Genesis 3:15 “And I will put enmity Between you and the woman, And between your seed and her Seed; He shall bruise your head, And you shall bruise His heel. This is the first prophecy of the coming of Christ. Not only is this a prophecy of his birth, but it is a prophecy of his work.”
God has never had an afterthought. He has never been surprised. He has never had to change his mind. All events in the scope of time eternal are to Him as the present moment is to us.
With those thoughts in mind, consider the majesty of God’s plan for mankind, and how He not only humbled Himself to the point of giving His one and only Son to die for your sins and mine, but that He told the world about these plans hundreds of years before they would be fulfilled. Some 70 major prophesies and over 200 others describe the coming of Christ in staggering detail.
To the people of Israel, this plan was so clear that they eagerly awaited the coming of the Savior, the Messiah who would deliver men and women throughout the world from the clutches of sin. The plan was outlined in a way that provided mankind with an exact address in time. Only one Man in all of recorded history could possibly fulfill all those specific requirements. According to historian Peter Stoner, the chance that any one man could fulfill the eight most significant prophesies alone is one in 1017. That’s 1 in 100,000,000,000,000,000. It’s equivalent to a blindfolded person finding one marked silver dollar in a pile covering the state of Texas to a depth of two feet! The chance that any one person could fulfill 48 of the prophesies is one in 10157 (one followed by 157 zeros).
Here are some of the most significant prophesies concerning the birth of the Messiah, with a principle and application attached to each one. We suggest that you study them one at a time, giving yourself an opportunity to digest the information provided before moving on to the next.
GOD’S GREATEST GIFT
Part 1
"And I will put enmity"
The context of this verse is the fall of Adam and Eve. God is speaking to the serpent who is a personification of Satan. God desires no coalition between himself and Satan. The two are mutually exclusive.
"Between you and the woman, And between your seed and her Seed."
God draws a distinction between "your seed" (Satan’s seed) and "her Seed" (Jesus). "Her Seed" refers to the humanity (incarnation) of Christ. Notice that this passage does not say that the "Seed" was of Adam. This is an inference of the virgin birth. The New Testament calls Jesus the "Seed" (Galatians 3:16).
"He shall bruise your head, And you shall bruise His heel."
God is predicting the defeat of Satan by the coming of Christ, the Messiah. God is drawing the battle lines between himself and Satan.
"He shall bruise your head" is a mortal wound. The power of Satan is crushed by the cross of Christ.
Yet even at the moment of the first fall, God promises a solution to their sin. At the fall Satan bruised the heel of Jesus. Sin was the cause of Christ going to the cross. At the cross Christ will crush Satan’s head. One is a non-lethal and the other a lethal act. At the cross Jesus dealt Satan a fatal blow. There he paid for the penalty of sin fully.
Christ not only paid for the sins of the world on the cross but he defeated Satan there (Colossians 2:14,15). Satan was executed at the cross.
"And you shall bruise His heel" refers to the death of Christ. Whether this refers literally to the heels of Jesus pressed against the cross, is not important. Jesus was bruised at the cross (Isaiah 53:10).
PRINCIPLE: The birth of Christ set up the possibility of Christ fully paying for sin by the death of his body on the cross.
APPLICATION: Christ fully paid for our sins on the cross. We are free from suffering for them by ourselves.
Indeed Christ did pay the price of sin for the world when He was slain on the cross, and bruised the head of Satan. But how in that verse, Genesis 3:15, does the word “seed” have two meanings? How does it imply for the woman a physical posterity and for the Devil, that Wicked One, a spiritual posterity?
“Seed” is the same for both persons in the verse. This can be seen by the murder of Abel by Cain. In the Gospel, Christ refers to the blood of all the righteous who were slain to the account of the seed of the Wicked One, Satan. In that same verse, the Messiah, the Son of God, includes Abel-who was slain by Cain. This means Cain was the seed of Satan.
Again, Eve, in Genesis 4: 25, 26, said that God had appointed her “another” seed INSTEAD of Abel. If Cain were of her and Adam, why was there an obvious hole or cavity in their family when Abel was MURDERED?
Andy, God is the speaker to the serpent in verses 14-15. God said that there would be a perpetual struggle between satanic forces and mankind. This struggle would be between Satan and the woman’s offspring (seed). The offspring of Satan is anyone who serves his kingdom and have him as their father (Jn 8:44). “Seed” in this context is used metaphorically. The terms “head” and “heel” demonstrate this metaphorical usage. Satan will attack the non-vulnerable part of the body (the heel); God will attack the most vulnerable part of the body (a fatal blow to the head). Satan will finally and fully be defeated. In one case God talks about the physical manifestation of Satan and then in the next case he talks about his spiritual kingdom and purpose. There was a switch to the Devil himself in verse 15.
This interpretation is known as the “protevangelium” (the first Messiah reference) as far back as Chrysostom, Augustine, and Jerome.
In your words, the word ’seed’ has two different meanings in the same verse when they are used in the same context. One denotes physical ‘Posterity’ and the other Spiritual ‘Posterity’. When the Bible was translated into the English (I speak of the KJV-which I use), the word ’seed’ for the Devil and the woman is the same word. Same Meaning.
