Commentary: Genesis 3:16 Is Descriptive, Not Prescriptive

Ardavanis says:

"God tells Eve that as a derivative of the curse, you will desire to master your husband... Women are going to fight against God's design for male leadership."

Ge 3:16 is descriptive, not prescriptive. God did not curse the woman — He described consequences of sin. God is describing what WILL happen, not what SHOULD happen. Just as we use medicine to alleviate the pain of childbirth (v.16a), we should work to alleviate the domination of husbands over wives (v.16b). Both are consequences of the fall, not God's design.

Additionally, Ardavanis says Adam "stood passively and idly by while Eve sinned." But this means the very first test of the supposed authority hierarchy resulted in total failure — Adam did not lead, protect, or intervene. Maybe the hierarchy is the wrong frame.