Who defeated the serpent? Text-Critical Observations on the crux exegetum in Gen 3:15

Genesis 3:15 holds pivotal significance in biblical theology as it predicts enmity between the serpent and the woman’s offspring, foretelling victory over the serpent. But From a critical-textual perspective, it presents a series of issues when the various ancient textual texts are considered individually and when they are compared synoptically with each other. The present essay begins by highlighting how modern translations differ in interpreting the defeating figure: whether it represents a collective (humanity) or an individual (a Messiah). Than a closer text critical examination reveals distinct perspectives within the Hebrew, Greek, and Latin textual traditions. By exploring the nuances and issues of each witness (Masoretic Text, Old Greek, Vetus Latina, Vulgate, and Nova Vulgata), the essay illustrates how this case exemplifies the different (evolving?) interpretations of this unique biblical text, which will leave a significant legacy in subsequent religious, theological, and even artistic imagery over time.