Genesis

Genesis, the first book of the Bible, derives its name from the Greek word for 'beginnings.' Traditionally attributed to Moses, it draws on ancient accounts and divine revelation to narrate events spanning from creation itself to Israel's sojourn in Egypt around 1800 B.C. Whether read as foundational history, theological narrative, or both, Genesis stands as the essential backdrop for understanding everything that follows in Scripture. Its author writes not merely to satisfy curiosity about origins, but to reveal the character of God and His redemptive purposes for humanity.

The book's major themes are woven together with remarkable unity. Creation declares that God is sovereign, intentional, and good, and that human beings bear His image with dignity and responsibility. The fall of Adam and Eve introduces sin and brokenness into the world, yet God immediately responds with the promise of redemption. Covenant becomes the defining thread as God calls Abraham and pledges to bless all nations through his descendants. Throughout the stories of the patriarchs — Abraham's faith, Jacob's transformation, and Joseph's faithfulness amid suffering — Genesis consistently affirms that God is at work in human history, pursuing His people with steadfast grace even in the midst of failure and hardship.