Question: Greg,

There was a question that arose at our Bible study. In Genesis 3:16 the word "desire" – does it mean the same as the word "desire" in Genesis 4:7. Some of us are saying it is the same, others are not. Does "desire" in Genesis 3:16 mean control as it does in 4:17? My Strong’s Concordance states "desire" in 3:16 is to, "overflow." A Rabbi friend of mine says the Torah says nothing about "control" as it deals with Genesis 3:16. Any help you can give me would be appreciated.

God bless you in your ministry.

Adam

Answer: Dear Adam

First, I would be careful not to pin too much on the definition of a word, but rather to make sure that the context of a passage is understood, for the context usually modifies/changes the meaning of a word – whether it be Hebrew or English. We can say "I am going to run to the store" – "I am going to run in a race" – My nose will run around fresh cut hay." What does the word "run" mean? If the word "run" means a "runny nose" then "I am going to run in a race" takes on an interpretation not meant by the person who wrote or said those words.

If your concern has to do with sub-ordination – or submission – within marriage, and what God intended, then this passage is not the place, because this passage (Gen. 3:16) has to do with the judgement as a result of sin. What was to have been a blessing – marriage, parenthood, is now tainted by the curse. The curse is sin (see Romans 5:12). All of our relationships, including marriage, are not what they could be because we are all sinful (Romans 3).

Hope this helps.

In Christ,

Greg Albrecht