Old Testament
New Testament
Genesis
Exodus
Leviticus
Numbers
Deuteronomy
Joshua
Judges
Ruth
1 Samuel
2 Samuel
1 Kings
2 Kings
1 Chronicles
2 Chronicles
Ezra
Nehemiah
Esther
Job
Psalms
Proverbs
Ecclesiastes
Song of Solomon
Isaiah
Jeremiah
Lamentations
Ezekiel
Daniel
Hosea
Joel
Amos
Obadiah
Jonah
Micah
Nahum
Habakkuk
Zephaniah
Haggai
Zechariah
Malachi
Genesis
Genesis is the foundational book of the Bible, revealing the origins of the universe, humanity, sin, and God's redemptive plan. It begins with the majestic account of creation and traces the lineage from Adam to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph. Key theological themes include divine sovereignty, the image of God, covenant promises, and the unfolding story of salvation. Genesis also provides the ancestral roots of Israel and is central to Christian and Jewish identity.
Author: Moses – Prophet and Lawgiver of Israel
Moses is traditionally recognized as the author of Genesis. Though the events in Genesis occurred long before his life, Moses is believed to have compiled and recorded the oral and written traditions of Israel under divine inspiration. As a prophet, deliverer, and teacher, Moses shaped the theological framework of Israel through this origin narrative, laying the groundwork for the Law and the covenantal relationship between God and His people.
Time Period:
Biblical: Written ~1445–1405 BC, covering creation to ~1800 BC
Scholarly: Some modern scholars date sources of Genesis (e.g., J/E/P traditions) between 1000–500 BC, though this is debated.
Genesis 1
Genesis 1 presents a structured narrative: God speaks creation into being, each day building on the previous. By Day 6, land, sea, plants, animals, and humans—all in God’s image—are formed. Day 7 marks divine rest. The chapter emphasizes divine authority, order emerging from chaos, and humanity’s unique role. Its aesthetic symmetry and repetitive literary form reinforce a theological rhythm—creation moves from emptiness to fullness under God’s spoken word.
Genesis 2
Genesis 2 zooms in on the sixth day of creation, offering a more intimate and relational account of humanity’s origin. It introduces the Garden of Eden, the formation of Adam and Eve, and God’s design for work, companionship, and moral responsibility. Unlike Genesis 1’s cosmic overview, this chapter highlights God's personal involvement and the sacredness of human relationships, setting the stage for the fall in chapter 3.
Genesis 3
Genesis 3 presents the tragic turning point in the biblical story: the fall of humanity. Through subtle deception by the serpent, Eve and Adam disobey God's command and eat from the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil. This act introduces sin, shame, and separation into the human experience. God confronts them, issues consequences, and banishes them from Eden. Yet, in the midst of judgment, Genesis 3:15 offers the first prophecy of redemption—the future defeat of evil through the seed of the woman.
Genesis 4
Genesis 4 records the first human birth and the first murder, showing the rapid moral decline after the Fall. Cain, the firstborn, brings an offering that God rejects, while Abel’s is accepted. In anger, Cain kills Abel and is cursed to wander. Despite this, God marks Cain for protection. The chapter also tracks Cain’s descendants—innovators of city-building, music, and metalwork—contrasted with Seth’s birth, which marks the revival of worship and covenant hope. This chapter emphasizes human responsibility, God’s justice and mercy, and the seeds of both civilization and corruption.
Genesis 5
Genesis chapter 5 explores key moments in biblical history, emphasizing foundational themes such as genesis 5. This chapter is crucial for understanding God’s unfolding plan, and provides core spiritual insights for modern readers.
Genesis 6
Genesis chapter 6 explores key moments in biblical history, emphasizing foundational themes such as genesis 6. This chapter is crucial for understanding God’s unfolding plan, and provides core spiritual insights for modern readers.
Genesis 7
Genesis chapter 7 explores key moments in biblical history, emphasizing foundational themes such as genesis 7. This chapter is crucial for understanding God’s unfolding plan, and provides core spiritual insights for modern readers.
Genesis 8
Genesis chapter 8 explores key moments in biblical history, emphasizing foundational themes such as genesis 8. This chapter is crucial for understanding God’s unfolding plan, and provides core spiritual insights for modern readers.
Genesis 9
Genesis chapter 9 explores key moments in biblical history, emphasizing foundational themes such as genesis 9. This chapter is crucial for understanding God’s unfolding plan, and provides core spiritual insights for modern readers.
Genesis 10
Genesis chapter 10 explores key moments in biblical history, emphasizing foundational themes such as genesis 10. This chapter is crucial for understanding God’s unfolding plan, and provides core spiritual insights for modern readers.
Genesis 11
Genesis chapter 11 explores key moments in biblical history, emphasizing foundational themes such as genesis 11. This chapter is crucial for understanding God’s unfolding plan, and provides core spiritual insights for modern readers.
Genesis 12
Genesis chapter 12 explores key moments in biblical history, emphasizing foundational themes such as genesis 12. This chapter is crucial for understanding God’s unfolding plan, and provides core spiritual insights for modern readers.