Protevangelium

The term Protevangelium ( from Greek protos euangelion, first Gospel ) refers to the Christian allegorical idea that the biblical curse of the serpent in the prehistory

Is the first prophecy about the Messiah in the Old Testament.

Since Irenaeus of Lyons ( 135-202 ) is this prophecy or to Christ, Mary related. " ... He was born of Mary ... ".

Thus, the offspring of the woman would (Eva ) are in a constant battle with the offspring of the serpent (Satan ) until the specific interpreted as the son of the Virgin descendant, destroy the serpent and crush their heads would.

This idea has been incorporated into both the Catholic and Protestant church. Numerous songs grab the motif: ... Cancels the head of the old snakes / And destroyed the hells kingdom ... or kick the snake in half head.

The idea of ​​a Protevangeliums bible has been scientifically largely abandoned. The saying refers not to an individual entrant phenomenon in an individual, but is - collectively meant - as descendants of both parties. Moreover, if it were form criticism by no means a promise, but the word stand within a range of criminal and curse spells.