Commentaries for sale on the Book of Genesis

Overview of Commentary Organization

• Introduction – covers issues pertaining to the whole book, including context, date, authorship, composition, interpretive issues, purpose, and theology.
• Pericope Bibliography – a helpful resource containing the most important works that pertain to each particular section.
• Translation – the author’s own translation of the biblical text, reflecting the result of exegesis and attending to Hebrew and Greek idiomatic usage of words, phrases, and tenses, yet in reasonably good English.
• Notes – the author’s notes to the translation that address any textual variants, grammatical forms, syntactical constructions, basic meanings of words, and problems of translation.
• Form/Structure/Setting – a discussion of redaction, genre, sources, and tradition as they concern the origin of the pericope, its canonical form, and its relation to the biblical and extra-biblical contexts in order to illuminate the structure and character of the pericope. Rhetorical or compositional features important to understanding the passage are also introduced here.
• Comment – verse-by-verse interpretation of the text and dialogue with other interpreters, engaging with current opinion and scholarly research.
• Explanation – brings together all the results of the discussion in previous sections to expose the meaning and intention of the text at several levels: (1) within the context of the book itself; (2) its meaning in the OT or NT; (3) its place in the entire canon; (4) theological relevance to broader OT or NT issues.
• General Bibliography – occurring at the end of each volume, this extensive bibliography contains all sources used anywhere in the commentary.

Victor P. Hamilton makes a major contribution to the study of Genesis with this volume on the first 17 chapters. His extensive introduction discusses issues, such as structure, composition, theology, and canonicity related to Genesis. The commentary features Hamilton’s own translation and thoroughly explains the meaning of these foundational chapters. Further, each section concludes with a discussion of how the New Testament uses material from the section discussed. Written from an evangelical perspective, Hamilton’s commentary will be valuable to those seeking an in-depth understanding of Genesis.

In this volume, Hamilton explains Genesis chapters 18-50 verse by verse, providing linguistic, literary, and theological commentary of its overarching theme, Yahweh’s faithfulness to his promised word and his covenant with those who were chosen to receive it. This evangelical, thorough work features a comprehensive introduction, copious footnotes, and references to the New Testament writers’ interpretations of Genesis.

In this three-volume commentary on Genesis, James Montgomery Boice explores in detail the Book of Genesis and its theological implications. Richly informative and filled with pastoral insight, these volumes are easily accessible and an excellent resource for studying Genesis. Boice also argues that the rest of the Bible cannot be understood or made coherent without the story of Creation and the Fall of Genesis 1-3.

Genesis

Offering a thorough introduction that analyzes the literary structure of the first book of the Bible, Mathews also looks at its theology, contemporary interpretation, and relationship to the Pentateuch and ancient literature. Evangelical and NIV-based, this readable commentary features a verse-by-verse exegesis of chapters 1 – 11:26; explores translation issues; interprets the “Image of God”; and more. 528 pages, hardcover from B&H.

<!– Genesis 1-11: New American Commentary [NAC] –eBook 9781433675515 17921EB MATHEWS Kenneth A. Mathews –>The e-book of the commentary described immediately above.

Genesis 11-50

Unparalleled in its importance in declaring God’s will, Genesis forms the foundation of God’s Word. Beginning with Abram’s call through Joseph’s death, Mathews describes Genesis as the ordered, cohesive, and consistent work of one author, Moses. His thorough knowledge of the Hebrew text in its original linguistic and cultural context, enhances the exposition as he examines Genesis’ its literary and theological contours as well as its place within the Pentateuch and the larger biblical canon. He also examines early Jewish and Christian interpretations, and considers the narrative nature of the text.

The book of Genesis is both the Bible’s account of human origins and the herald of human destiny. Yet it swarms with significant questions. Who wrote it? When? Does the account of creation square with modern science? What about Adam and Eve? Derek Kidner not only provides a running exegetical commentary, but also lucidly handles the tough issues that Genesis raises. His clear prose and theological insight will expand readers’ understanding of God’s character and of human nature and destiny. This classic commentary has been completely retype set and presented in a fresh, vibrant new large paperback format, with new global branding. 236 Pages. Softcover from IVP.

