The seed of the woman

[Carbon]

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.” Genesis 3:15.

What is this seed of the woman?

 

[Arial]

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.” Genesis 3:15.

What is this seed of the woman?

A who. Jesus.

 

[Carbon]

A who. Jesus.

Is that all the verse is referring to is Jesus?

 

[Carbon]

Is that all the verse is referring to is Jesus?

I believe it signifies all the elect believers as well.

 

[John Bauer]

I believe it signifies all the elect believers as well.

There is some truth to that. Speaking to the church, Paul said, "The God of peace will quickly crush Satan under your feet" (Rom 16:20).

I believe Genesis 3:15 reveals the inauguration of the covenant of grace, a divine promise of redemption given to Adam and Eve after the fall which centers on a Redeemer who would arise from their lineage. The rest of scripture unfolds this covenantal promise through the patriarchs, Israel, and ultimately in Christ who is ultimately the serpent-crushing seed. But it also includes a corporate meaning, the community of the faithful who also war with the seed of the serpent. All who are united to Christ by faith are likewise called the seed of Abraham (e.g., Gal 3:29), and in him they participate in the victory over the serpent.

 

[Carbon]

There is some truth to that. Speaking to the church, Paul said, "The God of peace will quickly crush Satan under your feet" (Rom 16:20).

Indeed.

 

[Carbon]

There is some truth to that. Speaking to the church, Paul said, "The God of peace will quickly crush Satan under your feet" (Rom 16:20).

I believe Genesis 3:15 reveals the inauguration of the covenant of grace, a divine promise of redemption given to Adam and Eve after the fall which centers on a Redeemer who would arise from their lineage. The rest of scripture unfolds this covenantal promise through the patriarchs, Israel, and ultimately in Christ who is ultimately the serpent-crushing seed. But it also includes a corporate meaning, the community of the faithful who also war with the seed of the serpent. All who are united to Christ by faith are likewise called the seed of Abraham (e.g., Gal 3:29), and in him they participate in the victory over the serpent.

Yes, I believe it makes (shows) a separation from all mankind and the elect. And I will put enmity Between you and the woman, And between your seed and her Seed; . . . . The seed of the woman seed is opposed to the seed of the serpent. Now, it couldn't mean just Jesus (I don't think), if it did, then how would Satan's seed make sense?

The only seed Satan has is,
Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it. John 8:44.

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. 1 John 3:8

The field is the world; the good seed are the children of the kingdom; but the tares are the children of the wicked one; Matt 13:38.

Which, as you stated above, the church will war with the seed of the serpent.

 

[Carbon]

Yes, I believe it makes (shows) a separation from all mankind and the elect. And I will put enmity Between you and the woman, And between your seed and her Seed; . . . . The seed of the woman seed is opposed to the seed of the serpent. Now, it couldn't mean just Jesus, if it did, then how would Satan's seed make sense?

The only seed Satan has is,
Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it. John 8:44.

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. 1 John 3:8

The field is the world; the good seed are the children of the kingdom; but the tares are the children of the wicked one; Matt 13:38.

Which, as you stated above, the church will war with the seed of the serpent.

Therefore, it makes sense to me that the seed of the woman is the godly posterity of Eve. Namely, the children of the promise, That is, They which are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God: but the children of the promise are counted for the seed. Romans 9:8.

 

[Arial]

Is that all the verse is referring to is Jesus?

The Seed is Jesus. The seed of the serpent is the non elect. John 8:44 "You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father's desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is o truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language for he is a liar and the father of lies.

1 John 3:10 By this it Is evident who are the children of God, and who are the children of the devil: whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is the one who does not love his brother.

Matt 13:38 The field is hot world, and the good seed is the sons of the kingdom. The weeds are the sons of the evil one,

P.S. After I posted this I saw you had given the same verses I did. Great minds think alike! And we must be on to something.

 

[Hazelelponi]

Therefore, it makes sense to me that the seed of the woman is the godly posterity of Eve. Namely, the children of the promise, That is, They which are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God: but the children of the promise are counted for the seed. Romans 9:8.

True.

 

[Carbon]

Which, as you stated above, the church will war with the seed of the serpent.

Are you all familiar with John Diodati? Minister of God's word - Geneva. 1648
Here is something he writes on this, I thought I would share. I will write it as he wrote it, its in old English so some words will be different.

Christ, of himself, and in his elect through the Spirit shall destroy all thy kingdome, power and works by a compleat and everlastig victory. So that by the woman may be understood the Church, and jointly the holy Virgin: and by his mysticall body: as in prophesies we often find divers senses joyned and put together one within another.

 

[Hazelelponi]

True.

It's difficult though, to see myself in this light. Like I might lessen Christ by association.

 

[John Bauer]

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.” Genesis 3:15.

What is this seed of the woman?

Here is an interesting idea to ponder: As the seed of the woman has a corporate referent (the elect) in addition to an individual referent (Christ), so also the seed of the serpent has both a corporate referent (the reprobate) and an individual referent (Antichrist).

