The Hebrew Scriptures depict a change in relationship between man and woman after humanity sinned in the Garden of Eden. The nature and implications of this change hinge on the interpretation of Gen 3:16 and, specifically, the meaning of תשוקה—the “desire” as found in the divine judgment on Eve (as wife). Definitions like “inclination,” “turn/return,” “movement toward,” “basic instinct,” or “preoccupation, devotion” fail to nuance the nature and motion of the concept in context. Other definitions of this word have inadequately harmonized its three uses in Gen 3:16; 4:7; and Song 7:10[11]. On the one hand, proponents of the “sexual desire” interpretation emphasize the connection to Song 7:10[11] but discard or marginalize Gen 4:7. On the other hand, proponents of the “power or control” view emphasize the connection to Gen 4:7 but jettison or dismiss Song 7:10[11]. This paper, however, integrates all three uses of תשוקה by interpreting Song of Songs as echoing Genesis, thus enabling the three uses to be interpreted in concert. This article argues that all three uses of תשוקה concern an inclination to lead. Etymologically, this meaning is possible. Historically, Ibn Ezra, Ibn Janah, and Targum Canticles applied Song 7:10[11] in a way that reflects this meaning. Exegetically, the Song of Songs supports this meaning.