Commentaries on Genesis

More commentaries on Genesis:
Pentateuch Commentaries, Whole Old Testament Commentaries,
Whole Bible Commentaries

Subsection

Order of Contents 80+

Best 12
Commentaries 16+
Hebrew of 3
Jewish 5
Early & Medieval 28+
Throughout Genesis 4
Types 1
Chapters 25+
Archaeology 1
Authenticity 3
Bible Characters

Patriarchs 3
Abraham, Sarah, Lot, Eliezer 9
Isaac, Rebekah 5
Jacob, Esau 6
Joseph 10+

Best Commentaries on Genesis

For a brief, Scriptural defense that Gen. 1 means exactly what it says, see Kenneth Gentry’s ‘In the Space of Six Days’ and the further resources on our page Creation.

Simple, Practical, Devotional

1900’s

De Graaf, S.G. – ‘On Genesis’ ToC in Promise & Deliverance, vol. 1: From Creation to the Conquest of Canaan (Presbyterian & Reformed, 1997), pp. 29-254

De Graff (1889-1955) was a Dutch Reformed author who focuses on the unfolding of the Covenant through history. He writes in an easy to read, but helpful and insightful style.

Thomas, William Henry Griffith – Genesis, a Devotional Commentary, vol. 1 (chs. 1-25), 2 (25-36), 3 (37-50) Buy (Religious Tract Society, 1909)

W.H.G. Thomas (d. 1924)

‘Possibly the most helpful devotional exposition of Genesis available. Pastors will find the material on Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph (chaps. 12-50) to be unsurpassed!’ – Cyril J. Barber

Vos, Johannes – Genesis Buy (1954-1957) 544 pp.

Vos (d. 1949) was the son of Geerhardus Vos and an RPCNA pastor in the Midwest. The chapters in this work were originally a series of popular articles in the Blue Banner Faith and Life magazine.

Medium Level

Luther, Martin – Lectures on Genesis, vol. 1 (ch. 1-5), 2 (6-14), 3 (15-20), 4 (21-25), 5 (26-30), 6 (31-37), 7 (38-44), 8 (45-50) in Luther’s Works ed. Jaroslav Pelikan (St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1955), vols. 1-

Luther (1483-1546) was a reformer.

** – ‘[Henry] Cole [an editor of an older edition] made a choice selection. Luther left four volumes upon Genesis in Latin. How these Reformers worked!’ – Surgeon

Alford, Henry – The Book of Genesis & Part of the Book of Exodus [chs. 1-25]: a Revised Version with Commentary (1872)

Alford (1810-1871) was of the Church of England and the Dean of Canterbury.

*** – ‘The works of this eminent scholar are too well known and appreciated to need even a word from us.’ – Spurgeon

Candlish, Robert – The Book of Genesis Expounded in a Series of Discourses, vols. 1 (1-37), 2 (38-50) (1868)

Candlish (1806-1873) was an influential minister and professor in the Free Church of Scotland.

*** – ‘We venture to characterize this as THE work upon Genesis, so far as lectures can make up an exposition; we have greatly profited by its perusal. It should be in every Biblical library.’ – Surgeon

‘Expository messages rich in their devotional emphasis, containing helpful theological discussions, thoroughly conservative, and of special value to the pastor.’ – Cyril J. Barber

Calvin, John – Commentary on Genesis

Calvin (1509-1564) was a reformer.

*** – Participates in the general excellencies of Calvin’s works.’ – Spurgeon

Edersheim, Alfred – World before the Flood, & History of the Patriarchs from his larger Bible History, 7 vols.

Edersheim (1825-1889) was a Jewish convert to Christianity, a minister in the Free Church of Scotland, a Bible scholar and an advocate of Gap Creationism who eventually became a minister in the Church of England.

** – ‘The author has mainly aimed at giving instruction to the Sunday School teacher, and the Bible Class student. He may be read with profit by students of a higher grade. The work is not a commentary, but is full of instruction.’ – Spurgeon

Fuller, Andrew – Expository Discourses on Genesis (1806; 1836) 420 pp.

Fuller (1754-1815) was a calvinistic baptist.

*** – ‘Weighty, judicious, and full of Gospel truth. One of the very best series of discourses extant upon Genesis, as [George] Bush also thought [who plagiarized therefrom].’ – Surgeon

Jacobus, Melancthon – Notes Critical & Explanatory on the Book of Genesis (1866)

Jacobus (1816–1876) was a graduate of Princeton seminary, a presbyterian minister and a professor of Biblical literature at Western Theological Seminary in Alleghany, NY.

