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Genesis 3:6 - Desire overrides divine command?

Genesis 3:6 - בראשית 3:6

Hebrew Text

וַתֵּרֶא הָאִשָּׁה כִּי טוֹב הָעֵץ לְמַאֲכָל וְכִי תַאֲוָה־הוּא לָעֵינַיִם וְנֶחְמָד הָעֵץ לְהַשְׂכִּיל וַתִּקַּח מִפִּרְיוֹ וַתֹּאכַל וַתִּתֵּן גַּם־לְאִישָׁהּ עִמָּהּ וַיֹּאכַל׃

English Translation

And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit, and did eat, and gave also to her husband with her; and he did eat.

Transliteration

Va-teere ha-ishah ki tov ha-etz le-ma'akhal ve-chi ta'avah-hu la-einayim ve-nechmad ha-etz le-haskil va-tikach mi-piryo va-tochal va-titen gam le-ishah imah va-yochal.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַתֵּ֣רֶא הָֽאִשָּׁ֡ה כִּ֣י טוֹב֩ הָעֵ֨ץ לְמַאֲכָ֜ל וְכִ֧י תַֽאֲוָה־ה֣וּא לָעֵינַ֗יִם וְנֶחְמָ֤ד הָעֵץ֙ לְהַשְׂכִּ֔יל וַתִּקַּ֥ח מִפִּרְי֖וֹ וַתֹּאכַ֑ל וַתִּתֵּ֧ן גַּם־לְאִישָׁ֛הּ עִמָּ֖הּ וַיֹּאכַֽל׃
וַתֵּ֣רֶא הָֽאִשָּׁ֡ה כִּ֣י טוֹב֩ הָעֵ֨ץ לְמַאֲכָ֜ל וְכִ֧י תַֽאֲוָה־ה֣וּא לָעֵינַ֗יִם וְנֶחְמָ֤ד הָעֵץ֙ לְהַשְׂכִּ֔יל וַתִּקַּ֥ח מִפִּרְי֖וֹ וַתֹּאכַ֑ל וַתִּתֵּ֧ן גַּם־לְאִישָׁ֛הּ עִמָּ֖הּ וַיֹּאכַֽל׃

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Parasha Commentary

The Threefold Temptation

The verse describes Chava's (Eve's) perception of the Tree of Knowledge through three aspects: "good for food," "a delight to the eyes," and "desired to make one wise." Rashi explains that these correspond to three fundamental human inclinations:

  • Physical desire ("good for food") - The yetzer for physical gratification
  • Aesthetic attraction ("delight to the eyes") - The yetzer for beauty and appearances
  • Intellectual pride ("desired to make one wise") - The yetzer for knowledge and status

The Process of Sin

The Talmud (Avodah Zarah 20b) notes how the verse shows the progression of sin: First she saw, then she desired, then she took, and finally she ate. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 19:5) elaborates that the serpent pushed her against the tree so she would see its sap dripping, making it appear even more desirable.

The Nature of the Tree

Rambam (Moreh Nevuchim 1:2) discusses how the tree represents moral knowledge - the capacity to distinguish between good and evil as independent categories rather than simply knowing obedience to God's command. The Ibn Ezra notes that the tree's appeal to wisdom reflects how intellectual curiosity can sometimes lead one astray when not properly channeled.

Giving to Her Husband

The Kli Yakar emphasizes that Chava didn't immediately eat alone, but shared with Adam "with her" - indicating she wanted him to join in her new understanding. The Malbim explains this shows how one who sins often seeks company in their transgression to justify their actions.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sotah 9b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the nature of temptation and the consequences of yielding to it, particularly in the context of the story of Adam and Eve.
📖 Sanhedrin 70a
The verse is cited in a discussion about the sin of Adam and Eve, focusing on the nature of the tree and the act of eating from it.
📖 Avodah Zarah 8b
The verse is mentioned in a broader discussion about idolatry and the origins of human sin, linking the act of eating from the tree to the introduction of idolatry into the world.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Chava (Eve) eat from the Tree of Knowledge?
A: The verse describes three reasons: the tree appeared good for food (physical desire), a delight to the eyes (aesthetic attraction), and desirable for gaining wisdom (intellectual temptation). Rashi explains that the serpent pushed her until she rationalized eating from it, despite God's command.
Q: What does 'desirable to make one wise' mean in this verse?
A: The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 19:3) explains that the serpent told Chava the fruit would give her divine-like wisdom. Ramban adds that she was tempted by the idea of gaining higher understanding beyond human limitations, which led her to disobey God's commandment.
Q: Why did Adam eat the fruit after Chava gave it to him?
A: The Talmud (Avodah Zarah 5b) states that Adam understood the seriousness of the sin but chose to eat it out of love for Chava, not wanting to be separated from her. Rashi notes that he was 'with her' in the transgression, meaning he shared responsibility.
Q: What lesson can we learn from this verse about temptation?
A: The verse teaches how temptation works in stages: first physical desire ('good for food'), then emotional attraction ('delight to the eyes'), and finally intellectual justification ('desirable to make one wise'). The Sages warn that sin often begins with rationalization, as seen here (Sotah 3a).
Q: How does this verse connect to the concept of free will in Judaism?
A: Rambam (Hilchot Teshuvah 5:1) emphasizes that this story demonstrates human free will—Adam and Chava chose to disobey despite knowing God's command. Their decision introduced the concept of moral choice, which remains central to Jewish thought today.