king james bible (punishment, translation, God, repentance)

[yousaf]

Unto the woman he said, I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children; and thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee.(genisis ch. v.16)

isn't this a bit harsh saying pregnancy is a punishment. can someone clarify if they can

[Dunemeister]

Pregnancy isn't the punishment. The curse (for the woman) involves:

(a) giving birth in pain
(b) subordination to the man

It's useful to read other versions besides the archaic KJV, which separates sorrow and conception. Thus it says that "conception" is being multiplied. Modern translations have it that the pain of childbirth is multiplied. Perhaps 16th century English speakers might have gotten that meaning, too, but we've lost that way of speaking. May I suggest you get a more updated translation?

For example, here's the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV):

I will greatly increase your pangs in childbearing;
in pain you shall bring forth children,
yet your desire shall be for your husband,
and he shall rule over you.


The curses pronounced by God on the serpent, the woman, and the man may seem a bit harsh. But now, by the sweat of our brows and the pain of our childbirths, we are reminded of our fallen state. This can lead to either resentment or repentance, and it's up to us to choose which is the wiser.

[Charity]

Very good answer Dunemeister,

[yousaf]

thankyou for your clarification