*** – ‘A very valuable work, in which [Bishop John] Colenso is boldly met and answered [regarding his views on the fallibility of the Pentateuch]. It contains much Gospel teaching, and aids the preacher greatly. Not easily to be obtained. It ought to be reprinted.’ – Spurgeon

‘The excellent Commentaries of Dr. Melancthon Jacobus have deservedly attained a high reputation, and their wide circulation proves how well they are adapted to the wants of both ministers and laymen. They present, in a brief compass, the results of extensive erudition, abound in judicious exposition and pertinent illustration, and are, moreover, distinguished by doctrinal soundness, evangelical character, and an eminently devout spirit.’ – Charles Hodge, William H. Green, J.W. Alexander and others from Princeton Seminary

‘…characterized by solid learning, sound doctrine, and lucid statements, a pleasant style, and the most serious spirit of piety.’ – William S. Plumer

ed. Lange, John P. – Commentary on the Genesis HTML (1866)

*** – ‘The best of the series, and in all respects beyond price.’ – Spurgeon

Leupold, H.C. – Exposition of Genesis

Leupold (b. 1891) was an orthodox Lutheran and a professor of the Old Testament.

‘A most thorough, helpful exposition from the conservative standpoint. Defends the Mosaic authorship, refutes the documentary hypothesis, holds to six literal days for creation, believes that the ‘sons of God’ were Sethites, and argues for [a] universal flood. Lutheran. Amillennial.’ – Cyril J. Barber

Murphy, James – A Critical & Exegetical Commentary on Genesis, with a New Translation (1863)

Murphy was a professor of Hebrew in Belfast, Ireland.

*** – ‘A work of massive scholarship, abounding in rich and noble thought, and remarkably fresh and suggestive.’ – Evangelical Magazine, quoted by Spurgeon

‘Contains reverent scholarship based upon sound exegesis, but has not been superseded by more recent treatments.’ – Cyril J. Barber

Advanced

Poole, Matthew – Critical Synopsis of the Bible: Genesis, 3 vols. Buy

Poole (1624–1679) was a puritan, presbyterian minister and Bible commentator.

This is different and much larger than Poole’s Annotations on Scripture. Here Poole gives something of a history of interpretation (from Jewish writers until Christian interpreters of Poole’s own day) on every verse of the Bible.

‘…you will find in Poole’s Synopsis a marvelous collection of all the wisdom and folly of the critics. It is a large cyclopedia worthy of the days when theologians could be cyclopean, and had not shrunk from folios to octavos. Query—a query for which I will not demand an answer—has one of you beaten the dust from the venerable copy of Poole which loads our library shelves? Yet as Poole spent no less than ten years in compiling it, it should be worthy of your frequent notice—ten years, let me add, spent in Amsterdam in exile for the truth’s sake from his native land. His work is based on an earlier compilation entitled Critici Sacri, containing the concentrated light of a constellation of learned men who have never been excelled in any age or country.’ – Spurgeon

More Commentaries on Genesis

For a brief, Scriptural defense that Gen. 1 means exactly what it says, see Kenneth Gentry’s In the Space of Six Days and the further resources on our page: Creation.

Devotional & Practical

1800’s

Blunt, Henry – Family Exposition of the Pentateuch, vol. 1 (Gen) (1844)

** “Simple Expositions for family reading. Good, but not brilliant.” – Spurgeon

Cumming, John – Sabbath Morning Readings on the Old Testament: Book of Genesis (1854) 390 pp.

** ‘Dr. Cumming’s works are not very original, but his style is flowing, his teachings are always evangelical, and he puts other men’s thoughts into pleasing language.’ – Spurgeon

Hawker, John – Bible Thoughts in Quiet Hours: Genesis (1873)

** – ‘Deeply spiritual reflections, not without learning and critical power. The preacher will find here many hints for sermons.’

Medium Level

Puritans

Babington, Gervase – Certain Plain, Brief and Comfortable Notes upon Genesis also in Works, d. 1610

Hughes, George – An Analytical Exposition of the Whole First Book of Moses, called Genesis, and of 23 chapters of his second book, called Exodus… 1672

Hughes (1603-1667) was a puritan.

