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.

Where else these words appear

“bruise” Hebrew H7779 · used in 3 verses

  • Job 9:17 For he breaketh me with a tempest, and multiplieth my wounds without cause.
  • Psalms 139:11 If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me.

“enmity” Hebrew H342 · used in 5 verses

  • Numbers 35:21 Or in enmity smite him with his hand, that he die: he that smote him shall surely be put to death; for he is a murderer: the revenger of blood shall slay the murderer, when he meeteth him.
  • Numbers 35:22 But if he thrust him suddenly without enmity, or have cast upon him any thing without laying of wait,
  • Ezekiel 25:15 Thus saith the Lord GOD; Because the Philistines have dealt by revenge, and have taken vengeance with a despiteful heart, to destroy it for the old hatred;

“heel” Hebrew H6119 · used in 13 verses

  • Genesis 25:26 And after that came his brother out, and his hand took hold on Esau's heel; and his name was called Jacob: and Isaac was threescore years old when she bare them.
  • Judges 5:22 Then were the horsehoofs broken by the means of the pransings, the pransings of their mighty ones.
  • Psalms 77:19 Thy way is in the sea, and thy path in the great waters, and thy footsteps are not known.

“put” Hebrew H7896 · used in 80 verses

  • Genesis 4:25 And Adam knew his wife again; and she bare a son, and called his name Seth: For God, said she, hath appointed me another seed instead of Abel, whom Cain slew.
  • Job 14:13 O that thou wouldest hide me in the grave, that thou wouldest keep me secret, until thy wrath be past, that thou wouldest appoint me a set time, and remember me!
  • Psalms 88:8 Thou hast put away mine acquaintance far from me; thou hast made me an abomination unto them: I am shut up, and I cannot come forth.