And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.

GENESIS 3:15KJV
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Genesis 3:15 (KJV)

What does Genesis 3:15 mean?

Genesis 3:15 describes God declaring that there will be ongoing hostility between the serpent and the woman, and between their descendants, with the woman's descendant eventually striking a decisive blow to the serpent, while the serpent will injure the descendant in return. This verse is often seen as describing a struggle between good and evil that will continue through generations.

In the story, God is speaking directly to the serpent after Adam and Eve have eaten from the forbidden tree. The verse sets up a future conflict, using the image of “seed” (descendants) to show that the effects of this moment will last far beyond the immediate situation. The language of bruising the head and heel suggests a struggle where harm is done on both sides, but the blow to the head is more serious.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 3:15

  • enmity (אֵיבָה, 'eyvah): This word means deep hostility or animosity, not just a simple disagreement. It highlights that the relationship between the serpent and the woman—and their descendants—will be marked by ongoing conflict.
  • seed (זֶרַע, zera‘): This word can mean both a single descendant or a whole line of descendants. Here, it points to a continuing struggle, not just a one-time event.
  • bruise (שׁוּף, shuph): This word can mean to crush, strike, or bruise. The same word is used for both the head and the heel, but the context suggests that a blow to the head is more damaging than one to the heel.

Why Genesis 3:15 matters

  • Genesis 3:15 is sometimes called the “first gospel” because it hints at a future resolution to the problem of evil introduced in the garden, though the verse itself does not specify how or when.
  • The verse explains why there is ongoing conflict and suffering in the world, tracing it back to this foundational story of disobedience and its consequences.
  • By using the language of “seed,” Genesis 3:15 connects this moment to the larger story of humanity and the ongoing struggle between forces of harm and hope throughout the Bible.