Was God Wrong to Multiply the Pain of Women in Childbearing?
Some argue that it was immoral for God to multiply the pain of women in childbearing in Genesis 3:16. However, those who object to what God did in Genesis 3:16 are imposing an external, arbitrary, and unjustified moral standard upon God. The simple truth is that it was not wrong for God to punish both men and women after the fall.
Genesis 3:16 – Was God Wrong to Multiply the Pain of Women in Childbearing?
the woman he said, “I will surely multiply your pain in childbearing; in pain you shall bring forth children. Your desire shall be contrary to your husband, but he shall rule over you.”
Genesis 3:16
The Answer – Was God Wrong to Multiply the Pain of Women in Childbearing?
Sin Deserves Punishment
Everyone would agree that a person who does something wrong should be punished appropriately for the wrongdoing. When Adam sinned in the Garden of Eden, he did so as humanity’s federal head, which means he represented every human being in his sin. So, God was just to punish both Adam and all of his offspring because every human is guilty of sin through Adam. The just punishment for sin is eternal torment in hell because sin is against an infinitely holy, righteous, and perfect God. However, in his grace God chose to not punish humans with hell immediately. However, sin still has consequences for every human during their earthly lives. God punished men in a particular way, and he punished women in a particular way. One way in which God punished women was to multiply their pain in childbearing. It simply was not wrong for God to do this because, again, sin deservers punishment, and multiplying a person’s pain in childbearing is certainly just punishment for sin.
More Answers to “Contradictions” in the Bible
To read more answers to alleged and apparent contradictions in the Bible, see “Contradictions” in the Bible Answered.
These books are also excellent resources:
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