Question not found.
Who is the "US" God is referring to in Genesis 3:22? Was He talking with someone else?
Then the LORD God said, "Behold, the man has become like one of Us, to know good and evil."
Genesis 3:22
ESV - 22 Then the Lord God said, "Behold, the man has become like one of us in knowing good and evil. Now, lest he reach out his hand and take also of the tree of life and eat, and live forever -
Community answers are sorted based on votes. The higher the vote, the further up an answer is.
Tim Maas
Supporter
I believe that this verse is commonly cited as a reference to the existence of multiple Persons within the Godhead, later elaborated on in Scripture as the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, with each of them being equally and fully God, but those Persons constituting only one God, as discussed in the words of the Athanasian Creed (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Athanasian_Creed).
Paula Fether
Supporter
To Tim Maas' answer I would add, the same "us" created the world. Since there is no hint that angels create, then we can rule out angels, including what some call "the divine council".
Leslie Coutinho
Supporter
Genesis 3:22 And the Lord God said, “Behold, the man is become as one of us, to know good and evil: and now, lest he put forth his hand, and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live for ever:” The Lord God speaks about man becoming like one of them, referring to all of God’s creation in Heaven, including angel beings who are waiting to be commanded to guard mankind in all their ways. (Mat 18:10/Psalm 91:11) As the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are three in one, all of God’s creation was given a spirit, soul, and body and was kept in the Garden of Eden to dress and keep it. However, after Eve and Adam ate from the Tree of Good and Evil, if they were to eat from the Tree of Life, they would live forever and judge and condemn everyone who is God’s creation. Eating from the Tree of Life would also justify mankind and condemn the Creator, leading them to be as gods knowing good and evil and living forever. (Gen 3:5) From the beginning of creation, some angels were cast out of heaven for being deceived in their wisdom, leading them to deceive God’s new creation. The angel of God, Gabriel, came to Daniel in a vision and told him about the end of sins that would come to pass during the end times. (Daniel 9) Today, as the Spirit of the Lord and His angels lead and guide us to the consequences of the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil, it motivates us to humble ourselves and ask the Lord for forgiveness. (Hebrews 1:14) Revelation 5:11: And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands.
Jeffrey Johnson
Supporter
Who is the "US" God is referring to in Genesis 3:22? Was He talking to someone else? When God says, "The man has become as one of Us" (Genesis 3:22), He is not addressing angels or any created beings. Scripture never places angels inside God's identity, nor does it describe them sharing His nature. God Himself says, "I am God, and there is none else" (Isaiah 45:22). The Old Testament shows God acting through His Word and His Spirit, both portrayed with personal qualities. At creation, God speaks, and His Spirit is present and active (Genesis 1:2–3). These are not separate gods; they are expressions of God's own inner life. The New Testament reveals what the Old Testament was hinting at: God's Word is the Son, Jesus. "The Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us" (John 1:14). "His name is called The Word of God" (Revelation 19:13). The Word is not a created messenger—He is eternal and divine: "In the beginning was the Word… and the Word was God" (John 1:1). The Spirit is also fully divine: "The Spirit searches all things, yea, the deep things of God" (1 Corinthians 2:10). So when God says "Us", He is speaking within His own divine fullness—the Father, the eternal Word (the Son), and the Holy Spirit. This is not three gods. Scripture insists on one God: "The Lord our God is one Lord" (Deuteronomy 6:4). But within that one God, Scripture reveals more than one divine Person involved in God's own counsel. Summary The "Us" in Genesis 3:22 refers to God's own internal counsel—the Father, the Son (the Word), and the Holy Spirit. God is not speaking to angels or another deity. He is addressing Himself within the richness of His own being. The Old Testament gives glimpses. The New Testament names the Persons. One God. Three who share the same divine nature.
Add your Answer
All answers are REVIEWED and MODERATED.
Please ensure your answer MEETS all our guidelines.
A good answer provides new insight and perspective. Here are guidelines to help facilitate a meaningful learning experience for everyone.
- Adhere to the eBible Statement of Faith.
- Your answer should be complete and stand-alone.
- Include supporting arguments, and scripture references if possible. Seek to answer the "why".
- Adhere to a proper tone and spirit of love and understanding.
- For more info see The Complete Guide to eBible