1
Creation
Genesis 1
God creates the heavens, the earth, and all living things in six days, culminating in the creation of humankind, and rests on the seventh day.
Read chapter 1
Genesis
Creation
The Book of Genesis is the first book of the Hebrew Bible and the Christian Old Testament. It tells the story of the creation of the world and the first humans, Adam and Eve. Adam and Eve were created by God and placed in the Garden of Eden, where they were given instructions not to eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. However, they were tempted by a serpent and chose to eat the fruit, leading to their expulsion from the garden.The book also tells the story of the first family and their descendants, including the story of Cain and Abel, who were the first children born to Adam and Eve. Cain killed Abel out of jealousy, and as a result, he was punished and exiled by God. The book also includes the story of the Great Flood, in which God flooded the earth to cleanse it of wickedness, and the Tower of Babel, in which the people of the earth attempted to build a tower to reach the heavens.The book also includes the stories of Abraham and his family, including his son Isaac and his grandson Jacob, who was later called Israel. The book of Genesis ends with the story of Joseph, who was sold into slavery by his brothers but later became a powerful official in Egypt.
Commentary
50 chapters
The Book of Genesis is the first book of the Hebrew Bible and the Christian Old Testament. It tells the story of the creation of the world and the first humans, Adam and Eve. Adam and Eve were created by God and placed in the Garden of Eden, where they were given instructions not to eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. However, they were tempted by a serpent and chose to eat the fruit, leading to their expulsion from the garden.The book also tells the story of the first family and their descendants, including the story of Cain and Abel, who were the first children born to Adam and Eve. Cain killed Abel out of jealousy, and as a result, he was punished and exiled by God. The book also includes the story of the Great Flood, in which God flooded the earth to cleanse it of wickedness, and the Tower of Babel, in which the people of the earth attempted to build a tower to reach the heavens.The book also includes the stories of Abraham and his family, including his son Isaac and his grandson Jacob, who was later called Israel. The book of Genesis ends with the story of Joseph, who was sold into slavery by his brothers but later became a powerful official in Egypt.
Biblical figures
Key figures in Genesis
God
Supreme Being
Israel
King
Judah
Tribal leader
Egypt
Pharaoh
Dan
Judge
Saul
Prophet, King of Israel
Jacob
Prophet, Patriarchs
Levi
Priest
P
Philistine
Enemy
Pharaoh
Pharaoh
Ben
Son of Jacob.
Abraham
Prophet, patriarch
Joseph
Prophet, Vizier
J
Jordan
Baptist
Ephraim
Tribe Leader
Benjamin
Son of Jacob.
C
Canaan
Land of Canaan
Eve
Mother of all humankind
S
Syria
Ruler
Manasseh son of Jacob
A
Assyria
King of Assyria
Isaac
Prophet, patriarch
A
Ammon
Servant
G
Gilead
Judge
E
Edom
Chief of Edom.
G
Gad
prophet
Reuben
Firstborn of Jacob.
Shem
Son
R
Ram
Judge
Elisha
Prophet
H
Hebron
City
B
Bethel
priest
M
Midian
Judge
A
Abram
Patriarch
D
Damascus
Governor of Damascus
Laban
Laban held the position of "uncle".
B
Bethlehem
Town.
Noah
Patriarch
Simeon
Priest
Ishmael
Son of Abraham
N
Naphtali
Tribal leader
Rachel
Prophet
Z
Zebulun
.
A
Asher
Tribal leader.
I
Issachar
Tribal leader.
Lot
nephew of Abraham
S
Sheba
Queen
Sarah
Prophet
S
Shilo
Religious Leader
M
Merari
Levite
Leah
Prophet, Patriarchs
Adam
Father of all humankind
S
Shiloh
Leader.
Z
Zidon
King
E
Elam
Governor
G
Gershon
Musician
Rebekah
Wife of Isaac
K
Kadesh
Priest
Korah
Rebel.
Cain
Farmer
Abel
Shepherd
Tamar
Judah's daughter-in-law.
T
Tema
Head of the singers
Z
Zerah
Chieftain
G
Gaza
Ruler of Gaza
H
Hezron
Ancestor
H
Haran
positionheld: Brother of Abraham
M
Mesha
King
S
Sidon
King
T
Teman
Scribe
N
Nineveh
Capital
E
Elah
King of Israel
N
Naaman
Commander of the army
S
Sarai
Wife
Hagar
Consort
B
Bela
King
E
Eliezer
Servant
E
Eliphaz
Friend.
