Was Adam’s Headship a Result of the Fall?

Some suggest^[1] that Genesis 3:16, which occurs after the fall, is the first example of a husband's leadership over his wife. However, this perspective overlooks key details found in the pre-fall account of Genesis 2:

1. God made Adam first — Genesis 2:7, 1 Timothy 2:13
2. God gave Adam the command regarding the fruit of the tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil — Genesis 2:16-17
3. Adam was responsible for naming not only the animals (e.g. bear, giraffe) in Genesis 2:19, but also Woman in Genesis 2:23.
4. Eve was created for Adam — Genesis 2:18, 1 Corinthians 11:8-9

Why does this matter?

Imagine^[2] the implications if these things were instead true in Genesis 2:

1. God made Adam and Eve at the same time in the same way (say both from forming and breathing into dirt).
2. God gave both Adam and Eve the command about the fruit of the tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil.
3. Adam and Eve jointly decided that long-necked creatures should be called giraffes.
4. Adam and Eve mutually decided on their names - Eve calling Adam "Man" and Adam calling Eve "Woman."

Key Takeaway

If the events had occurred this way, there would be strong support for the idea that God assigned both husband and wife to a shared role of leadership before the fall. The fact that God chose a different route is significant.