Numerical Expositions: Genesis 3:18

Thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee; and thou shalt eat the herb of the field;

-- Gen. 3:18 (KJV)

As a result of the curse, thorns and thistles are brought forth when mankind tills the ground.  The meaning of this curse implies that unproductive branches will grow although plenty of work was placed in growing bumper crops.  This curse hinders the productivity of what man can do upon this earth.  This curse can be potentially devastating because all of that work could possibly produce nothing in return.  Remember to stay encouraged.

From this verse, you can use the symbolism of thorns and thistles to represent the curse in other verses throughout the Bible.  This type of research can give you further insight on how to eliminate the curse from your life.

For example, in the parable of the sower, "...the thorns grew up, and choked it, and it yielded no fruit."  (Mark 4:7 KJV).  The curse will attempt to undermine your productivity.  However, you can maximize your productivity by taking heed to the explanation given in Mark 4:18-19 (KJV).

"And these are they which are sown among thorns; such as hear the word, And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful."

1. Stop caring about what the rest of the world cares about.
2. Do not believe that you are something that you are not solely because you have money.
3. Do not allow other desires to supersede your desire for God's Word.

Another key insight is given in the second part of this verse as the herb of the field grows despite of all of the thorns and the thistles.  Herbs are certain plants used for as flavoring for food, medicine, and perfume.  The herbs are not choked out by the thorns because the herbs provide resources that help others.  We must look to help others so that the curse will not be able to stop us.

Numerical Analysis:  The numerical pattern for this verse is 3,9,1,8.  (3) Walk in the Spirit in order to be free from the curse.  (9) To overturn evil, know what you need to eat.  (1) To stay in the anointing, know what you need to eat.  (8) To have a new beginning in God, know what you need to eat.