*** – ‘The deductions which Hughes draws from the text are of the nature of homiletical hints, and for this reason he will be a treasure to the minister. He belongs to the noble army of Puritans.’ – Spurgeon

Richardson, John – Annotations on Genesis d. 1654 67 pp.

Richardson was reformed and printed this only a few years after the second edition of the English Annotations (which were nicknamed the Westminster Annotations as 6 of the 11 commentators were Westminster divines), to which it was designed as a supplement.

On Richardson’s brief commentary on the O.T.: ** ‘Of secondary importance, and very short; yet good. Frequently bound up with Leigh [as Edward Leigh wrote a commentary on the whole N.T.].’ – Spurgeon

Whatley, William – Prototypes, or, The Primary Precedent Presidents out of the book of Genesis showing, the good and bad things they did and had practically applied to our Information and Reformation 1640

** – ‘A queer old book. The oddity of the title is born out by the singularity of the matter. It does not expound each verse; but certain incidents are dwelt upon.’

Willet, Andrew – A Sixfold Commentary upon the Two first Books of Moses, being Genesis and Exodus (d. 1621)

Willet (1562–1621)

** – ‘This work is called by its author [1562-1621] a Hexapla, because he treats his subject under six heads, giving ‘a sixfold use of every chapter, showing:

1. The method of argument;
2. The diverse readings;
3. The explanation of difficult questions and doubtful places;
4. The places of doctrine;
5. Places of confutation;
6. Moral observations.’

Willet is tedious reading; his method hampers him. In all his Commentaries he lumbers along in his six-wheeled wagon.’ – Spurgeon

Bush, George

Notes, Critical & Practical on: Genesis, vol.1 (1-21), 2 (22-50)

Bush was a Biblical scholar, a professor of oriental literature in New York City University, and initially a presbyterian minister.

** – ‘Bush has in the most barefaced manner taken copious verbatim extracts from Andrew Fuller, without acknowledgement, and he has also plagiarized Lawson on Joseph by wholesale, without even mentioning his name. For such a scholar to be guilty of wholesale plunder is inexcusable. It is one of the worst cases of robbery we have ever met with, and deserves a far stronger denunciation than our gentle pen and slender space will permit.’ – Spurgeon

Questions and Notes, Critical & Practical upon: Genesis

Franks, James – Sacred Literature; or Remarks upon the book of Genesis (1802)

* “This writer collected notes from various authors. As the sources from which he drew his extracts are within reach, we can select for ourselves.” – Spurgeon

Groves, Henry – Commentary on the book of Genesis, for the use of Readers of the English Version of the Bible 1861

** “Physical science, the discoveries of travelers, and the results of criticism, so far as they bear upon Genesis, are here brought within the reach of the general reader.” – Spurgeon

Jervis, John – Genesis Elucidated: a New Translation collated with the Samaritan, Septuagint and Syriac, with Notes 1852

** “Brings out very vividly the oriental character of Genesis, and although we cannot reconcile ourselves to Abh-rauhaum, Is’hauk, and Y’aakobh, and find it hard to believe in Saurauh and Haughaur, we have been glad of the light which the East and its languages have here afforded.” – Spurgeon

Mackintosh, Charles H. – Notes on Genesis 1863

Mackintosh was a Plymouth Brethren writer and proto-Dispensationalist.

*** – ‘Precious and edifying reflections marred by peculiarities.’ – Spurgeon

Pink, A.W. – Gleanings in Genesis Buy 1922 408 pp.

‘Heavily typological, but contains helpful and practical observations on the text.’ – Cyril J. Barber

Robertson, F.W. – Notes on Genesis (1877)

Robertson of Brighton (1816–1853) was an English divine, who was ‘a moderate Calvinist in doctrine, and enthusiastically evangelical’ and had a progressive mental condition. John ‘Rabbi’ Duncan of the Free Church of Scotland said of him:

‘Robertson believed that Christ did something or other, which, somehow or other, had some connection or other with salvation.

‘Spurious spirituality is very dangerous.’

Cyril J. Barber: ‘Eloquent sermons by a conservative British Anglican minister. Contains excellent expository values.’

