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ADAM TO NOAH
MODULE 4: The Snake and the Humans
SESSION 18: The Shrewd Talking Snake
The Hebrew word arum translated as “prudent, cunning, or sensible” is used to describe the snake in Genesis 3. This term is not inherently negative and does not necessarily imply trickery or falsehood. Instead, it can mean shrewd or discerning, qualities often regarded as wise. The serpent’s introduction is therefore intriguingly neutral, even positive, creating tension as the story unfolds. Because the text does not immediately cast the snake as evil, many interpreters view the narrative as portraying the serpent’s first act of rebellion alongside humanity’s own failure. The focus falls on choice and responsibility rather than on an obvious villain, underscoring how subtle and complex the origins of disobedience and sin are in the biblical account.
Brain Mbuli2 Comments-
Interesting reflection from word study. A complex story indeed. I’d add that the serpent may be shrewd, even wise, but certainly not innocent. But the weight of disobedience cannot be put completely on the serpent, man is to blame for choosing to eat from the wrong tree. Glory to God for redemption in Christ.
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Thank you Sir, this is correct. What intrigued me the most is the pairing of both words naked and shrewd to mean “arum”.
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