Genesis 3:15

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And I will put {H7896} enmity {H342} between thee and the woman {H802}, and between thy seed {H2233} and her seed {H2233}; it shall bruise {H7779} thy head {H7218}, and thou shalt bruise {H7779} his heel {H6119}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I will put animosity between you and the woman, and between your descendant and her descendant; he will bruise your head, and you will bruise his heel.”

Berean Standard Bible

And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her seed. He will crush your head, and you will strike his heel.”

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 3:15, profoundly known as the "Protoevangelium" or the "first Gospel," stands as God's inaugural declaration of hope and redemption, delivered immediately following humanity's catastrophic fall into sin. This pivotal verse prophesies an enduring, divinely ordained conflict between the forces of evil, embodied by the serpent, and the lineage of humanity, specifically foretelling a singular descendant who will deliver a decisive, fatal blow to the serpent's power, though suffering a non-fatal wound in the process. This foundational promise establishes the trajectory of divine salvation history, undergirding all subsequent biblical revelation concerning the ultimate triumph over sin and death.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This pronouncement is situated within the immediate aftermath of humanity's original sin in the Garden of Eden. Following the serpent's deception and Adam and Eve's disobedience in eating from the forbidden tree, God confronts each party involved. Before addressing the woman and the man with their respective judgments ([Genesis 3:16-19](/genesis/3-16-19 "God's judgments on the woman, man, and ground")), God first delivers a curse upon the serpent, which uniquely contains this profound promise of future victory. This placement is crucial, as it provides a glimmer of hope and a divine plan for redemption even amidst the pronouncements of judgment and the introduction of suffering and death into the world. It sets the stage for the entire biblical narrative of salvation, establishing a perpetual spiritual conflict that unfolds throughout history.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is the pristine Garden of Eden, a place of perfect communion between God and humanity, now marred by disobedience. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, serpents were often associated with chaos, evil, and divine adversaries, making the serpent an apt symbol for the deceptive, anti-God force at work. The concept of "seed" (offspring) was paramount for lineage, inheritance, and the continuation of a family or nation, giving the prophecy of "her seed" immense significance. The imagery of bruising or crushing the head of an enemy was a common metaphor for decisive, fatal victory, while a heel wound, though painful, was not typically life-threatening. This cultural understanding amplifies the prophetic weight of the contrasting injuries.

* **Key Themes:** Genesis 3:15 introduces several foundational theological themes that resonate throughout the biblical narrative. It is the genesis of **Messianic Prophecy**, providing the earliest and most direct foretelling of a coming deliverer who would conquer evil. It underscores **Divine Sovereignty**, demonstrating that even in the face of human rebellion and the introduction of sin, God remains in complete control, actively orchestrating His redemptive plan. The verse also inaugurates the theme of **Spiritual Warfare**, establishing an ongoing, irreconcilable conflict between the forces of God and the forces of evil, represented by the "seed of the woman" and the "seed of the serpent" respectively. This conflict is not merely human but cosmic, echoing through the ages as God works out His purposes, ultimately culminating in the triumph of the [Lamb of God](/revelation/5-6 "Revelation 5:6 - The Lamb who was slain"). Furthermore, it highlights **God's Enduring Faithfulness**, showcasing His immediate response to sin with a promise of restoration, revealing His character as a God who pursues His fallen creation with a plan for salvation, a theme beautifully developed in the covenant promises to [Abraham](/genesis/12-1-3 "Genesis 12:1-3 - The Abrahamic Covenant") and [David](/2_samuel/7-12-16 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - The Davidic Covenant").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **enmity (Hebrew, _ʼêybâh'_):** From the root meaning "to be hostile," this term denotes a deep-seated, inherent, and irreconcilable hostility or hatred. God declares that He Himself will actively establish this profound antagonism, not merely as a consequence of the Fall, but as a divine decree that separates the serpent's malevolent agenda from the trajectory of humanity, particularly the redemptive line.
* **seed (Hebrew, _zeraʻ'_):** This word, while typically referring to physical offspring or posterity, carries profound theological weight here. It first refers generally to the "seed" or lineage of both the serpent and the woman, indicating two opposing spiritual lines. Crucially, the singular "it" referring to "her seed" later in the verse points to a specific, singular descendant, a unique individual from the woman's lineage who will fulfill the prophecy, not merely a collective group. This singular emphasis is foundational to the Messianic interpretation.
* **bruise (Hebrew, _shûwph'_):** This primitive root means "to gape," "snap at," or "overwhelm," and can be translated as "crush" or "strike." The repetition of this verb for both actions ("it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel") highlights the violent nature of the encounter. The contrasting objects of the bruising—the head (fatal) versus the heel (non-fatal)—are critical to understanding the outcome of the conflict.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And I will put enmity between thee and the woman":** This opening clause reveals God's active role in establishing a perpetual, divinely ordained hostility. It is not a natural consequence but a sovereign decree by God Himself, setting the serpent (Satan) and humanity (represented by the woman) in direct opposition. This enmity is fundamental to the ongoing spiritual conflict.
* **"and between thy seed and her seed":** The conflict extends beyond the immediate parties to their respective lineages. "Thy seed" refers to those who align with the serpent's rebellion and evil, while "her seed" refers to the righteous line of humanity, culminating in the promised deliverer. This establishes a spiritual divide that permeates all of human history.
* **"it shall bruise thy head":** This is the decisive blow. The singular "it" (referring to "her seed") points to a specific individual, the Messiah. The "head" represents the vital center, the seat of power and life. To bruise or crush the head signifies a fatal, decisive, and ultimate defeat for the serpent, symbolizing the complete dismantling of Satan's power, authority, and dominion over sin and death.
* **"and thou shalt bruise his heel":** In stark contrast to the fatal head wound, the "heel" wound is painful and significant but not fatal. This part of the prophecy foretells the suffering and temporary vulnerability of the deliverer. It speaks to the suffering of the Messiah, particularly His crucifixion, which appeared to be a victory for the serpent but was, in fact, the very means by which the decisive blow to Satan's power was delivered.

