Genesis 3:15

Christians have traditionally interpreted this verse prophetically, seeing in it a prophecy of Mary (“the woman”) and Christ (her “offspring”). Because it portrays the victory over sin and death, it has been called the “Proto-evangelium,” the first announcement of the Good News. Older English translations mistakenly translated “he will strike” as “she will strike,” and there was much popular art depicting Mary as standing with a serpent under her foot. When understood correctly, the prophetic interpretation sees Mary as present when her son, Jesus, conquers evil.