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Genesis 3:11 - Divine accountability for disobedience

Genesis 3:11 - בראשית 3:11

Hebrew Text

וַיֹּאמֶר מִי הִגִּיד לְךָ כִּי עֵירֹם אָתָּה הֲמִן־הָעֵץ אֲשֶׁר צִוִּיתִיךָ לְבִלְתִּי אֲכָל־מִמֶּנּוּ אָכָלְתָּ׃

English Translation

And He said, Who told thee that thou wast naked? Hast thou eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee that thou shouldst not eat?

Transliteration

Va'yomer mi higid lecha ki eyrom ata ha'min ha'etz asher tziviticha l'vilti achal mimeno achalta.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיֹּ֕אמֶר מִ֚י הִגִּ֣יד לְךָ֔ כִּ֥י עֵירֹ֖ם אָ֑תָּה הֲמִן־הָעֵ֗ץ אֲשֶׁ֧ר צִוִּיתִ֛יךָ לְבִלְתִּ֥י אֲכׇל־מִמֶּ֖נּוּ אָכָֽלְתָּ׃
וַיֹּ֕אמֶר מִ֚י הִגִּ֣יד לְךָ֔ כִּ֥י עֵירֹ֖ם אָ֑תָּה הֲמִן־הָעֵ֗ץ אֲשֶׁ֧ר צִוִּיתִ֛יךָ לְבִלְתִּ֥י אֲכׇל־מִמֶּ֖נּוּ אָכָֽלְתָּ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Understanding the Divine Question

The verse (Bereishit 3:11) begins with Hashem's question to Adam: "Who told thee that thou wast naked?" Rashi explains that this question was rhetorical, meant to prompt Adam to reflect on his actions. Before eating from the Tree of Knowledge, Adam and Chava were unaware of their nakedness (Bereishit 2:25), as their purity shielded them from such consciousness. Only after their sin did they perceive their physical state as a deficiency, indicating a spiritual fall.

The Nature of the Sin

Hashem continues: "Hast thou eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee that thou shouldst not eat?" The Ramban (Nachmanides) notes that Hashem already knew Adam had sinned but engaged him in dialogue to allow for teshuvah (repentance). The phrasing emphasizes the severity of violating a direct commandment (mitzvah), as Adam had been given only one prohibition—yet he transgressed it.

Midrashic Insights

  • The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 19:6) teaches that the Tree of Knowledge introduced yetzer hara (the evil inclination) into humanity. Before eating, Adam acted purely out of divine will; afterward, he became subject to inner conflict.
  • The Sforno suggests that Adam's awareness of nakedness symbolized his newfound vulnerability to physical desires and mortality, a consequence of distancing himself from Hashem's command.

Lessons in Accountability

The Maharal (Gur Aryeh) highlights that Hashem's questioning follows a pattern of holding individuals accountable. Instead of immediate punishment, Adam is given the opportunity to confess. This mirrors the Jewish concept of din ve-cheshbon (judgment and accounting), where one must confront their actions before divine justice.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sanhedrin 38b
The verse is discussed in the context of Adam's sin and his dialogue with God, exploring the implications of his disobedience.
📖 Avodah Zarah 5a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about human nature and the consequences of Adam's actions for all humanity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Genesis 3:11 mean when Hashem asks Adam 'Who told you that you were naked?'
A: According to Rashi, this question highlights that Adam and Chava (Eve) initially had no awareness of their nakedness because they were pure and unashamed. Only after eating from the Tree of Knowledge did they gain self-awareness and feel shame. Hashem's question emphasizes that their new sense of shame was a consequence of their disobedience.
Q: Why did Hashem ask Adam if he ate from the forbidden tree if He already knew?
A: The Rambam explains that Hashem gave Adam an opportunity to confess and repent for his sin rather than immediately punishing him. This teaches the importance of taking responsibility for one's actions and doing teshuvah (repentance). The Midrash adds that Hashem often 'asks' to engage in dialogue, allowing people to reflect on their mistakes.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Genesis 3:11 about human nature?
A: The verse teaches that human beings have free will and are accountable for their choices. The Talmud (Avodah Zarah 5a) explains that Adam's failure shows how easily people can rationalize disobedience. It also highlights the importance of following divine commandments even when tempted.
Q: How does Genesis 3:11 relate to the concept of teshuvah (repentance)?
A: The Sages teach that Hashem's questioning of Adam demonstrates that teshuvah begins with acknowledging one's wrongdoing. The verse shows that even after sinning, a person is given the chance to admit their error and seek forgiveness, as later emphasized in Jewish teachings about repentance.
Q: Why is the Tree of Knowledge so significant in this verse?
A: Rashi explains that the tree represented the choice between obeying Hashem's command or following one's own desires. By eating from it, Adam and Chava introduced the yetzer hara (evil inclination) into human nature. This moment became foundational in Jewish thought about moral responsibility and the human struggle between good and evil.