#### Literary Devices
Genesis 3:15 is rich in **Symbolism** and **Metaphor**. The serpent symbolizes Satan, the embodiment of evil and deception, while the "seed of the woman" symbolizes the redemptive lineage culminating in the Messiah. The "head" metaphorically represents power, authority, and life, and its crushing signifies ultimate, fatal defeat. The "heel" metaphorically represents vulnerability and a non-fatal, though painful, wound. The verse also employs **Antithesis** by contrasting the two types of "bruising" and their respective outcomes, highlighting the decisive nature of the Messiah's victory despite His suffering. Fundamentally, the entire verse functions as a profound **Prophecy**, the very first Messianic prophecy in the Bible, foreshadowing the coming of a deliverer who would conquer evil through suffering.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 3:15 stands as the foundational promise of redemption, often called the "Protoevangelium," signifying the "first Gospel." It immediately follows humanity's fall into sin, demonstrating God's proactive grace and unwavering commitment to His creation. This verse introduces the profound theological truth that even in judgment, God's sovereign plan for salvation is already in motion. It establishes the central conflict between good and evil, God's kingdom and Satan's dominion, a conflict that will culminate in the decisive victory of the "seed of the woman." This promise provides the theological bedrock for all subsequent covenants and prophecies pointing to a coming deliverer.

* [Romans 16:20](/romans/16-20 "Romans 16:20 - God will crush Satan under your feet")
* [Hebrews 2:14](/hebrews/2-14 "Hebrews 2:14 - Christ's victory over death and the devil")
* [Revelation 12:9](/revelation/12-9 "Revelation 12:9 - The great dragon, that ancient serpent, who is called the devil and Satan")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 3:15 offers profound comfort and direction for believers today, serving as a timeless reminder of God's enduring faithfulness and His ultimate triumph over evil. It assures us that God's plan of salvation was not an afterthought but a foundational truth woven into the very fabric of creation, providing hope even in the darkest moments of human history and personal struggle. This verse reminds us that while spiritual conflict is real and pervasive—we still face temptation and the schemes of the adversary—we serve a God who has already secured the decisive victory through His Son. This empowers us to live with courage and confidence, knowing that the "head" of the serpent has been fatally bruised, and his ultimate destruction is assured. Our present struggles are set within the context of a battle already won, calling us to participate in God's redemptive work with hope and perseverance.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the immediate promise of Genesis 3:15 after the Fall shape your understanding of God's character and His response to human sin?**
* **In what ways do you see the "enmity" between the "seed of the woman" and the "seed of the serpent" playing out in the world today, and how does this verse encourage you in spiritual warfare?**
* **How does the imagery of "bruising the head" versus "bruising the heel" deepen your appreciation for Christ's sacrifice and victory on the cross?**

