Genesis 3:15 – Meaning & Devotional
"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."
What This Verse Means
Known as the protoevangelium — the first gospel — this verse is God's earliest promise of a Redeemer. Even in the moment of humanity's fall, God declares that the serpent's victory is temporary.
The 'seed of the woman' would one day crush the serpent's head, a fatal blow, while suffering a bruised heel — pointing to Christ's suffering on the cross that defeated sin and death forever.
Historical Context
This declaration comes immediately after Adam and Eve's disobedience in Eden. God addresses the serpent directly, and embedded in the curse is the first Messianic prophecy in Scripture.
How to Apply This Today
When you face spiritual battles, remember that the enemy's defeat was declared from the very beginning. You fight from victory, not for it. Stand firm in the finished work of Christ.
Related Verses
Romans 16:20
"And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly."
Revelation 12:9
"And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world."
🙏 A Prayer from Genesis 3:15
Lord, thank You that even in the garden You had a plan for my rescue. Help me stand firm against the enemy, knowing his defeat is certain through Jesus Christ. Amen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Bible Questions
Common questions people ask about this passage — answered with KJV scripture.
What Does Enmity Mean in the Bible?
Enmity means deep hostility or opposition — most famously the hostility God placed between the serpent and the woman in Genesis 3:15.
Read answerWhat Does the Bible Teach About Same-Sex Relationships?
Traditional biblical interpretation holds that sexual intimacy is designed for marriage between a man and a woman, based on Genesis 2 and multiple New Testament passages.
Read answerHow Did God Create Humanity?
Genesis records that God formed man from the dust of the ground, breathed life into him, and created woman from man's rib — making both in His own image.
Read answerWhat Is the Book of Isaiah About?
The Book of Isaiah is a sweeping prophecy of judgment and salvation, presenting the Messiah as the suffering Servant and foretelling the redemption of Israel and the nations.
Read answerWho Was Jael in the Bible?
Jael was the wife of Heber the Kenite who killed the Canaanite commander Sisera by driving a tent peg through his skull, fulfilling Deborah's prophecy that a woman would receive the glory of victory.
Read answerDeep Dive Commentary
For a more in-depth study, read our verse-by-verse commentary:
Related Reading
Continue your study with related content from across our library:
The Serpent in Eden — Satan in Genesis 3 (KJV)
The serpent in Eden is Satan's first appearance in Scripture — questioning God's
Acts 2:38 — Meaning & Devotional
Salvation & Redemption
Revelation 3:20 — Meaning & Devotional
Salvation & Redemption
Isaiah 9:6 — Meaning & Devotional
Messianic Prophecy
The Fall of Man
Genesis 3 • Sin and Redemption
Genesis 3:15 Commentary
In-depth study • The First Gospel Promise
Free printable companion
More Devotionals on Redemption
Ephesians 1:7
In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace.
Ephesians 1:7
In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace.
Job 19:25
For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth.
Ephesians 1:7
In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace.
More Verse Devotionals on Redemption
Explore more KJV verse meanings, contexts, and applications.
- Ephesians 1:7 — Redemption
- Ephesians 1:7 — Redemption
- Job 19:25 — Redemption
- Ephesians 1:7 — Redemption
- Genesis 50:20 — God's Sovereignty
- Psalm 103:1-5 — Praising God
- Isaiah 53:5 — Salvation & Redemption
- Acts 2:38 — Salvation & Redemption
- Revelation 3:20 — Salvation & Redemption
- Genesis 50:20 — God's Sovereignty
- Joel 2:25 — Restoration
- Genesis 50:20 — God's Sovereignty
- Joel 2:25 — Restoration
- Isaiah 9:6 — Messianic Prophecy
- Isaiah 7:14 — Prophecy & Fulfillment
- Isaiah 9:6 — Jesus Christ
- Joel 2:28 — Holy Spirit
- Isaiah 9:6 — Messiah
Keep Going
Continue Exploring Scripture
You've found one resource — here are more ways to go deeper into God's Word.
Today's Verse
Start each day with a hand-picked KJV verse and reflection.
Verses by Topic
Find what the Bible says about love, anxiety, strength, and 500+ more topics.
Bible Miracles
Discover the signs and wonders of God recorded in Scripture.
Angels & Spiritual Warfare
Angels, demons, and the armor of God — what the KJV really teaches about the unseen battle.
Bible Genealogies & Family Trees
Visual KJV family trees — the line of Jesus, the sons of Noah, the twelve tribes, and more.
Women of the Bible
Eve, Sarah, Ruth, Esther, Mary — the matriarchs, prophetesses, queens, and disciples of Scripture.