Genesis 3:4 (KJV) "And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die."

This verse from the book of Genesis is part of the story of the Fall of Man, which is a pivotal event in the Bible. These words are spoken by the serpent, who is actually the devil in disguise, as he tempts Eve to eat the forbidden fruit. This act of disobedience by Adam and Eve leads to the introduction of sin and suffering into the world.

The verse encapsulates a theme that runs throughout the Bible: the battle between good and evil, and the consequences of succumbing to temptation. It serves as a warning to humanity about the deceitfulness of the devil and the destructive nature of sin. The consequences of Adam and Eve's disobedience in eating the forbidden fruit resulted in pain during childbirth, and the need for hard labor to cultivate the land. It also led to their eventual expulsion from the Garden of Eden, thus separating them from God's presence. This passage also sets the stage for the need for a savior to redeem humanity from sin and restore their relationship with God.

The context of this verse is crucial to understanding its significance. In the story of the Garden of Eden, God had given Adam and Eve one command: to not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. The serpent, embodying the devil, sows doubt in Eve's mind about God's command. He questions the consequences of eating the fruit and suggests that God is withholding something good from them. This verse captures the moment when the serpent directly contradicts God's warning that eating the fruit would result in death, and instead reassures Eve that she would not die.

The symbolism in this verse is profound. The serpent is often associated with deception and cunning in the Bible. It represents the embodiment of evil and the source of temptation. By targeting and deceiving Eve, the serpent becomes the catalyst for humanity's fall from grace. The forbidden fruit can be seen as a symbol of disobedience and the pursuit of personal knowledge at the expense of God's wisdom. It represents the choice between following God's will and yielding to the desires of the flesh. The consequences of eating the fruit symbolize the alienation of humanity from God and the introduction of sin into the world.

In a broader theological context, this verse points to the fundamental issue of sin and the human predicament. It highlights the struggle between human nature and the will of God. It serves as a powerful reminder of the destructive power of sin and the need for redemption. The story of the Fall of Man laid the groundwork for the need for a savior to reconcile humanity with God. Christians believe that Jesus Christ's sacrificial death on the cross provides the means for this reconciliation, offering forgiveness for sin and the hope of eternal life.

In conclusion, Genesis 3:4 is a crucial verse in the Bible that captures the pivotal moment when the serpent deceives Eve and leads to humanity's fall from grace. It addresses themes of temptation, disobedience, and the consequences of sin. This verse reminds us of the ongoing struggle between good and evil and the need for redemption. It sets the stage for the overarching message of the Bible: the promise of salvation and restoration through Jesus Christ.