The prophecy concerning the "Seed of the Woman" is one of the earliest and most significant messianic prophecies found in the Bible. It is rooted in the narrative of the Fall in the Book of Genesis and serves as a foundational promise of redemption and victory over sin and evil.

Genesis 3:15
The prophecy is first introduced in Genesis 3:15, where God addresses the serpent after the deception of Eve and the subsequent fall of humanity. The verse states: "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 passage is often referred to as the "Protoevangelium," meaning "first gospel," as it contains the first hint of the gospel message and the promise of a Redeemer.

The Seed of the Woman
The phrase "Seed of the Woman" is unique and significant. In biblical genealogies, lineage is typically traced through the male line, yet here, the focus is on the woman's seed. This has been interpreted by many theologians as a prophetic reference to the virgin birth of Christ, emphasizing His divine origin and the miraculous nature of His conception. The prophecy foretells a future descendant of Eve who would ultimately defeat the serpent, symbolizing Satan and the forces of evil.

Fulfillment in Christ
The New Testament writers identify Jesus Christ as the fulfillment of this ancient prophecy. The virgin birth, as recorded in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke, aligns with the notion of the "Seed of the Woman." Matthew 1:23 cites the prophecy from Isaiah 7:14, "Behold, the virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call Him Immanuel" , underscoring the miraculous birth of Jesus.

Victory Over Satan
The prophecy in Genesis 3:15 speaks of a dual action: the serpent striking the heel of the woman's seed and the seed crushing the serpent's head. This imagery is understood to represent the suffering and ultimate victory of Christ. The "striking of the heel" is seen in the crucifixion, where Jesus suffered and died. However, His resurrection signifies the "crushing of the head," symbolizing His triumph over sin, death, and Satan.

Theological Implications
This prophecy holds profound theological implications. It introduces the concept of a cosmic struggle between good and evil, with the promise of a Savior who would restore what was lost in the Fall. It also highlights the grace and mercy of God, who, even in the moment of judgment, provides a promise of hope and redemption.

Connection to Other Messianic Prophecies
The theme of the "Seed of the Woman" is echoed and expanded upon in other messianic prophecies throughout the Old Testament. For instance, the promise to Abraham that "through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed" (Genesis 22:18) and the prophecy of a coming ruler from the line of David (2 Samuel 7:12-13) both find their ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ.

In summary, the prophecy of the "Seed of the Woman" in Genesis 3:15 is a cornerstone of biblical prophecy, pointing to the coming of Jesus Christ as the Redeemer who would conquer sin and Satan, fulfilling God's promise of salvation for humanity.Genesis 3:15
And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her seed; it shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

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

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

The Five Books Against Marcion
... in Isaiah and the Psalms Respecting Christ's Humiliation. ... Chapter XIX.--Prophecies
of the Death of Christ. ... Exclusion Will Be Administered by Christ, Who is ...
//christianbookshelf.org/tertullian/the five books against marcion/

The Meaning
... Now to that vision the remaining prophecies of the same ... it is unnecessary to add
a word more respecting it ... Egypt, and as afterwards Herod did to Christ, the Son ...
//christianbookshelf.org/mede/a key to the apocalypse/the meaning 3.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/

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

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 Protevangelium.
... The necessity of Christ's temptation by the prince of ... writers to give any information
respecting the existence ... allusions occurring in the Prophecies of Isaiah ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/the protevangelium.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 Unity of Revelation. 1 "Known unto God are all his Works from ...
... mercy: the New Testament adds a glorious revelation respecting the ground of ... And
so is it also with the later prophecies concerning Christ and his ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxxvi the unity of.htm

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