But what of Genesis 4: 25? It clearly implies that Eve KNEW Cain was not Adam’s and her offspring (SEED). She said that Seth replaced Cain by the word “instead”. Also in the New Testament it is read that Cain was of that Wicked One. The parable of the Sower also shows this: “while man (or Adam) slept, the wicked sowed the evil seed-the tares”. The word Seed means “fruit”, “POSTERITY”, “to bear”. This is Physical seed.
Think of it this way: Angels are physical; We see that by knowing that Satan and his angels fought Michael and his angels, and lost. (Revelation). Their place was no longer found in Heaven-they were cast down to earth. This is where Genesis 6 comes into play. The “Sons of God” are indeed the fallen angels. We know this by Job. They presented themselves before the LORD. In Peter, he testifies that they were bound in chains, awaiting judgment.
While I believe there is a literal seed or offspring of Satan on the earth today, I also comply that the Christian fights against Demonic power present in the world’s music, Most Television, Pornography, and many other avenues of life-including people that are possessed of them. (Ephesians 6:12).
In order to contend with the LORD of hosts, Satan had to create a COUNTERFEIT PEOPLE on the earth. He started with Eve.
Sorry, I noticed a discrepancy in my writing. Eve said that Seth replaced Abel, and not Cain. Please forgive me.
Andy, I mean to convey that “seed” carries a collective sense. In that sense both words for “seed” have the same idea. The word “seed” carries the idea in a semantic sense of “offspring.” It is true that all non-believers are in Satanic seed family (1 Jn 3:10-12). See my commentary there.
See my commentary on Jude on the fallen angels of Genesis 6.
The reference to Ge 4:25 simply refers to another offspring of Eve. The word “instead” is תַּחַת which means “corresponding to.” Seth corresponded to Able.
Read my commentary in Matthew on the parable of the Sower and the use of “seed” there.
I cannot readily read ‘your’ commentary on those verses. Please explain to me your opinion on Jude and Genesis 6 and Job concerning the fallen angels.
I have the fancy that you are “spiritualizing” the meaning of the word “seed” in Gen. 3:15. I take it literally because it is supported by Scripture elsewhere. The Bible does not contradict itself, but is the SAME Message cover to cover.
Andy, all you have to do is go to on the right column go to “Select book” for a book of the Bible, then “Select a passage.” For example, select Jude and then go to Jude 6. That passage agrees with your position if I understand it correctly.
Every Hebrew and Greek word has both literal and metaphorical meanings. Metaphorical meaning is not spiritualizing. Both seed/offspring refers to the progeny/family.
Yes, I know how to use the tools on the website, thanks.
I think this is pointless because if a student or person doesn’t get it right in Genesis, that person won’t be right in the rest of the Bible all the way to Revelation.
I was looking for Psalms and Romans and other books for analysis of your commentaries on their verses, but was shocked to find they weren’t available. In fact, I found this verse accidentally by a Google search.
You see in this day, being a Real Christian-that is, following God’s law to the letter, and having sound doctrine-is not popular today.
Christ did say that the world would hate those who were as Him.
Also, Mt. 7:13,14 definitely shows us who the Remnant of Christ is in the world today. (In conjunction, Rev. 12:17.)
You need to show the whole Bible. Oh, and think on Jeremiah 23:1. The LORD is serious.
Andy, of the hundreds of blogs on this website, yours is one of the most ludicrous. First, this passage is not a central passage. Your interpretation may indeed be right but mine may be right as well. There is not enough information in the text. Second, to claim that because I do not have Romans in these studies that I don’t proclaim the whole counsel of God is the of the most illogical things I have ever heard. It has taken over a decade to put up 6000 pages of information on this site. In fact, Romans is on the schedule to be published here. I have the book of Galatians, the parallel book to Romans, on the site (over 300 studies). Third, you are extremely reckless in charging others with lack of doctrine. If you were to study this site, you would find detailed exposition, extensive doctrinal analysis. Just because someone does not take your interpretation on a given verse, they are unfaithful to the Lord.
I was not aware that those books were in the process of being put up. I apologize for assuming they were never going to be.
Beliefs can vary in so many ways among Christians. I understand that. I just thirst for Truth.
I don’t want you to think I’m charging you with a crime, but rather, feeling my way around with a knowledgable Christian. Thanks.
In Genesis 3:16-24 we read the punishment of Adam and Eve for their sin. In verse 16, Eve is punished by multiplied sorrow and conception, and her desire would be to her husband.
Adam, who had a chance at refusing to take part in the sin, hearkened to his wife, thus surrendering headship and more importantly agreeing to sin with her.
Right here, a verse came to mind: Galatians 6:7,8: Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.
Adam and Eve were rewarded (punished) according to their trespass.
Eve’s punishment was sorrow and more conception Because she lay with Lucifer, who in Ezekiel 28 was said to be very beautiful(17), very “pleasant to the eyes”. Thus, Eve’s statement: “I have gotten a man from the LORD.” She mistook Satan for God because he appeared as an angel of light.
