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Prior to reading your translation of Genesis 3:16 (I wonder why I have never looked at scripture4all.org on this verse as I rely heavily on it for so many others) I was under a similar impression as Kathleen. Having read “traditional” translations, it seemed to me that the “punishment” (pain IN childbirth) would have no meaning to Eve unless she had already experienced painless childbirth. I am rethinking as your analysis makes much more sense with the cleaner reading of the Hebrew.

I am not sure it matters in the long run. Would it be a big deal if Eve had already had a few children pre-fall? It still wouldn’t change the impact of the changes in conception, pregnancy, and child birth that you outline the fall brought about, would it?

Of course, the bible doesn’t say she had children pre-fall, nor does it say she didn’t have any. Either conclusion seems to be an argument from silence. The bible also doesn’t say that Cain was her first child specifically (or Able her second, for that matter). As best we can tell, Cain is the first child of any consequence. The only thing the bible is consistent in is leaving out mention of children who don’t factor into the Genesis story line. Although I leave open the possibility that some of those unmentioned children may have been pre-fall, I won’t lose any sleep over it. I will make a point of asking once I get to heaven though, just to satisfy my curiosity ;-).