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Genesis 3:16 - Pain, desire, and marital dynamics

Genesis 3:16 - בראשית 3:16

Hebrew Text

אֶל־הָאִשָּׁה אָמַר הַרְבָּה אַרְבֶּה עִצְּבוֹנֵךְ וְהֵרֹנֵךְ בְּעֶצֶב תֵּלְדִי בָנִים וְאֶל־אִישֵׁךְ תְּשׁוּקָתֵךְ וְהוּא יִמְשָׁל־בָּךְ׃

English Translation

Unto the woman He said, I will greatly multiply the pain of thy childbearing; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children; and yet thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee.

Transliteration

El-ha'ishah amar harbah arbeh itz'vonekh veheronekh be'etzev teldi vanim ve'el-ishekh teshukatekh vehu yimshol-bakh.

Hebrew Leining Text

אֶֽל־הָאִשָּׁ֣ה אָמַ֗ר הַרְבָּ֤ה אַרְבֶּה֙ עִצְּבוֹנֵ֣ךְ וְהֵֽרֹנֵ֔ךְ בְּעֶ֖צֶב תֵּֽלְדִ֣י בָנִ֑ים וְאֶל־אִישֵׁךְ֙ תְּשׁ֣וּקָתֵ֔ךְ וְה֖וּא יִמְשׇׁל־בָּֽךְ׃ <span class="mam-spi-samekh">{ס}</span>        
אֶֽל־הָאִשָּׁ֣ה אָמַ֗ר הַרְבָּ֤ה אַרְבֶּה֙ עִצְּבוֹנֵ֣ךְ וְהֵֽרֹנֵ֔ךְ בְּעֶ֖צֶב תֵּֽלְדִ֣י בָנִ֑ים וְאֶל־אִישֵׁךְ֙ תְּשׁ֣וּקָתֵ֔ךְ וְה֖וּא יִמְשׇׁל־בָּֽךְ׃ {ס}        

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Parasha Commentary

Punishment of Chava (Eve)

The verse describes the consequences given to Chava after the sin of eating from the Tree of Knowledge. Rashi explains that the phrase "הַרְבָּה אַרְבֶּה עִצְּבוֹנֵךְ" ("I will greatly multiply your pain") refers not only to the physical pain of childbirth but also to the emotional distress of raising children. The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 20:7) elaborates that this includes the sorrow of pregnancy, the pain of labor, and the challenges of child-rearing.

Childbirth in Sorrow

The phrase "בְּעֶצֶב תֵּלְדִי בָנִים" ("in sorrow you shall bring forth children") is interpreted by Ramban (Nachmanides) as an ongoing condition for women, contrasting with the ease of childbirth that would have existed had Adam and Chava not sinned. The Talmud (Eruvin 100b) notes that this sorrow extends beyond physical pain to include the anxiety and worry a mother experiences for her children throughout their lives.

Desire for Husband and His Rule

The latter part of the verse, "וְאֶל־אִישֵׁךְ תְּשׁוּקָתֵךְ וְהוּא יִמְשָׁל־בָּךְ" ("your desire shall be to your husband, and he shall rule over you"), is explained by Ibn Ezra as a natural inclination of a wife toward her husband, despite the pain associated with childbirth. Rashi adds that this "rule" is not arbitrary but reflects the structure of marital relationships, where the husband has certain responsibilities and authority in the household, as outlined in halachic marriage (Ketubot 61a).

Spiritual Lessons

  • The Sforno teaches that these consequences are not merely punishments but also corrective measures to guide humanity toward teshuvah (repentance).
  • The Kli Yakar emphasizes that the "desire" mentioned is a means of maintaining harmony in marriage, ensuring that despite hardships, the bond remains strong.
  • Chizkuni notes that the husband's "rule" is balanced by his obligation to honor and provide for his wife (as per Shemot 21:10).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Eruvin 100b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the nature of marital relationships and the consequences of the sin in the Garden of Eden.
📖 Ketubot 61b
The verse is cited in the context of discussing the obligations and dynamics between husbands and wives, particularly regarding childbirth and marital authority.
📖 Niddah 31b
The verse is mentioned in a discussion about the pain of childbirth and its theological implications.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Genesis 3:16 mean in Orthodox Judaism?
A: In Orthodox Jewish tradition, Genesis 3:16 describes the consequences for Chava (Eve) after the sin of eating from the Tree of Knowledge. According to Rashi, this verse explains the natural difficulties of childbirth and the dynamic in marital relationships as part of the human condition after the sin in Gan Eden.
Q: Why is childbirth painful according to Genesis 3:16?
A: The Torah teaches that the pain of childbirth increased as a consequence of the sin in Gan Eden. The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 20:6) explains that before the sin, childbirth was meant to be painless, but afterward, it became difficult as part of the divine decree. However, Jewish tradition also teaches that righteous women like Sarah, Rivkah, Rachel, and Leah were granted easier childbirths as a reward for their righteousness.
Q: What does 'your desire shall be to your husband' mean in Genesis 3:16?
A: Rashi explains this phrase to mean that a woman will naturally desire her husband, but he will have authority in the relationship. The Ramban adds that this describes the human condition after the sin - that the marital relationship would involve both attraction and struggle. Jewish tradition emphasizes that this doesn't justify oppression, but describes a natural tendency that requires mutual respect and kindness within marriage.
Q: How does Orthodox Judaism apply Genesis 3:16 today?
A: Orthodox Judaism views this verse as describing reality after the sin in Eden, not as prescribing how relationships must be. The Talmud (Yevamot 65b) teaches that a husband must honor his wife more than himself. While recognizing the challenges mentioned in the verse, Jewish law and ethics require husbands to treat their wives with utmost respect, kindness and equality in decision-making for the family.
Q: Is the pain of childbirth a punishment according to Jewish tradition?
A: While Genesis 3:16 describes increased pain in childbirth, Jewish tradition sees it more as a consequence of the changed human condition rather than merely a punishment. The Talmud (Eruvin 100b) notes that women receive special mitzvot like lighting Shabbat candles as compensation. Many commentaries explain that through the pain of childbirth, women participate in the holy act of bringing new Jewish souls into the world.