The Seed of the Woman
The first gospel in Genesis 3:15 — the serpent-crusher promised.
In the wake of the fall, God Himself preached the first gospel: the Seed of the woman would crush the serpent's head while suffering a bruised heel. Paul declares this enmity finally crushed in Christ.
The Prophecy
"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."
The Fulfillment
"But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,"
"And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly..."
"...that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;"
The protevangelium
Genesis 3:15 is called the first gospel — spoken to the serpent in the hearing of fallen man. The 'seed of the woman' (not of the man) hints already at the virgin birth.
Crushed at the cross
Christ's heel was bruised at Calvary, but in that same hour the serpent's head was crushed — death and the devil disarmed by His death.
People in This Prophecy
Verse Commentary
Read verse-by-verse commentary on the key passages of this prophecy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the protevangelium?
The first proclamation of the gospel — Genesis 3:15 — promising a victorious Seed of the woman.
How is this prophecy fulfilled in Christ?
Christ was born of a woman, suffered the bruised heel of crucifixion, and crushed Satan's power by His resurrection.
Related Bible Prophecies
The Messiah Born of a Virgin
Isaiah 7:14 foretold a virgin would bear Immanuel — fulfilled in Mary.
The Suffering Servant of Isaiah 53
Christ wounded for our transgressions — fulfilled at Calvary.
The Messiah Born in Bethlehem
Micah 5:2 named the village seven centuries in advance.
Out of Egypt Have I Called My Son
Hosea 11:1 fulfilled in the holy family's return from Egypt.
Related Reading
Continue your study with related content from across our library:
Genesis 3:15 Commentary
In-depth study • The First Gospel Promise
The Serpent in Eden — Satan in Genesis 3 (KJV)
The serpent in Eden is Satan's first appearance in Scripture — questioning God's
Isaiah 9:6 — Meaning & Devotional
Messianic Prophecy
Genesis 3:15 — Meaning & Devotional
Redemption
Micah 5:2 Commentary
In-depth study • Messianic Prophecy
Genesis 3 Quiz — The Fall of Man
The serpent, the forbidden fruit, and the first gospel promise.