Topical Bible: Man: Covered Himself With Fig Leaves

◄ Man: Covered Himself With Fig Leaves ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

In the biblical narrative, the account of man covering himself with fig leaves is found in the Book of Genesis, specifically in Genesis 3:7. This event occurs immediately after the fall of man, when Adam and Eve disobey God's command by eating from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. This act of disobedience marks the entrance of sin into the world and has profound theological implications regarding human nature, sin, and the need for redemption.

Biblical Context

Genesis 3:7 states: "Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they knew that they were naked; so they sewed together fig leaves and made coverings for themselves." This verse follows the temptation by the serpent and the subsequent eating of the forbidden fruit by Adam and Eve. The immediate consequence of their action is an awareness of their nakedness, symbolizing a newfound consciousness of sin and shame.

Symbolism of Fig Leaves

The act of covering themselves with fig leaves is rich in symbolic meaning. In the ancient Near Eastern context, fig leaves were likely chosen due to their availability and size, making them a practical choice for covering. However, theologically, this act represents humanity's first attempt to deal with the consequences of sin through human effort. The fig leaves symbolize inadequate human solutions to the problem of sin and shame, highlighting the futility of self-righteousness and the need for divine intervention.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, the covering with fig leaves underscores the immediate impact of sin on human relationships and the human condition. The awareness of nakedness and the subsequent shame indicate a rupture in the original harmony between man and God, as well as between man and woman. This act of covering is an attempt to hide from the reality of sin and its effects, yet it is insufficient to restore the broken relationship with God.

The narrative continues with God seeking out Adam and Eve, leading to a dialogue in which God addresses the consequences of their disobedience. In Genesis 3:21 , it is recorded: "The LORD God made garments of skin for Adam and his wife and clothed them." This divine provision of clothing signifies God's grace and the foreshadowing of the ultimate covering for sin through the sacrificial system, culminating in the atoning work of Jesus Christ.

Historical and Cultural Insights

In the broader cultural and historical context, the use of fig leaves can be seen as a reflection of the human tendency to rely on one's own resources to address spiritual and moral failings. Throughout history, various religious and philosophical systems have attempted to provide solutions to the problem of sin through human effort, morality, or enlightenment. The biblical narrative, however, emphasizes the necessity of divine grace and intervention.

Relevance for Today

The account of man covering himself with fig leaves continues to hold relevance for contemporary believers. It serves as a reminder of the limitations of human efforts to achieve righteousness and the importance of relying on God's provision for salvation. The account encourages believers to seek God's grace and forgiveness, recognizing that true covering and redemption come only through faith in Jesus Christ.

In summary, the act of covering with fig leaves in Genesis 3:7 is a profound illustration of the human condition post-fall, highlighting the inadequacy of human solutions to sin and the necessity of divine grace. This narrative invites reflection on the nature of sin, the need for redemption, and the sufficiency of God's provision through Christ.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Genesis 3:7
And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

On the Words of the Gospel, John i. 48,"When Thou Wast under the ...
... this, but as I have said in this place, in that fitness of significancy, in which
ye know that the first man, when he sinned, covered himself with fig leaves. ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of the new testament/sermon lxxii on the words.htm

Concerning the Divine Oeconomy and God's Care Over Us, And
... Man, then, was thus snared by the assault of the ... off his confidence with God, and
covered himself with the ... this is the meaning of the fig-leaves [1924] ); and ...
/.../exposition of the orthodox faith/chapter i concerning the divine oeconomy.htm

On the Words of the Gospel, Luke xiii. 6, Where we are Told of the ...
... For when the first man sinned, he covered his nakedness with fig-leaves; [3442]
covered those members, from which we derive ... Man ascribes much to himself. ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of the new testament/sermon lx on the words.htm

This Reasoning and Intelligent Creature, Man, at once the Work and ...
... image of the imperishable Deity; he has clothed himself instead with ... toil upon the
land, such as man was bound ... done in secret [1427] , and be covered no longer ...
/.../gregory of nyssa dogmatic treatises etc/chapter xii this reasoning and.htm

Man's Disobedience Justly Requited in the Rebellion of his Own ...
... Then, indeed, did man perceive within himself what he had ... but when it must come to
man's great function ... the shame of their nakedness, covered these offending ...
/.../augustine/anti-pelagian writings/chapter 7 vi mans disobedience justly.htm

The Withered Fig Tree
... They are very superior persons, covered with virtues, as this ... and normal way of
proceeding, for a man first to be ... in here this morning, say to himself, "Yes, I ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 35 1889/the withered fig tree.htm

The Word of the Truth of the Gospel
... He must be wholly covered, not in part only; and that ... The Lord approaches the trembling
man, and makes him feel ... He reveals himself as the God of grace, the God ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bonar/gods way of peace/chapter vii the word of.htm

The Barren Fig-Tree
... He answered and said unto it, No man eat fruit ... sees afar off a lonely fig-tree covered
with leaves ... by many a prophet, and clearly announced by Christ Himself. ...
/.../chadwick/the gospel of st mark/chapter 11 12-14 20-25 the barren.htm

The Constitution of the World and the Disposition of The
... a spirit and a soul.[2] This man was called ... tree sharpened their understanding; and
they covered themselves with ... made no reply, as conscious to himself that he ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 1 the constitution of.htm

Nothing but Leaves
... of progress; but there was the Jewish nation covered with leaves ... people think him
a very good man, but they ... are such that even Jesus Christ himself might expect ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 10 1864/nothing but leaves.htm