As the transgression, so the punishment.
Therefore, Eve’s punishment was because of the adultery she committed.
Do we really think that eating an apple would evoke such terrible consequences such as death?
Eve, and all women following, would have a desire to their husband (meaning that women want their husband to love them) because Eve left her Adam and committed adultery.
By this act, she conceived seed (progeny) by Lucifer or Satan. This was Cain. (1 Jn. 3:11,12; St. Jn. 8:44).
In John 8:44, it must be physical, tangible seed or offspring because Christ says that Satan was a murderer from the beginning. But it was Cain that did the murdering, right? Jesus Christ knew who the False Jews were. He pointed them out as the Synagogue of Satan: Physical Offspring-the Canaanite, Amorite and the Edomite.
When Israel came out of Egypt, why did God command that they should kill everyone living in the land He promised them? Why not CONVERT them?
These are honest questions. And they need Honest answers.
Matthew 23:33-35 also shed light on these false Jews. First, they are called Serpents and a generation of vipers, and second, Christ says that they slew Abel!
Did the seed of Judah, who was of Jacob and Leah, kill Abel? No, but it was the seed of the Dragon, Serpent, that Wicked One, who murdered Abel. These references to the same event prove that it is a Physical wrestling or Fight of two seeds.
I don’t know for sure on this point here, but do you think the Sons of God in Genesis 6 were the fallen angels that were simply copying Satan?
When Solomon was building the temple, the Cherubims he had made were very tall. If angels were that tall, and they mixed with man, the offspring would be Giants, I’d imagine.
What do you believe?
Andy, on your post of 7:34pm, there is no evidence whatsoever that Eve lay with Satan. After all, he appeared as a snake! Your interpretation is what we call extrapolation–you bring something out of the text where there is no evidence.
Andy, I believe that the extraordinary creatures in Genesis 6 were fallen angels. See Jude 6. However, no one has a final answer on that question. All interpreters view that passage as very difficult.
There is no evidence whatsoever that angels are the same size of the Cherubim in the temple. They were merely symbols of holy angels that protect the Holy of Holies.
There is no scholar, credible interpreter of Scriptures that hold to your skewed interpretation of Scripture about Eve committing adultery with Satan, etc.
So eating an apple was the infraction?
The giants were very tall several generations down the line. Those tall genes had to come from somewhere. Nature, as it reflects God, would have it that because giants were produced, say by the angels and man, that genetics would be relevant in the angels. Thus the tall gene would be from them.
That is all IF the Angels did come down and marry the daughters of men.
Andy, yes, eating the apple was the sin; that is what the Bible says, not some conjecture pulled out of the air. Adam also participated in that sin. Did he commit adultery with the snake!? The giants came from intermarriage with fallen angels (apparently according to Jude 6).
Andy, I am afraid you are using very poor interpretative principles. You interpolate much of your thinking on Scripture rather than let Scripture speak for itself. This is what is called eisegesis, not exegesis. For a doctrine to be true, the Word of God must declare it.
Adam and Eve’s punishment show what they did. It’s veiled language. The apple isn’t mentioned either. See Proverbs 30:20.
“Such is the way of an adulterous woman; she EATETH, and wipeth her mouth, and saith, I have done no wickedness.”
Eve ATE the fruit. (Gen. 3:6).
In verse 2 of Gen. 3, Eve replied to the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden: (3) But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye TOUCH (Hebrew Naga, meaning “lay the hand upon”; euphem., To lie with a woman”) it, lest year ye die. Concerning the word Touch, see 1 Cor. 7:1. “…It is good for a man not to touch a woman.”
This is all the same concept: some sort of sexual intercourse is happening in all three verses-Proverbs 30:20, Gen. 3:6, and 1 Cor. 7:1.
That is not a “skewed” interpretation of scripture. That is an unadulterated, pure, and clean interpretation. I would appreciate it if you would lay off on the derogatory comments concerning my views.
Let’s keep this productive.
Eve COULD eat the apple and any other fruit because we read in 3:2, “We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden.” She put difference between those trees and the “tree” in the midst of the garden. She could not eat of it nor Touch it. This is a big difference.
*When it says Adam also ATE of the fruit, this means he and Eve were involved afterwards. I believe Gen. 4:1 is a reference to this exact time in their lives.
Oh, by the way, it is Very Possible that a woman can have 2 children in two different wombs within her. I saw this thing happen with a woman on the news just a couple weeks ago.
Andy, your interpretations are so far off the mark that I should not bother responding to you. Your interpretations impose your ideas on Scripture. There is no biblical evidence for them. Zero! In hermeneutics, your interpretations would be rejected out of hand. They are not worthy of comment. To impose ideas on Scripture violates the Word of God and misrepresents what the Word of God has to say. My comments are derogatory only in the sense that your views are so off the mark from any credible interpreter that they need to be exposed for what they are.
Grant, I admire your patience with Andy but was glad when you finally told him how bizarre his interpretations are!
I admire Grant’s patience,too. I enjoyed the debate that took place between the two of us. I only wish that he disproved what I said instead of attacking my views.