Product Guide - Commentaries on the Book of Genesis

A Critical and Exegetical Commentary on Genesis

Author: John Skinner

The depth of analysis found in the International Critical Commentary (ICC) series has yet to be surpassed in any commentary collection. One of the best features of this series is the extensive amount of background information given in each volume's introduction, where all of the analysis is provided before the actual commentary begins. Each volume packs more information into the introduction than you will often find in the body of most commentaries!

This title is also available in: International Critical Commentary Series CD-ROM - T&T Clark Int'l (53 Vols.)

Horae Homileticae, Volume 1: Genesis to Leviticus

Author: Charles Simeon

These expository outlines (or “skeletons”) are not a verse-by-verse explanation of the English Bible. Rather, they are a chapter-by-chapter study with explanations of the most important and instructive verses in each chapter.

This title is also available in: Charles Simeon's Horae Homileticae Commentary (21 volumes)

The Genesis Record

Author: Henry Morris

The Genesis Record offers a scientific, devotional commentary on the complete book of Genesis written by a creationist scientist. Written as narrative exposition rather than a critical verse-by-verse analysis, this book is equally useful to both the theologically trained and the layperson.

This title is also available in: Genesis Collection (2 volumes)

Creation and Blessing

Author: Allen P. Ross

According to the author, his purpose is to “help the reader appreciate the major literary and theological motifs that form the theological ideas in the narratives, and to demonstrate how these theological ideas can be developed into clear and accurate expository ideas.” To accomplish this goal, Ross introduces four approaches to the study of Genesis—literary-analytical, form-critical, traditio-historical, and rhetorical-critical—which he utilizes to expound on the theological ideas manifest in this first book of the Bible.

This title is also available in: Genesis Collection (2 volumes)

New American Commentary: Genesis 1–11:26

Author: Kenneth A. Mathews

Since a commentary is a fundamental tool for the expositor or teacher who seeks to interpret and apply Scripture in the church or classroom, the NAC focuses on communicating the theological structure and content of each biblical book. The writers seek to illuminate both the historical meaning and contemporary significance of Holy Scripture.

New American Commentary: Genesis 11:27–50:26

Author: Kenneth A. Mathews

Since a commentary is a fundamental tool for the expositor or teacher who seeks to interpret and apply Scripture in the church or classroom, the NAC focuses on communicating the theological structure and content of each biblical book. The writers seek to illuminate both the historical meaning and contemporary significance of Holy Scripture.

2 Opening Up Genesis

Author: Kurt Strassner

Genesis is the book of beginnings. But it is also a book about God. “In the beginning, God” is the opening freeze-frame of the Bible. If we go back before the world sprang into being, we find God. If we ask where the world came from, Genesis answers: God. If we wonder why the universe continues to operate in an orderly, timely, predictable fashion, the answer in Genesis is God. And as we ponder how all this ancient information has been preserved and passed down to us, the answer again is God, who gave this book to Moses and had him write it down for the ages.

Word Biblical Commentary, Volume 1: Genesis 1-15

Author: Gordon J. Wenham

The Word Biblical Commentary delivers the best in biblical scholarship, from the leading scholars of our day who share a commitment to Scripture as divine revelation.These widely acclaimed commentaries serve as exceptional resources for the professional theologian and instructor, the seminary or university student, the working minister, and everyone concerned with building theological understanding from a solid base of biblical scholarship.

This title is also available in: Word Biblical Commentary (WBC 59 Vols.)

Word Biblical Commentary, Volume 2: Genesis 16-50

Author: Gordon J. Wenham

The Word Biblical Commentary delivers the best in biblical scholarship, from the leading scholars of our day who share a commitment to Scripture as divine revelation.These widely acclaimed commentaries serve as exceptional resources for the professional theologian and instructor, the seminary or university student, the working minister, and everyone concerned with building theological understanding from a solid base of biblical scholarship.

This title is also available in: Word Biblical Commentary (WBC 59 Vols.)

The College Press NIV Commentary: Genesis, Volume 1

Author: Paul Kissling

The first book of the Old Testament speaks of beginnings. It functions as the introduction to the Pentateuch and is foundational to the understanding of the rest of the Bible. Genesis is designed to be read theologically. It is written to provide guidance to God's people about how to conduct their lives as they face the pressures of conformity to the culture and religion of Canaan. Its center of interest seems to be God's creational intentions for humanity and what He does in response to humanity's refusal to submit to those intentions and go his or her own way. God's desire is to bring humanity back to their created purpose and relationship with Him.

