To the woman he said, “I will surely multiply your pain in childbearing; in pain you shall bring forth children.  Genesis 3:16 ESV

Pain – We have examined this verse in some detail in the past (it is also analyzed in my book, Guardian Angel).  We pointed out that a small emendation in the syllabication significantly changes the meaning (cf. Bushnell).  We noted that Havvah’s punishment fits the “measure-for-measure” system in its parallel to Adam’s.  The focus is on the resistance of the source and the subsequent toil in production.  Adam must toil to bring bread from the earth.  Havvah must toil to produce the next generation.  We noted that the sages consider child raising, not childbearing, the point of this verse.  All of this leads us to make substantial changes in the translation and the consequent applications.

But we have overlooked one other important factor.  The word translated “pain” is ‘atsav.  It usually means physical pain or emotional distress.  Rashi notices the connection between this first occurrence of ‘atsav and its occurrence in Genesis 6:6.  God observed the sinfulness of men and it grieved (yit’atssev) Him.  The account of the flood demonstrates a broken-hearted God, not a God of vindictive reprisal.  It seems schizophrenic to claim that God exercises severe judgment in the case of the deceived Havvah but is grief-stricken over the exploding sinfulness of the whole human race.  I believe this is one more indication that Bushnell’s suggestion is credible.  The translation should be, “The one lying in wait has increased your sorrow and in that same sorrow you will raise children.”  God is not the tyrannical policeman.  He is the sympathetic advocate and reluctant judge.  The point of the verse is the impact of transgression on production – from the earth and from the body.  The world is now filled with sorrow.  Things do not go as they were intended.

It seems to me that the act of clothing Adam and Havvah underscores the grace of God.  In spite of their sin, God provides priestly covering (cf. Davidson, The Flame of Yahweh).  If there were ever an opportunity for God to demonstrate His revulsion at their disobedience, this would be the moment.  But rather than judgment, we find a God of caring, a God who takes the first step toward forgiveness.  I’m sorry, but this doesn’t sound like a God who “will increase your pain.”

If we revise the mistaken image of God in the typical translation of Genesis 3:16, we must also revise our views of God’s relationship to and design of women.  But that’s the point, isn’t it?  The God of Genesis is not inconsistent with the God of the rest of Scripture.  His character is displayed from the beginning to the end.  When we realize that some translations give us a picture of a God whose wrath outweighs His mercy, we  need to be very careful.  The words need to match the character, not the other way around.

Topical Index:  Rashi, Genesis 6:6, Genesis 3:16, pain, ‘atsav

And if you haven’t read the entire discussion about this change in the purpose of women, you need to get the book.