The Tyndale Bible Commentaries are designed to help the reader of the Bible understand what the text says and what it means. The Introduction to each book gives a concise but thorough treatment of its authorship, date, original setting, and purpose. Following a structural analysis, the commentary goes section by section, drawing out main themes, and providing comments on individual verses and problems of interpretation. Additional Notes provide fuller discussion of particular difficulties. The aim throughout is to explain the true meaning of the Bible and make its message plain.

Derek Kidner was formerly Warden of Tyndale House, Cambridge.

Now available for the first time from renowned author, teacher, and scholar, the late Meredith G. Kline, is a brief never-before-published commentary, Genesis: A New Commentary. This commentary on Genesis was written just after Kline finished his magnum opus, Kingdom Prologue and distills his mature views on the Book of Genesis and, indeed, on Scripture as a whole.

Following an introduction that addresses the canonical function, literary-thematic framework, theological story, and authorship of Genesis, Kline separates the text into 10 structural divisions, offering an insightful interpretation of each. Kline’s grandson Jonathan G. Kline has edited the work, which also features a foreword by Michael S. Horton. Genesis: A New Commentary will appeal to students, pastors, and laypeople who have admired or been transformed by Kline’s teaching and writings.

A thought-provoking interpretation of Genesis, focused on pressing contemporary themes of liberation and concern for the poor and marginalized. Remembering Jacob’s wrestling at Peniel, De La Torre affirms that there are consequences when we truly wrestle with the biblical text, drawing from church tradition and contemporary culture to offer powerful theological, practical, and ethical insights.

The volumes in Belief: A Theological Commentary on the Bible from Westminster John Knox Press offer a fresh approach to all the books of the Bible. Building on a wide range of sources from biblical studies and the Christian tradition, noted scholars focus more on theology than on traditional historical and literary aspects. It also considers the contemporary relevance of the text. This series is an invaluable resource for those who want to probe beyond the backgrounds and words of biblical texts to their deep theological meanings for the church today.

Hebrew and Old Testament expert Bruce Waltke looks at the Book of Genesis as a work of theological literature. He focuses on primary aspects of the story that include characterization, plot, theme, scene, structure, foreshadowing, and irony, and balances these issues with an emphasis on the theology of Genesis that both shapes and is shaped by the narrative. He looks at the ten divine initiatives in salvation history, each delineated by a “toledot” heading (“the account of the line of…”) followed by a transitional linkage.
Waltke interprets the text using twelve levels of signification (sounds, syllables, words, phrases, clauses, sentences, frames/speeches, scene parts or incidents, scenes or episodes, acts or phases, sections/cycles, book/composition), and takes the best of form, source, narrative, and literary criticism to offer readers a summary of the theological and literary value of Genesis, the book of beginnings.

Overview of Genesis, by Bruce Waltke:

• Theologically moderate
• Uses the author’s own translation from the Biblia Hebraica Stuttgartensia
• Technical (knowledge of Hebrew is necessary)
• A verse-by-verse exposition of the theology and literature of Genesis
• Models ways to read and interpret the narratives of Genesis
• Reflects on how the message of Genesis can address our contemporary theological and social issues, including ecology, homosexuality, temperance, evil, prayer and obedience
• Addresses critical interpretive issues including authenticity, dating, and authorship
• Innovative separation of Genesis into books, acts, and scenes, which aids in the understanding of both the structure and flow of Genesis
• Geared for all educated Christians interested in a deeper understanding of this masterful piece of theological literature

Genesis, the newest in the NIV Application Commentary series, traces God’s mastery in creation, covenant, and history. The initial chapters of Genesis show his mastery in bringing order out of chaos. The development of the covenant brought order to his relationship with his people through revelation and the overcoming of obstacles. Finally, God brought order to the world through his people by battling the chaos of famine and providing food. In the beginning, as today, God loves the people he created, and it is his intention to bless them in spite of rebellion and sin. Noted scholar John Walton follows the three-tiered NIV Application format (original meaning, bridging contexts, and contemporary significance) to reveal how this first book of the Bible applies to us today.