### FAQ
**What does "Protoevangelium" mean in relation to Genesis 3:15?**

Answer: "Protoevangelium" is a Latin term meaning "first Gospel" or "first good news." It refers to [Genesis 3:15](/genesis/3-15 "Genesis 3:15, the Protoevangelium") because it is the very first promise of a Savior in the Bible, offering hope of redemption immediately after the Fall of humanity into sin. It sets the stage for God's entire redemptive plan throughout history.

**Why does the verse refer to "her seed" instead of "his seed"?**

Answer: The phrase "her seed" is highly significant because it uniquely points to a descendant born solely of the woman, without the involvement of a human father. This foreshadows the virgin birth of Jesus Christ, as described in [Matthew 1:18-25](/matthew/1-18-25 "Matthew 1:18-25 narrates the virgin birth of Jesus"), emphasizing His divine origin and unique role as the promised deliverer. This exceptional lineage bypasses the sin nature inherited through the male line from Adam, ensuring Christ's sinless nature, which was essential for Him to be the perfect sacrifice.

**What do the "head" and "heel" symbolize in this verse?**

Answer: The "head" represents the vital center, symbolizing a fatal and decisive blow to the serpent (Satan), indicating his ultimate defeat and destruction. This is a blow from which he cannot recover. The "heel" represents a vulnerable but non-fatal part of the body, symbolizing the suffering and temporary wound inflicted upon the Messiah during His earthly ministry and crucifixion. This wound, though painful and leading to death, was ultimately overcome through His resurrection, which in turn secured the serpent's demise.

**Does this verse mean Satan is completely powerless now?**

Answer: While [Genesis 3:15](/genesis/3-15 "Genesis 3:15, the Protoevangelium") promises Satan's ultimate defeat, it does not mean he is currently powerless. The decisive blow to his dominion over sin and death was struck at the cross and resurrection, breaking his power. However, he still operates in the world as an adversary, seeking to deceive and destroy, as seen in [1 Peter 5:8](/1_peter/5-8 "1 Peter 5:8 warns believers to be alert against the devil"). Yet, his power is limited, and his final destruction is assured, as prophesied in [Revelation 20:10](/revelation/20-10 "Revelation 20:10 describes Satan's final doom"), where he will be cast into the lake of fire. Believers are called to resist him, empowered by Christ's victory.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[Genesis 3:15](/genesis/3-15 "Genesis 3:15, the Protoevangelium") is the foundational Messianic prophecy, directly foreshadowing Jesus Christ as the "seed of the woman" who would ultimately conquer Satan. The "bruising of the heel" finds its profound fulfillment in Christ's suffering and crucifixion, which, from a human perspective, appeared to be a victory for evil and a temporary triumph for the serpent. However, this very act of suffering was, in fact, the means by which Jesus delivered the fatal "head bruise" to Satan's power. Through His death, burial, and glorious resurrection, Jesus triumphed over sin, death, and the devil, fulfilling this ancient promise and laying the groundwork for [all who believe in Him to share in His victory](/romans/16-20 "Romans 16:20 promises that God will soon crush Satan under your feet"). As the author of Hebrews declares, Christ "partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy him who has the power of death, that is, the devil" ([Hebrews 2:14](/hebrews/2-14 "Hebrews 2:14 - Christ's victory over death and the devil")). Jesus came to [destroy the works of the devil](/1_john/3-8 "1 John 3:8 states that Jesus came to destroy the devil's works"), and His victory on the cross irrevocably sealed Satan's doom, making Him the promised Deliverer of humanity.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Romans 16:20

And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ [be] with you. Amen.

1 John 3:8

He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.

Revelation 12:17

And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.

Isaiah 7:14

Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.

Galatians 4:4

But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,

Hebrews 2:14

¶ Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;

Hebrews 2:15

And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.