Women's Issues: Women in Judaism: Men Ruling over Women:
Does Gen. 3:16 mean that men are entitled to rule over women?
A possible basis for understanding Gen.3:16 is suggested by the
very parallel wording addressed to Cain in Gen.4:7: "Sin crouches
at the door; his desire is for you, but you will rule over him".
Eve had just caused Adam to sin by eating the fruit of the tree;
thus the verse may be suggesting that if she again attempts to
tempt Adam, he will overcome the temptation. Other interpretations
are suggested by the commentators -- for example, that even though
bearing children will be painful, you will still desire your husband,
and in any case he will take the initiative in wanting to have
relations with you.
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