This title is also available in: The College Press NIV Commentary Series: Old Testament (16 Volumes)

The People’s Bible: Genesis

Author: John C. Jeske

Genesis is the first of the five books of Moses and it unfolds God’s work through the biographies of Adam, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, and others. Starting with the words “In the beginning …,” it presents the beginnings, or origins, of the universe, the human race, sin, death, and God’s gracious work of bringing fallen humanity back to himself. Each volume includes the complete text of the NIV book of the Bible. The Christ-centered commentaries following the Scripture sections contain explanations of the text, historical background, maps, illustrations, and archaeological information.

This title is also available in: Northwestern Publishing House Electronic Library: Collection One.

Ariel's Bible Commentary: The Book of Genesis

Author: Arnold G. Fruchtenbaum

In structure, the Book of Genesis is a series of eleven family histories compiled and edited by Moses. Throughout the vivid detail provided in Genesis, Dr. Fruchtenbaum's exegesis allows God's Word to make its own case for a literal interpretation of the Bible. Dr. Fruchtenbaum's grammatical, historical-geographical approach to Scriptures from a Jewish perspective provides the reader an exciting new way to grasp and unlock the richness of this book of the beginnings of all nations, and in particular, the beginning of the nation of Israel.

Genesis: In Light of the New Testament

Author: F. W. Grant

This title is also available in: Serious Christian: Volumes 1-20

Analytical Bible Expositor: Genesis

Author: John Butler

In this volume Butler presents the many and varied subjects so vividly portrayed in Genesis: creation, the Fall of man, the godly and ungodly lines of Adam and Eve's descendents, divine judgment upon the earth, and the greatest flood in the history of mankind, to name just a handful. He writes, "Genesis is a book of beginnings, and chapter one of Genesis is the beginning of the beginnings. This is a great place for the Bible to begin. If chapter one of Genesis is not true, then the contents of the Bible lose their value." Insightful as well as beautiful, he paints pictures with words, describing not only the meanings and foundations of scripture, but relating them to life in such a way as to be relevant to every reader. A rousing commentary sure to whet the appetites of seekers of His Word for generations to come.

Wesleyan Bible Commentary: Genesis

Author: Wilbur Glenn Williams

Genesis, of course is the first book of the Bible. It answers fundamental questions about human existence: How did the world begin? How did it come to be populated? Where did people come from? What is the purpose of creation? Genesis describes how humanity got its beginning. But that’s not all. The book also describes how sin entered the world, the flood, and the lives of the patriarchs. More than story, however, this book contains overarching truths about how God reveals himself, and God’s purposes of salvation. No matter how far humans stray from God’s plan, God turns them back. From Adam and Eve at the beginning of Genesis to Joseph at its end, God emphasizes his covenant, and establishes binding relationship with the people whom he creates.

Genesis: Beginning and Blessing

Author: R. Kent Hughes

R. Kent Hughes, respected pastor and author of many other commentaries in the Preaching the Word series, takes readers back to the beginning of the Bible and moves through Genesis with careful exegesis. He explores the superbly crafted structure of the book as well as the weighty themes it contains. For those who preach, teach, and study God’s Word, this exceptionally detailed work will reveal much about the beginnings of God’s great story.

This title is also available in: R. Kent Hughes Preaching the Word Collection (19 Volumes).

Crossway Classic Commentaries: Genesis

Author: John Calvin

With its memorable stories and important beginnings, Genesis is one of the most enjoyable Old Testament books. It is more than just a history, however; the Bible’s first book acquaints us with several aspects of the knowledge of God and ourselves, and thus lays the foundation of Christianity. John Calvin notes four theological themes which run through this ancient book and into our hearts and lives today—including our ruinous guilt with its resulting radical alienation from God, and God’s pervasive love which redeems us. Calvin’s ability to discern character and motivation from clues in the text, blended with his understanding of humanity’s condition, creates a work that is constantly probing and practical—a thought-provoking and faithful exploration of this great book.

This title is also available in: Calvin 500 Collection (108 Vols.)

Cornerstone Biblical Commentary: Genesis, Exodus

Author: Allen P. Ross, John Oswalt, Phillip Wesley Comfort

Genesis and Exodus lay the groundwork for the rest of the Bible—God’s creation, the Fall and the promise of salvation, the patriarchs, and journey out of Egypt and into the wilderness. In their commentary on Genesis and Exodus, John N. Oswalt and Allen P. Ross explore the central themes of these important books.

Genesis, Vol. 1: Creation and Fall

Author: James Montgomery Boice

The first in a three-volume series on the Book of Genesis, Creation and Fall shows how the story of redemption--essentially all of Scripture--has no significance apart from the story of creation and fall. These first eleven chapters of Genesis establish the relationship of God to the cosmos and to all peoples of the earth.

