Genesis 3:15 is often called the protoevangelium, the first announcement of the gospel:
“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.”
This statement, spoken by God to the serpent after the fall, carries profound significance. It is both a judgment on Satan and a promise of hope for humanity. The “enmity” God declares is a permanent conflict between the devil and the human race, but it also points to a greater spiritual battle between Satan and the Messiah.
The phrase “her Seed” is unique, as Scripture typically speaks of the seed of a man. This anticipates the virgin birth of Christ, who would come into the world without a human father. The promise that He would bruise the serpent’s head speaks of ultimate victory. Crushing the head represents total defeat, while the serpent striking the heel refers to the suffering Jesus endured at the cross.
This verse is the foundation for understanding God’s plan of redemption. From the moment sin entered the world, God promised a Savior who would destroy the works of the devil. 1 John 3:8 confirms this:
“For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil.”
Though Christ’s heel was bruised through His crucifixion, His resurrection crushed Satan’s authority and secured eternal victory. Romans 16:20 gives believers this assurance:
“And the God of peace will crush Satan under your feet shortly.”
Genesis 3:15 reminds us that God’s response to sin was not abandonment but grace. From the very beginning, He revealed His purpose to redeem humanity through His Son.