Paul speaks of a coming "man of sin" (ho anthrōpos tēs hamartias), the eschatological embodiment of rebellion who exalts himself, takes his seat in God's temple, and performs signs and wonders by Satan's power (2 Thess. 2:3-10). Likewise, John anticipates that just as "the antichrist" (ho antichristos) is coming, even now "many antichrists" (polloi antichristoi) have appeared (1 John 2:18; cf. 4:3, to [pneuma] tou antichristou, "the spirit of the antichrist").

 

[Eleanor]

Yes, I believe it makes (shows) a separation from all mankind and the elect. And I will put enmity Between you and the woman, And between your seed and her Seed; . . . . The seed of the woman seed is opposed to the seed of the serpent. Now, it couldn't mean just Jesus (I don't think), if it did, then how would Satan's seed make sense?

Is it not spiritual seed, those of Satan and those in Christ?

The only seed Satan has is,
Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it. John 8:44.

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. 1 John 3:8

The field is the world; the good seed are the children of the kingdom; but the tares are the children of the wicked one; Matt 13:38.

Which, as you stated above, the church will war with the seed of the serpent.

 

[Carbon]

Here is an interesting idea to ponder: As the seed of the woman has a corporate referent (the elect) in addition to an individual referent (Christ), so also the seed of the serpent has both a corporate referent (the reprobate) and an individual referent (Antichrist).

Paul speaks of a coming "man of sin" (ho anthrōpos tēs hamartias), the eschatological embodiment of rebellion who exalts himself, takes his seat in God's temple, and performs signs and wonders by Satan's power (2 Thess. 2:3-10). Likewise, John anticipates that just as "the antichrist" (ho antichristos) is coming, even now "many antichrists" (polloi antichristoi) have appeared (1 John 2:18; cf. 4:3, to [pneuma] tou antichristou, "the spirit of the antichrist").

Already been pondered.

 

[Eleanor]

It's difficult though, to see myself in this light. Like I might lessen Christ by association.

The arm of your Christ is too short, and thinking one is powerful enough to "lessen" Christ is actually unbelief rather than humility.

 

[makesends]

The arm of your Christ is too short, and thinking one is powerful enough to "lessen" Christ is actually unbelief rather than humility.

Well, to give her credit, I don't think @Hazelelponi meant it like that, exactly. It's a little like I don't want Christian bumper stickers because of how people see me driving. Or like people don't like some people naming the name of Christ. "You dirty his name by speaking it!"

Funny, though, (Great minds think alike), what you mentioned was exactly what came to mind for me, too!

 

[Carbon]

Well, to give her credit, I don't think @Hazelelponi meant it like that, exactly.

I agree.

 

[Hazelelponi]

The arm of your Christ is too short, and thinking one is powerful enough to "lessen" Christ is actually unbelief rather than humility.

Whether it's unbelief or whether it's perfectly logical I don't know, could go either way. I lean towards logical

For Christians, profaning God's name can take various forms, including using His name carelessly in speech, living in a manner inconsistent with His teachings, or engaging in actions that bring dishonor to His reputation. Believers are called to live in a way that reflects the holiness and majesty of God, as seen in 1 Peter 1:15-16: "But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do, for it is written: 'Be holy, because I am holy'" .

The call to honor God's name is not merely about avoiding certain words or phrases but encompasses a lifestyle of worship, obedience, and reverence. It is a call to reflect God's character in every aspect of life, ensuring that His name is glorified rather than profaned". .

Topical Bible: Profaning God's Name

Just depends on how one turns their head I suppose.

 

[fastfredy0]

This verse, often called the Protoevangelium ("first gospel"), is widely understood by Christian theologians to be the first hint of the coming of a Redeemer—Jesus Christ.

Key Interpretations of “the seed of the woman”:​

1. Messianic Prophecy (Christian View):
   
   • Many Christians believe "the seed of the woman" refers to Jesus Christ, born of a woman (Mary) but not of a human father, which aligns with the virgin birth.
   • “He shall bruise your head” refers to Christ’s victory over Satan (represented by the serpent), especially through His death and resurrection.
   • “You shall bruise his heel” refers to the suffering Christ would endure (e.g., crucifixion).
2. Collective Humanity View (Jewish and Some Christian Views):
   
   • Some Jewish interpretations and a few Christian scholars see "her seed" as humanity in general, particularly those who oppose evil (symbolized by the serpent).
   • The "enmity" reflects the ongoing moral and spiritual struggle between good and evil.
3. Dual Meaning:
   
   • Some see a double layer: the “seed” can refer broadly to God’s people (or humanity in opposition to evil) and specifically to Christ as the ultimate fulfillment.

Why “seed of the woman” is unusual:​

• Normally in the Bible, lineage or “seed” is traced through the man (father), not the woman. This exception adds weight to the idea that something unique (like the virgin birth) is being signaled.

Summary:​

The “seed of the woman” in Genesis 3:15 is traditionally understood by Christians as a prophecy about Jesus, who would ultimately defeat Satan. In a broader sense, it can also represent the continuing struggle between good and evil, and the triumph of God's plan through a promised Deliverer.

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