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What does the “for” mean in Genesis 3:16?

April 28th, 2015

In Genesis 3:16 the English Standard Version has a footnote after “for” which says “or against.” (https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/…) For and against seem to be opposed to one another so I’m guessing that this Hebrew word is not translated very easily into English. Can someone help clarify its meaning?

Bible Gateway passage: Genesis 3:16 – English Standard Version
To the woman he said, “I will surely multiply your pain in childbearing; in pain you shall bring forth children. Your desire shall be for your husband, and he shall rule…
BIBLEGATEWAY.COM
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  • Wendyl Leslie Sarah, the ESV Study Bible has a rather lengthy note for this passage which reads:

    By way of punishing the woman for her sin of disobedience, God pronounces that she will suffer pain (Hb. ‘itstsabon) in the bearing of children. This strikes at the ve    …See More
    April 26 at 4:48pm · Edited · Like · 2
  • Wendyl Leslie Interestingly enough, the NET Bible translates this passage as follows:

    To the woman he said, “I will greatly increase your labor pains; with pain you will give birth to children. You will want to control your husband, but he will dominate you.” Genesis 3:16
    April 26 at 4:50pm · Like · 2
  • Sarah Van Baale Thanks Wendyl – I read this passage in numerous translations, but the ESV was the only one that had a footnote next to “for.” I understood it was a control issue, but was somewhat confused about the for (or against) footnote. Is the footnote just emphasizing that it is a control issue, or is the Hebrew word itself indicating that it could be either?
    April 26 at 5:04pm · Like · 2
  • Dale Agner New Amercian Standard has the word as “desire”, which is the same Hebrew word translated as “desire” in Gen 4:7, when God is speaking ot Cain….”If you do well, will not your countenance be lifted up? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door; and its desire is for you, but you must master it.” I believe there is only one other place this Hebrew word is used…and it is again in the millieu of tension in honoring God and striking out on one’s own independence.
    April 26 at 5:06pm · Like · 4
  • Sarah Van Baale Okay, so if I’m understanding correctly the “desire for” is the same word as teshuqah – we just add the “for” for clarity – except that the “for” doesn’t really add much clarity! Gotcha. I understand now. Thank you!

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