This title is also available in: Boice's Expositional Commentaries (27 Vols.)

Genesis, Vol. 2: A New Beginning

Author: James Montgomery Boice

In this commentary on Genesis 12-36, Boice traces the "new beginning" of God's plan of redemption, which arose out of God's relationship with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. By delving into the patriarchs' lives, Boice demonstrates how much they are like us and how easily we relate to them, both in triumphs and failures.

This title is also available in: Boice's Expositional Commentaries (27 Vols.)

Genesis, Vol. 3: Living by Faith

Author: James Montgomery Boice

Living by Faith is the third and final volume on Genesis. Volume 1 focused on God's relationship to the cosmos and to all peoples of the earth. Volume 2 traced the "new beginning" of God's plan of redemption. In volume 3, Boice follows the complete story of Joseph, a "man for all seasons." By exploring Joseph's loyalty to God, Boice presents him as an example for Christians today.

This title is also available in: Boice's Expositional Commentaries (27 Vols.)

The JPS Torah Commentary: Genesis

Author: Nahum M. Sarna

Balancing reverence for the text with rigorous scholarship, Sarna’s commentary is an illuminating and exhaustive treatment of Genesis. Included with the line-by-line analysis are thirty excursuses, and helpful maps. The commentary also features expository sections, including “Eden and the Expulsion: The Human Condition,” “The Depravity of Canaan,” “God’s Election of Abraham,” “Isaac, Father of Two Nations,” “Joseph’s Liberation and Rise to Power,” and many others.

This title is also available in: JPS Tanakh Commentary Collection (9 volumes)

Be Basic (Genesis 1-11) by Warren Wiersbe

Author: Warren W. Wiersbe

The Book of Genesis is the “book of beginnings” in the Bible, and the first eleven chapters present the “basics.” These chapters are to life what a foundation is to a house or what the Constitution is to the law of the land. If you want to build a life that succeeds, to face and solve life’s problems, to serve effectively, you start with the basics.

This title is also available in: Warren Wiersbe's Old Testament "Be" Series (27 vols)

Be Authentic (Genesis 25-50) by Warren Wiersbe

Author: Warren W. Wiersbe

God made you an original, so be authentic! Anybody can travel with the herd. It takes faith to be yourself and resist the forces that want to make you conform to the thoughtless crowd around us. In this study of Genesis 25-50, you will meet three unique men (and some unusual women) who dared to be authentic.

This title is also available in: Warren Wiersbe's Old Testament "Be" Series (27 vols)

Cecil Sherman Formations Commentary: Genesis to Job

Author: Cecil Sherman

Sherman approaches the beginning of the Bible with an understanding of the modern problem of how one embraces Genesis and the findings of science. The bottom line, he says, is that “In the beginning … God.” In discussing Abraham’s calling, Sherman tells us that “When we follow God into hard places and attempt hard things, we meet surprises. When our faith gives way, God comes again.” He shows how the human stories in Genesis, though real, provide us with instruction today. His commentary on God’s name, “I Am,” is insightful. In discussing the Ten Commandments, Sherman reminds us to read them in the light of Jesus, recognizing the way He interpreted them is the way we ought to view them. His treatment of Ruth focuses on how God works in the lives of ordinary people, how God guides the destiny of people towards His desired end. Sherman’s treatment of David, Ezra and Esther are profound, and he concludes this volume by looking at the puzzlement of why good people suffer in his instructive look at Job.

This title is also available in: Cecil Sherman Formations Commentary (5 Vols.)

My Sermon Notes, Volumes 1 & 2: Genesis to Malachi

Author: Charles Spurgeon

My Sermon Notes contains hundreds of sermon outlines from the entire Bible, and provides a unique perspective on Spurgeon’s method of sermon preparation. In these four volumes, Spurgeon offers advice on selecting texts and themes for sermons, as well as frameworks for sermon plans. In this resource Spurgeon includes a model outline, illustrations, and anecdotes for sermons on the Old and New Testaments.

This title is also available in: My Sermon Notes, by Charles Spurgeon (4 Vols.)

An Exposition of the First Ten Chapters of Genesis

Author: John Bunyan

The editor writes, "This exposition is evidently the result of long and earnest study of the holy scriptures. It is the history of the creation and of the flood explained and spiritualized, and had it been originally published in that form and under a proper title, it would most probably have become a very popular work...If the thousands of godly preachers who are scattered over our comparatively happy island were to take Bunyan's mode of expounding scripture as their pattern, it would increase their usefulness, and consequently their happiness, in the great work of proclaiming and enforcing the doctrines of the gospel."