G
Goshen
Chief Magistrate
H
Heber
Judge
S
Shamma
Elder
H
Hadar
Commander of a troop.
A
Anah
Head of the family
E
Eber
Patriarch.
Ephron
Hittite businessman
O
Ophir
King of Ophir
D
Dedan
Tribal chief
E
Enoch
Prophet
J
Jerah
No positionheld information is available for the figure Jerah in the Bible.
K
Kedar
Tribal leader
L
Lamech
Lamech's positionheld: Father.
P
Pharez
Descendant
A
Aram
King
Japheth
Son
K
Kenaz
Kenaz held the position of chief or chieftain.
M
Milcah
Wife.
S
Shelah
Priest
T
Terah
Patriarch
D
Deborah
Prophet, biblical judge
R
Reuel
Chief of Midian
C
Carmi
No information found for figure "Carmi" in the Bible.
E
Elon
Judge
E
Ezer
Helper.
J
Jachin
High Priest
S
Seth
Son
A
Adah
D
Dinah
Daughter
D
Duke
Duke
E
Enos
Prophet
O
Onan
Son of Judah.
S
Shammah
Commander
S
Shaul
King
T
Tola
Judge
C
Cainan
Priest.
D
Dishon
Head of a clan
H
Havilah
Region
J
Jamin
Unknown
J
Javan
Founder.
P
Peleg
ancestor
Zilpah
handmaid
B
Bera
King
G
Gomer
Wife.
H
Hanoch
Enoch - Prophet
J
Jared
Patriarch
M
Massa
Leader.
S
Salah
D
Dishan
N
Naamah
S
Seba
J
Jezer
K
Keturah
M
Mizraim
N
Nimrod
Monarch
R
Rameses
R
Rehoboth
S
Salem
Z
Zohar
A
Aner
A
Areli
A
Asenath
E
Elishah
J
Jahleel
J
Jahzeel
K
Kemuel
O
Omar
Z
Zillah
A
Abimael
A
Adbeel
A
Aran
C
Calah
H
Hirah
I
Iram
J
Jemuel
L
Lasha
M
Madai
M
Magdiel
M
Melchizedek
King, Kohen
M
Moriah
O
Ohad
S
Serah
T
Tiras
Z
Zarah
Chief of the captains.
A
Ajah
A
Alvah
A
Alvan
B
Belah
J
Jabal
J
Jubal
J
Judith
P
Peniel
R
Rosh
S
Shalem
Z
Zaavan
Abimelech
King of Israel
A
Arphaxad
B
Birsha
King
B
Buz
E
Eli
High Priest of Israel, biblical judge
E
Er
Esau
Prophet
Ham
J
Job
Prophet
M
Methuselah
M
Moab
N
Nahor
S
Sered
S
Serug
S
Shimron
Chapters
Chapters
2
Separation of Light and Darkness
Genesis 2
God creates man and woman, and places them in a beautiful garden called Eden. He tells them they can eat from any tree in the garden except one tree. They were not supposed to eat from that tree.
Read chapter 2
3
Creation of Man
Genesis 3
The man and woman disobey God and eat from the forbidden tree. This causes them to realize they are naked and they feel ashamed. God punished them and they were forced to leave the garden.
Read chapter 3
4
The Fall
Genesis 4
This chapter lists the family tree of the first people created by God. It also tells the story of Cain and Abel, two brothers who had a fight and one killed the other.
Read chapter 4
5
Adam's Genealogy
Genesis 5
The chapter continues with the list of the descendants of Adam, including the ages at which they had their children and when they died.
Read chapter 5
6
God's Judgment on the Earth
Genesis 6
God was sad that people were only thinking about bad things and doing bad things. He decided to make it rain for forty days and forty nights to clean the earth and start over. But, he saved one man and his family in a big boat called an ark.
Read chapter 6
7
The Great Flood
Genesis 7
God told the man he saved to put two of every kind of animal on the ark, one male and one female. He also told them to bring seven of every kind of bird and every kind of food they would need.
