Definition: And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die:

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down that verse from Genesis 3:4. It's a really important and complex passage, but I’ll try to explain it in a way that’s easy to understand. Here’s what it means, broken down: “And the serpent said unto the woman…” – This is the key part. “The serpent” refers to a snake, often associated with temptation and evil. The word "said" suggests this wasn't just a random occurrence; it was a direct message. “…Ye shall not surely die:” – This is the shocking part! “Ye” means "you," so this phrase speaks about specifically Mary, the first woman in the story of Genesis. The word “surely” implies a strong certainty. So, this verse essentially says: “You will not die!” So, what’s happening? In the original story, God created Adam and Eve to be fruitful and multiply. However, God decided that Adam would eat from any tree in the garden except for one – the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil. The serpent (representing temptation) tried to trick Adam into disobeying by saying, "You will not die!" This is a direct challenge to his authority and a plea for disobedience. What's the significance? This verse is considered one of the earliest and most significant stories in the Bible because it introduces: The Fall: It marks the beginning of humanity’s separation from God, introducing sin and suffering into the world. Free Will: It highlights the concept of free will – humans are given the ability to choose, but also have the potential to choose wrong. God's Justice: It shows God’s concern for his creation, even though he allows temptation to occur. Important Note: This is just one story in a larger narrative about humanity’s relationship with God and the consequences of disobedience. It’s often interpreted as a warning about the dangers of pride and falling short of God's will. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Discuss the context of the story (before, during, and after)? Talk about the symbolism behind the serpent?