What does Genesis 3:7 mean?

In the previous verse, the first woman crossed the line from engaging with temptation to willfully disobeying God's command. She is followed soon after by the first man, Adam. This is literally ancient history, but it's still heartbreaking. Part of the reason it resonates so painfully is that we've all had the experience of engaging with and falling to temptation. Adam and Eve started the ball rolling, but all of us who have lived have kept it going (Romans 3:23).

Within the context of the story, the immediate consequence of their sin is unexpected and also tragic. Just as the serpent said, their eyes were opened. They now understood many things, including both good and evil. But this wasn't the wisdom either was hoping for.

Genesis 2:25 tells us pointedly that before their sin, Adam and Eve were both naked and unashamed. They were truly innocent, so their nudity was sinless and free of shame. Now, instantly, they are aware and ashamed. Though they'd never worn clothes before, the knowledge of good and evil creates a fearful urge to cover themselves, to hide from each other, to mistrust the other person's motives and thoughts, and to protect themselves.

This was just the beginning, though. The consequences for their sinful rebellion would be deeply devastating for them and for all of us to follow.