Where in the Bible does it say “you will be like gods”?

The phrase “you will be like gods” is found in the story of the Fall. This is not a divine promise, but the tempting words of the serpent, with which Satan led Eve to distrust God.

When people ask where in the Bible it says “you will be like gods,” they are referring first and foremost to the words of the serpent in the Garden of Eden. It was there that the enemy distorted God's will and presented disobedience as a pathway to a higher state. In some translations, this phrase reads as “you will be like gods,” and in others as “you will be like God.” Yet the essence of the temptation remains the same: that human beings could allegedly attain moral autonomy and determine for themselves what is good and what is evil.

Where exactly this is written

The serpent's words are recorded in the book of Genesis:

“For God knows that when you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” Gen. 3:5

This is a very crucial point: it is not God who is speaking, but the serpent. In other words, the Bible is not teaching here that humans ought to become gods. On the contrary, it reveals the mechanism of temptation. Satan cast doubt on God’s goodness, hinting that the Lord was allegedly withholding something better from humanity.

Prior to this, God had given a clear command not to eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil:

“but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat from it you will certainly die.” Gen. 2:17

Thus, the conflict was not merely about a piece of fruit, but about trust: would humanity believe God's word, or would they accept Satan’s alternative?

What the temptation consisted of

The essence of the temptation lay in the desire to live independently of God. The serpent was practically saying: “You don’t need to rely on the Creator; you can become the standard of truth yourselves.” This is an ancient lie that lies at the heart of many sins even today. Man desires not just freedom of choice, but the right to define morality apart from God.

Jesus called Satan the father of lies:

“He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.” John 8:44

This is precisely how it unfolded in Eden. There was a half-truth in the serpent’s words: the eyes of Adam and Eve were indeed opened, but not to divine glory—rather, to the experience of guilt, shame, and alienation. The promised “elevation” became a fall.

What happened after the sin

After their disobedience, humanity did not become gods. Instead, they lost peace, purity, and an open relationship with their Creator.

“Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves.” Gen. 3:7

Instead of elevation, shame and fear arrived. A little further on, we see man beginning to hide from God:

“He answered, ‘I heard you in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid.’” Gen. 3:10

From the perspective of Adventist theology, it is here that the great controversy between Christ and Satan is unveiled. The enemy seeks not merely to entice humanity into an isolated wrong act, but to destroy trust in God's character. Ellen White wrote that Satan sought to portray God as severe and unjust, making disobedience seem like a path to freedom. This is the very core of the original temptation.

Is this connected to the words “you are gods”?

Sometimes this question is confused with other biblical passages, such as Psalm 82 or the words of Jesus in John 10:34. However, these are not the same thing. In Genesis 3:5, we have the deceptive promise of the serpent. In those other passages, the word “gods” can be used figuratively in reference to judges or those bearing divine authority and responsibility, not in the sense that human beings possess a divine nature.

To properly understand this biblical theme, we must remember the central principle:

“I am the Lord, and there is no other; apart from me there is no God.” Isa. 45:5

The Bible consistently teaches about the one true God. Humanity was created in His image, yet is not divine. Our calling is not to usurp the Creator’s place, but to live in love, trust, and obedience to Him.

A lesson for us today

The phrase “you will be like gods” is just as relevant today, as modern culture often echoes the very same idea in different words: “define your own truth,” “you are a law unto yourself,” “no one has the right to tell you what to do.” Yet the path of independence from God never leads to true freedom.

On the contrary, true security comes through submission to God’s word. Scripture says:

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” Prov. 3:5

And also:

“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” Jas. 4:7

Therefore, the answer is simple: the phrase “you will be like gods” is found in Genesis 3:5, and these are the words of the tempter, not truth from God. The practical takeaway for each of us is this: whenever the thought arises to live without God’s guidance, we need to remember Eden. It is far better to choose trust in the Lord each day, read His Word, pray for discernment against falsehood, and consciously surrender our lives to Christ.