E-book edition of the commentary immediately above.

A new commentary for today’s world, The Story of God Bible Commentary explains and illuminates each passage of Scripture in light of the Bible’s grand story. The first commentary series to do so, SGBC offers a clear and compelling exposition of biblical texts, guiding readers in how to creatively and faithfully live out the Bible in their own contexts. Its story-centric approach is idea for pastors, students, Sunday school teachers, and all who want to understand the Bible in today’s world.

SGBC is organized into three easy-to-use sections, designed to help readers live out God’s story: Listen to the Story; Explain the Story; and Live the Story.

The aim of the Interpretation (IBC) Commentary is not to extend the knowledge displayed by other commentaries, but rather to bring the text of Genesis “closer to the faith and ministry of the church.”

The risk of such an undertaking is easy to see, but the rewards are equally as great. We can expect a great deal of interpretation of the text, and at times it may be controversial. Nevertheless Brueggemann pushes forward with a steady exposition of the text of Genesis that attempts to bring together historical-critical research, along with theological understanding and application. Primary for Brueggemann is the concept of “calling” in the Book of Genesis. This is Brueggemann’s “center” in interpreting the book and it is distilled from the belief that “God calls worlds into being” and “God calls us into the church.”

This aligns with the purpose of considering the text of Genesis as addressed to the community of faith. The community does not seek to repeat with work of critical exegesis, but it does depend on critical exegesis in formulating a faithful theology and response to the text. Brueggemann does not ignore scholarship but seeks to appropriate it for a specific end, that of edifying the church.

Those who desire to enrich their understanding of faith at a very profound level while avoiding scholarly jargon will find this series and especially Brueggeman’s work here useful. Yet, Brueggemann does not leave the scholarly behind, he uses it to create an interpretation and understanding of this compelling, and often mistreated book.

The first book of the Old Testament speaks of beginnings and functions as the introduction to the Pentateuch, In fact, it is foundational to the understanding of the rest of the Bible. Genesis explains how the people of Israel arose and came to be called God’s people. The nation to which the Pentateuch is addressed is about to enter the promised land. There they will face the culture and religion of the inhabitants of Canaan. Because the polytheistic nature religion of the Canaanites will be a great temptation to Israel, the laws recorded in the Pentateuch are designed to prevent Israel from falling into the destructive patterns of life present in Canaan.

Genesis is intended 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 their own way. God’s desire is to bring humanity back to their created purpose and relationship with Him.

About the Series:

The 41-volume College Press NIV Commentary Series is the only full commentary set in print from the Restoration Movement. Each volume is formatted with a verse-by-verse explanation of the text and contains the following helpful features:

• Biblically sound exegesis
• Clear exposition
• Objective approach
• Concise introduction
• New International Version of the Bible
• Key word translation
• Easy to use design format
• Practical footnotes
• And more!

Genesis is the chronological and theological gateway to the Bible, laying the foundations for understanding God, humanity, and God’s dealings with us. It introduces his promise, the seed of the Gospel. Its stories still resonate with our own experience and pilgrimage with God. This skillfully written commentary guides the reader through the fascinating narrative of the world’s early generations and the beginning of God’s people.

The Jewish Publication Society’s Torah Commentary is a scholarly analysis of the Old Testament. This volume on Genesis by Nahum Sarna begins with an introductory article that discusses the title, structure, and some of the contents of the book. The commentary itself is an in-depth analysis of Genesis with the Hebrew text given alongside its translation. A good work for the Old Testament scholar.

