Topical Encyclopedia
The prophecy concerning the "Seed of the Woman" is one of the earliest messianic prophecies found in the Bible, originating in the book of Genesis. This prophecy is foundational in understanding the redemptive plan of God through Jesus Christ and is seen as fulfilled in the New Testament.
Genesis 3:15 · The ProtoevangeliumThe prophecy is first introduced in
Genesis 3:15, often referred to as the Protoevangelium, or "first gospel." After the fall of man, God pronounces judgment upon the serpent, saying: "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" . This verse is significant as it foretells the coming of a Redeemer who would ultimately defeat Satan, symbolized by the serpent.
Fulfillment in the New TestamentThe New Testament writers identify Jesus Christ as the fulfillment of this prophecy. The concept of the "Seed of the Woman" is unique, as it implies a birth that is not of ordinary human descent, pointing to the virgin birth of Christ.
Galatians 4:4Paul, in his epistle to the Galatians, affirms the fulfillment of this prophecy: "But when the time had fully come, God sent His Son, born of a woman, born under the law" (
Galatians 4:4). This passage highlights the divine timing and the incarnation of Christ, born of a woman, fulfilling the ancient promise.
Matthew 1:18-23The Gospel of Matthew provides a detailed account of the virgin birth, further emphasizing the fulfillment of the prophecy.
Matthew 1:18-23 describes how Mary, a virgin, conceived by the Holy Spirit, and the angel's message to Joseph confirms that this event fulfills what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah: "Behold, the virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call Him Immanuel" (
Matthew 1:23).
Revelation 12:1-5The imagery in
Revelation 12 also echoes the Genesis prophecy. The woman clothed with the sun, who gives birth to a male child destined to rule all nations, is seen as a symbolic representation of Israel and the Messiah. The dragon's attempt to devour the child reflects the ongoing enmity between the serpent and the Seed, culminating in Christ's ultimate victory.
Theological SignificanceThe prophecy of the Seed of the Woman is pivotal in Christian theology as it introduces the theme of redemption and the defeat of evil. It underscores the divine initiative in salvation history, where God promises a Savior who would be both fully human and fully divine. The fulfillment of this prophecy in Jesus Christ is seen as a testament to God's faithfulness and the unfolding of His redemptive plan through history.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Galatians 4:4But when the fullness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Library
The Fulfilled Prophecies of the Bible Bespeak the Omniscience of ...
... and say to David, "I will set up thy seed after thee ... So definite and distinct were
the Old Testament prophecies respecting the Birth of Christ, that the ...
/.../the divine inspiration of the bible/chapter five the fulfilled prophecies.htm
It is a Ground for Thanksgiving that During the Last Three or Four ...
... Doubtless, there are many particulars respecting this and all ... have to separate between
those prophecies which concern ... is posing as the true Christ, and those ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the antichrist/it is a ground for.htm
Introduction
... as the one who fulfills the prophecies respecting the Antichrist. ... us, as that the
day of Christ is at ... is because the majority of the prophecies yet unfulfilled ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the antichrist/introduction.htm
Against Heresies
... Their views as to the prophecies. ... Christ, who liberated not only Abraham, but the
seed of Abraham ... all that the prophets have declared respecting Christ and the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/irenaeus/against heresies/
The Meaning
... Now to that vision the remaining prophecies of the same ... is unnecessary to add a word
more respecting it. ... of God; but the mystical, or supposed Christ, whom the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/mede/a key to the apocalypse/the meaning 3.htm
Translated from the Greek.
... composed) before the advent (of Christ) that the ... 2932] For if the judgment respecting
the "Jew ... Moreover, there are many prophecies which predict regarding ...
/.../origen/origen de principiis/translated from the greek.htm
The City of God. Index of Subjects.
... was renewed with, [12]324; the seed of, to ... the reply of, when questioned respecting
Christ, [828]416. ... Hosea, his prophecies respecting the things of the gospel ...
/.../augustine/on christian doctrine in four books /the city of god index.htm
The Shaking of the Heavens and the Earth
... founded on the promises of God respecting the seed of ... The sense of many prophecies
concerning MESSIAH, though misapplied ... will be this, What think you of Christ? ...
//christianbookshelf.org/newton/messiah vol 1/sermon iii the shaking of.htm
Subject Index
... Grain of mustard seed, the, [1055]573. ... Isaiah, his prophecy respecting the virgin
conceiving, vindicated against Theodotion, Aquila ... Christ is King of, [1292]267. ...
/.../irenaeus/fragments from the lost writings of irenaeus/subject index.htm
John Chapter ii. 11-Jan
... Prophecies are fulfilled, the water-pots are full; but ... time permits, mention certain
facts respecting the several ... Christ was represented also in Noah and in ...
/.../augustine/homilies on the gospel of john/tractate ix john chapter ii.htm
Resources
How can I identify messianic prophecies in the Old Testament? | GotQuestions.orgHow many prophecies did Jesus fulfill? | GotQuestions.orgWhat biblical prophecies were fulfilled in AD 70? | GotQuestions.orgProphecies: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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