Genesis
by Anonymous · בְּרֵאשִׁית
Assigned by 4 of the 9 reading lists, catalogue entry only
- Written
- c. 10th-6th century BCE
- Form
- Scripture
- Language
- Hebrew
- Length
- Short · 110 ppunder 120 pages
- Difficulty
- Moderate2 of 5 for a first-year reader
We recommendGenesis, Translation and Commentary, translated by Robert AlterW. W. Norton, 1996A literary translation that keeps the Hebrew rhythm, with commentary on nearly every verse.
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The first book of the Bible begins with two accounts of creation, the garden of Eden, Cain's murder of Abel, the flood and the tower of Babel. It then narrows to one family. God calls Abraham out of Mesopotamia with a promise of land and descendants; the promise passes through Isaac to Jacob, who wrestles with an angel and becomes Israel. The last quarter of the book follows Jacob's son Joseph, sold into Egypt by his brothers, who rises to govern the country and eventually saves and forgives the family that betrayed him.
No reading guide yet
The catalogue entry above is complete: the dates, the form, the themes and every program that assigns Genesis are verified against each program's published list.
What is missing is the part that takes real work: the summary, the key passages, and a recommended translation. The edition named below is the one most programs assign, so the buy links are useful already.