This title is also available in: Works of John Bunyan (61 titles)

The Annotated Bible, Vol. 1: Genesis to Deuteronomy

Author: Arno Gaebelein

Arno C. Gaebelein, one of America’s truly great Bible teachers, published The Annotated Bible in 1922. This deeply insightful nine-volume commentary set is praised and respected by legions of devoted seekers. This impassioned author writes with enthusiasm and knowledge, whether he is answering destructive criticisms or defending the traditional authorship of the books of the Bible. The Annotated Bible, Vol. 1: Genesis to Deuteronomy provides compelling commentary for the first five books of the Old Testament—Gaebelein thoroughly tackles the Pentateuch in this comprehensive exegesis.

This title is also available in: The Annotated Bible (9 Vols.)

Forms of the Old Testament Literature Series: Genesis, with an Introduction to Narrative Literature

Author: George W. Coats

In the introduction to this volume, George Coats discusses narrative in general and the principal Old Testament narratives in particular. He then sets the book of Genesis in its larger Old Testament context, analyzing its major sections and subsections, and uses the succeeding chapters to treat each of the major sections individually.

This title is also available in: Forms of the Old Testament Literature Series (17 Vols.)

From Eden to Babel: A Commentary on Genesis 1-11

Author: Donald E. Gowan

Genesis 1-11 preserves a unique view of Bible history, tracing the move from Eden, an idyllic world fully in accord with the will of God, to Babel, a fallen world desperately in need of salvation. In this commentary, Donald E. Gowan demonstrates acute sensitivity and insight in focusing on the theological import of these familiar but often puzzling accounts, showing them to be even more crucial for what they say to us about ourselves than for the information they record about individuals and events so very long ago.

This title is also available in: International Theological Commentaries

Abraham and All the Families of the Earth: A Commentary on the Genesis 12-50

Author: J. Gerald Janzen

J. Gerald Janzen approaches Genesis with the “conviction that the final form of the text is greater than the mere sum of its sources, and that the theological vision which it presents is greater and more profound – more ripe or mature – than can be gained simply from studies of historical events and social situations out of which the text arose.” Janzen has developed a profound theological work in this commentary on Genesis and it compliments the rest of the ITC series as a piece of scholarly excellence.

This title is also available in: International Theological Commentaries

Genesis to Jesus in One Hour: Biblical History for the Busy Christian

Author: John S. Shahan, M.D

Here is biblical history on a rocket! In sharply distilled snapshots, Shahan reveals the dramatic landscape of the world that set the stage for the birth of Jesus. Written for the busy Christian from a scholar’s viewpoint and using the Old Testament as a timeline, the author answers the question, “How did geography, politics, philosophy, and events align perfectly to make Christ’s influence inevitable?” Dr. Shahan taps into the unique history that unfolds before and during the time of Jesus. The book is divided into five easy-to-understand sections: the Patriarchs, Moses and the Judges, David and Solomon, the Prophets, and the Greeks and the Romans. Each chapter closes with a section called "Things to Ponder," offering a spirited, spiritual challenge to the reader. Also included are four appendixes and an index.

Synopsis of the Books of the Bible: Genesis to 2 Chronicles

Author: John Nelson Darby

In this volume, Darby introduces important themes of creation, sin, and the relationship between good and evil in the lives of key figures found in the first half of the Old Testament. He connects creation to God’s law and human responsibility—in these books, says Darby, we find God’s principles for maintaining relationships with individuals. In this way, God’s kingdom in the Old Testament not only resembles the Church in the present, but also God’s intentions for the future. Darby also explains the first two dispensations of the relationship between humanity and God without the law, and humanity’s relationship to God with the law. Darby’s commentary exhibits key tenets of dispensationalist thought, and lays the groundwork for interpreting the rest of the Bible.

This title is also available in: John Darby's Synopsis of the Books of the Bible (5 Vols.)

Not Knowing Where - Oswald Chambers

Author: Oswald Chambers

The steps of Abraham's faith, as seen in the light of the New Testament, are retraced for your personal benefit. Let Oswald Chambers guide you through Genesis. Chambers' look at Old Testament personalities and events illuminates God's ways with mankind. You can gain God's perspective and wisdom regarding the issues you face today.

This title is also available in: Oswald Chambers Collection

The Preacher's Commentary Series, Volume 1: Genesis

Author: Stuart D. Briscoe

The perfect commentary for teachers and preachers! This outstanding commentary series just got better; now complete with sermon and teaching outline. General editor Lloyd J. Ogilvie brings together a team of skilled and exceptional communicators, blending sound scholarship with life-related illustrations and useful outlines for teaching and preaching.

This title is also available in: The Preacher's Commentary CD-ROM.