<!– Genesis 1-11, Continental Commentary Series 0800695003 19627 WESTERM Claus Westermann –> Westermann’s commentary on the book of Genesis is divided into three volumes. This first volume comments on Genesis 1-11, which deals with the beginning of the world and the human race. In each of these volumes Professor Westermann offers an extensive introduction to the social and religious setting of the patriarchal period. Readers will also find features for each unit of the text as follows:

• Rich bibliography
• A new translation with linguistic notes
• Analysis of form and setting
• Verse-by-verse commentary
• Word studies and short essays on particular themes
• Theological assessment

<!– Genesis 12-36, Continental Commentary Series 0800695011 21729 WESTERM Claus Westermann –> Westermann’s second volume comments on Genesis 12-36, and deals with the patriarchal story in the figures of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

<!– Genesis 37-50, Continental Commentary Series 080069502X 21974 WESTERM Claus Westermann –> Westermann’s third volume comments on Genesis 37-50 and touches upon the Joseph story.

The book of Genesis features familiar biblical tales such as the creation of the world, Adam and Eve and the forbidden fruit, Noah and the flood, Abraham and Isaac, Jacob and Joseph, the Tower of Babel, and Sodom and Gomorrah.

Although readers may know the facts of these stories, Goldingay’s work will instill in them a deeper understanding of their spiritual and theological significance. Goldingay writes in a thoroughly accessible and engaging style with chapter titles such as “Friday Lunchtime,” “Bigamy, Music, Technology, Murder,” “Babylon becomes Babble-on,” “Stuff Happens,” and “Two Guys Who Need Their Heads Banged Together.”

About this series
In this popular and ambitious series, John Goldingay covers Scripture from Genesis to Malachi in a section-by-section commentary over the course of 17-volumes. Along the way addresses the biblical text in such a way that even the most challenging passages are explained simply and clearly. Commentary on the text is augmented by the presentation of basic maps for geographical orientation and by highlighting of key terms whose definitions are further elaborated in a helpful glossary.

Perfect for daily devotions, Sunday school preparation, personal Bible study, or brief visits with the Bible, the Old Testament for Everyone series is an excellent resource for the modern reader.

Building on the success of the acclaimed New Testament for Everyone series, by N. T. Wright Westminster/John Knox Press is pleased to present this 17-volume Old Testament for Everyone series. Internationally respected Old Testament scholar John Goldingay addresses the Old Testament in such a way that even the most challenging passages are explained simply and concisely.

This is volume two of Goldingay’s work.

In this work, the author brings the Book of Bereshit (Genesis) to life by his idiomatic, easily understood translation of the Masoretic text. Dr. Friedman unfolds many ancient Hebrew idioms and explains their significance for the reader. Additionally, the reader enters into the flow of the text, taking a unique Jewish approach to understanding this foundational biblical book. His translation is both scholarly and artistic, upholding the holiness of the text while taking new looks at it. There is a special appendix to the translation and commentary that is found in chapter 37, when the life of Joseph is featured. In this fresh, insightful translation and commentary, the reader will enjoy immersing himself or herself in the Bible’s classic first book, the ‘Book of the Beginning.’

The author provides a distinctive study of Gensis by focusing on the rich story line that traces the development of a community of faith. As the narrative develops, theological motifs such as creation, disaster and recreation, promise and fulfillment, infertility and blessing emerge.

<!– The Message of Genesis 1-11: The Bible Speaks Today [BST] 0830812296 12296 ATKINSN David Atkinson –>In this evangelical exposition of the first 11 chapters of Genesis, Atkinson introduces an overture to the rest of the Bible, revealing God’s loving mercy and salvation even. Atkinson then applies those findings to issues we face today and presents the magnificent cosmic setting of the early story of humanity. His commentary is written for teachers or lay people.

<!– The Message of Genesis 12-50: The Bible Speaks Today [BST] 0877842981 2981 BALDWIN Joyce Baldwin –>Joyce Baldwin approaches Genesis in this commentary from an evangelical position. She treats Genesis as a historical document and goes on to provide a discussion verse by verse from a theological and practical point of view. This commentary focuses on chapters 12-50 of Genesis in order to analyze the Hebrew Patriarchs Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and Joseph. This treatment is good for teachers or lay people. Joyce Baldwin, Old Testament scholar and former principal of Trinity College, Bristol, has written numerous books and commentaries on the Old Testament.