Read chapter 7
8
The Flood Recedes
Genesis 8
After the forty days of rain, the waters receded and the ark came to rest on a mountain. God made a promise to never flood the earth again and gave the rainbow as a sign of his promise.
Read chapter 8
9
God's Covenant with Noah
Genesis 9
God blessed the man and his family and told them to be fruitful and multiply. He also gave them permission to eat meat, but they had to drain the blood from it first. God also made a promise to never again destroy all life with a flood.
Read chapter 9
10
The Nations of the Earth
Genesis 10
This chapter lists the descendants of the three sons of Noah: Shem, Ham, and Japheth. It also describes the different nations and territories that were settled by their descendants.
Read chapter 10
11
The Tower of Babel
Genesis 11
The chapter tells the story of the Tower of Babel, where people decided to build a big tower to reach the heavens. God confused their language and scattered them over the earth.
Read chapter 11
12
God's Call to Abraham
Genesis 12
God chooses Abram, a man living in Ur, and tells him to leave his country and family and go to a land that God will show him. Abram obeys and God promises to make him a great nation and bless him.
Read chapter 12
13
Abraham and Lot Separate
Genesis 13
Abram and his nephew Lot have many possessions and they get into a dispute over land. Lot chooses to go to the Jordan Valley, while Abram stays in the land of Canaan.
Read chapter 13
14
Abraham Rescues Lot
Genesis 14
This chapter tells the story of a battle between different kings and how Abram rescues his nephew Lot.
Read chapter 14
15
God's Covenant with Abraham
Genesis 15
God makes a promise to Abram that his descendants will be as numerous as the stars in the sky. God also tells Abram that his descendants will be enslaved for 400 years but then they will be free and will inherit the land.
Read chapter 15
16
Abraham's Son Ishmael
Genesis 16
Abram's wife Sarai is unable to have children, so she gives him her maidservant Hagar to be his wife. Hagar gives birth to Ishmael, but God later tells Abram that Sarai will also have a son, whom they will name Isaac.
Read chapter 16
17
Abraham and Sarah's Names Changed
Genesis 17
God changes Abram's name to Abraham and Sarai's name to Sarah, and makes a covenant with him. He promises that Abraham will be the father of many nations, and that his descendants will inherit the land of Canaan. He also tells Abraham to be circumcised as a sign of this covenant.
Read chapter 17
18
The Birth of Isaac Promised
Genesis 18
God visits Abraham and tells him that Sarah will have a son, despite her old age. Abraham laughs at the idea, but Sarah becomes pregnant and gives birth to Isaac.
Read chapter 18
19
The Destruction of Sodom
Genesis 19
God destroys the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah because of the wickedness of their inhabitants. Abraham's nephew Lot and his family were saved from the destruction.
Read chapter 19
20
Abraham and Sarah's Deception
Genesis 20
Abraham moves to Gerar and tells everyone that Sarah is his sister, for fear that they will kill him to take her as a wife. King Abimelech takes Sarah but God intervenes and he returns her.
Read chapter 20
21
Isaac is Born
Genesis 21
Sarah gives birth to Isaac and Hagar and Ishmael are sent away. God confirms his promise to Abraham that Isaac will be the one through whom his descendants will be blessed.
Read chapter 21
22
Abraham's Faith Tested
Genesis 22
God asks Abraham to sacrifice his son Isaac as a test of his faith, but God provides a ram to sacrifice instead.
Read chapter 22
23
Sarah's Death and Burial
Genesis 23
Sarah dies and Abraham buys a plot of land in which to bury her.
Read chapter 23
24
Abraham's Servant Seeks a Wife for Isaac
Genesis 24
Abraham's servant is sent to find a wife for Isaac, and he finds Rebekah.
Read chapter 24
25
The Birth of Esau and Jacob
Genesis 25
Abraham has more children with Keturah and then dies at the age of 175.
Read chapter 25
26
Isaac Deceives Abimelech
Genesis 26
Isaac moves to Gerar and tells people that Rebekah is his sister, just as his father Abraham did. He becomes very wealthy and has children with Rebekah.
Read chapter 26
27
Jacob Gets Esau's Birthright
Genesis 27
Isaac plans to bless his older son Esau, but Rebekah and Jacob conspire to deceive Isaac so that Jacob receives the blessing instead.
