Abstract
This essay suggests a new Korean translation of Genesis 3:16. Traditional understandings and translations of the verse were under the influence of the Christian doctrine of sin and fall of the first woman and man, and judgements upon them accordingly. In the Western culture, the verse was often used to oppress women. Although Christianity came to Korea not as a culture but as a religion, the verse has still contributed to oppression of church women.<BR> This essay briefly surveys traditional understandings of the verse and then introduces feminist interpretations and translations. It also deals with translation problems related to the Hebrew text, and shows that various translations of the verse are possible. Then it suggests that the reader in modern Korea requests a new translation which can empower both women and men.<BR> Our translation, “You shall work hard and conceive often. In pain you will give birth. You long for your man and the longing will be overwhelming,” can smoothly connect 3:16a and 3:16b, and get rid of the domination ideology. But still, it carries the unavoidable connotation that the text reflects the narrator’s patriarchal fantasy that the woman has more responsibility to maintain population, and provide constant love.
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