent (2 Corinthians 11:3) transformed as "an angel of light" (=. glorious angel, 2 Corinthians 11:14). Compare Ezekiel 28:14; Ezekiel 28:17, connected with "cherub" (Ezekiel 28:13; Ezekiel 28:14; Ezekiel 28:16), and contrasted with it here in Genesis 3:24. See App-19.
subtil. wise. Hebrew. 'arum,. Homonym. Same as Genesis 2:25. here. wise (as Job 5:12; Job 15:5.Proverbs 12:16; Proverbs 12:23; Proverbs 13:16; Proverbs 14:8; Proverbs 14:15; Proverbs 14:18; Proverbs 22:3; Proverbs 27:12). Compare Ezekiel 28:12; Ezekiel 28:13; Ezekiel 28:17. If the Ellipsis (App-6.) be supplied from the preceding context, Genesis 3:1 will then read on from Genesis 2:25, thus: "they were bothnaked ('arum), the man and his wife, and [knowing only good, Genesis 2:17] were not ashamed [before God]. But the Nachash was more wise ('arum) than any living being of the field which Jehovah Elohim had made, and [knowing evil, and not ashamed (Genesis 2:25) to question the truth of God's word] he said unto the woman, "&c.
beast. living creature or being; same as Zoon in Revelation 4:6-9; Revelation 5:6; Revelation 5:8; Revelation 5:14, &c.
And. Note the Figure of speech Polysyndeton (App-6) throughout this chapter emphasizing each detail.
the LORD God. See note on Genesis 2:4
Yea, hath God said. Can it be that God hath said. Not. question, but Figure Erotesis (App-6) for emph. Opposition to God's Word is Satan's sphere of activity. This is Satan's first utterance in Scripture.