Read chapter 27
28
Jacob's Ladder and Covenant with God
Genesis 28
Jacob runs away to his mother's family and has a dream of a ladder reaching to heaven. God confirms his promise to Jacob that his descendants will be blessed and the land will be given to them.
Read chapter 28
29
Jacob Meets Rachel
Genesis 29
Jacob works for seven years to marry Leah, but is deceived by her father Laban and marries Rachel as well. He works for another seven years to be able to marry Rachel.
Read chapter 29
30
The Birth of Jacob's Children
Genesis 30
Jacob becomes very wealthy with large flocks and many children.
Read chapter 30
31
Jacob's Flight from Laban
Genesis 31
Jacob runs away from Laban with his family and possessions. Laban pursues him but they make a covenant and part as friends.
Read chapter 31
32
Jacob's Wrestle with God
Genesis 32
Jacob prepares to meet his brother Esau and he wrestles with God.
Read chapter 32
33
Jacob Meets Esau
Genesis 33
Jacob and Esau are reconciled and Jacob moves his family to Bethel.
Read chapter 33
34
Dinah and the Shechemites
Genesis 34
This chapter tells the story of the rape of Dinah, Jacob's daughter and the revenge of her brothers.
Read chapter 34
35
Jacob's Return to Bethel
Genesis 35
God tells Jacob to move to Bethel and to get rid of foreign gods. Jacob renames the place Bethel and builds an altar to God.
Read chapter 35
36
The Genealogy of Esau
Genesis 36
This chapter lists the descendants of Esau, also known as Edom.
Read chapter 36
37
Joseph's Dreams and His Brothers' Jealousy
Genesis 37
Joseph, one of Jacob's son, is favored by his father and his brothers become jealous. They sell him into slavery in Egypt.
Read chapter 37
38
The Story of Judah and Tamar
Genesis 38
The chapter tells the stories of Judah and Tamar, and of Judah and his three sons.
Read chapter 38
39
Joseph and Potiphar's Wife
Genesis 39
Joseph is sold to Potiphar, an Egyptian officer, and becomes successful in his service. Potiphar's wife falsely accuses Joseph of attempted rape and he is imprisoned.
Read chapter 39
40
Joseph Interprets Dreams in Prison
Genesis 40
Joseph interprets the dreams of the Pharaoh's cupbearer and the baker and is later called upon to interpret the Pharaoh's dream. He correctly predicts seven years of plenty followed by seven years of famine.
Read chapter 40
41
Joseph Interprets Pharaoh's Dreams
Genesis 41
Joseph is appointed as the second-in-command in Egypt and he successfully manages the country during the famine, providing food for Egypt and other countries.
Read chapter 41
42
Joseph's Brothers Come to Egypt for Food
Genesis 42
Joseph's brothers come to Egypt to buy food during the famine and they do not recognize Joseph, who tests them.
Read chapter 42
43
Joseph's Brothers Return to Egypt with Benjamin
Genesis 43
The brothers return to Egypt with Benjamin, Joseph's brother, and Joseph reveals himself to them.
Read chapter 43
44
Joseph's Silver Cup Found in Benjamin's Sack
Genesis 44
Joseph's brothers are afraid that he will seek revenge for being sold into slavery and they plead for mercy.
Read chapter 44
45
Joseph Reveals Himself to His Brothers
Genesis 45
Joseph forgives his brothers and tells them to bring their father Jacob and their families to Egypt.
Read chapter 45
46
Jacob and His Family Move to Egypt
Genesis 46
Jacob and his family move to Egypt and settle in the land of Goshen.
Read chapter 46
47
Jacob's Blessing to Pharaoh
Genesis 47
Joseph provides food for his family and the Egyptians during the famine.
Read chapter 47
48
Jacob Blesses Joseph's Sons
Genesis 48
Jacob blesses Joseph's two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh.
Read chapter 48
49
Jacob's Blessings and Death
Genesis 49
Jacob blesses his twelve sons, giving each a prophecy about their descendants.
Read chapter 49
50
Joseph's Final Journey to Bury Jacob
Genesis 50
Jacob dies and is buried in the cave of Machpelah. Joseph's brothers fear that he will seek revenge now that Jacob is dead, but Joseph reassures them and dies at the age of 110.
Read chapter 50