Strahan, James – Hebrew Ideals: A Study of Genesis from Chapters 11-50 (1915)

‘A rich and rewarding study.’ – Cyril J. Barber

Advanced

Delitzsch, Franz – New Commentary on Genesis, vol. 1 (chs. 1-14), 2 (15-50) (1889)

Delitzsch (1813–1890)

‘A critical commentary on the Hebrew text which holds to the Mosaic authorship of Genesis, but leaves room for final redaction in the post-exilic period. Advocates an early form of the documentary hypothesis, and holds to the ‘long day’ theory of creation. The treatment of chapters 12-50 [is] greatly superior to the material in volume one.’ – Cyril J. Barber

‘I have the highest opinion of Delitzsch as a commentator. He is the finest Jewish Belles-Lettrist existing.’ – John ‘Rabbi’ Duncan

Turner, Samuel – A Companion to the Book of Genesis (1851)

** “In Horne’s Introduction we read: ‘Though not designed to be a Commentary, this valuable work furnishes the Biblical student with abundant aid for the exact and literal interpretation of the Book of Genesis.” – Spurgeon

On the Hebrew of Genesis

Greenfield, William – Genesis in English and Hebrew, with an Interlinear Translation, Notes & Grammatical Introduction 1862

** “This work will not only enable the Student to get at the literal meaning of the text, but may be used as an introduction to the Hebrew language. The plan is most admirable and we earnestly commend it to the attention of those uninstructed in the sacred tongue.” – Spurgeon

Preston, Theodore – Phraseological Notes on the Hebrew Text of the Book of Genesis 1853

* “Intended to explain and illustrate the most remarkable peculiarities and anomalies, style, and phrase in the Book of Genesis. It may interest Hebraists, but can little aid the preacher.” – Spurgeon

Spurrell, George – Notes on the Hebrew Text of the Book of Genesis (1896) 495 pp.

‘A critical work of help to students studying the grammar of Genesis.’ – Cyril J. Barber

Jewish Commentaries on Genesis

Philo – On Genesis at Patristic Bible Commentary

Josephus – On Genesis at Patristic Bible Commentary

The Arabic Translation & Commentary of Yefet ben ʿEli the Karaite on the Abraham Narratives (Genesis 11:10-25:18) in Karaite Texts & Studies, vol. 4 Pre (Brill, 2012) 270 pp. ToC

Yefet (c. 914 – 1009) was perhaps the foremost Karaite commentator on the Bible during the “Golden Age of Karaism”.

Hershon, Paul Issac – The Pentateuch According to the Talmud: Genesis with a Talmudical Commentary (1883) with an Introductory Essay by Donald Spence

Spence, the one who wrote the introductory essay, is the same Spence as co-edited The Pulpit Commentary.

See also Jewish Commentaries on the Pentateuch

The Early Church on Genesis

Compilations

Parker, Jr., Samuel – Bibliotheca Biblica [a Biblical Library]; being a Commentary Gathered out of the Writings of Fathers & Ecclesiastical Historians, etc., vol. 1, pt. 1 (Gn. 1-24), pt 2 (Gn 25-50) (1720)

* “Darling says, that this is ‘a commentary of profound learning and research;’ but it seems to us to be mainly filled with that archaic learning which is now out of date.” – Spurgeon

eds. Louth, Andrew & Mark Sheridan – Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture: Genesis, vol. 1 (1-11), 2 (12-50) Pre 1, 2 Buy (Routledge & IVP, 2001) ToC 1, 2

Gregory, Bradley C. – Genesis Through the Centuries: a Reception History Commentary on Genesis, vol. 1 (1-11), 2 (12-50) Ref 1, 2 (Wiley)

Early Church Fathers Catena on Genesis trans. John Litteral Ref Buy (2019) 676 pp.

Commentaries on Genesis 1-3: Severian of Gabala & Bede the Venerable trans. Robert C. Hill & Carmen S. Hardin in Ancient Christian Texts Pre (IVP, 2010) 160 pp. ToC

Individuals

Theophilus of Antioch – On Gen. 1-11 from Letter to Autolycus at Patristic Bible Commentary

Theophilus (d. c. 183-85)

Tertullian – On Creation (Gen. 1-3) at Patristic Bible Commentary

Tertullian (c. 155 AD – c. 220)

Hippolytus of Rome – Quotes on Genesis at Patristic Bible Commentary

Hippolytus (c. 170 – c. 235)

Origen

Homilies on Genesis & Exodus in Fathers of the Church (Catholic University of America Press, 1982) 440 pp. ToC

Origen (c. 185 – c. 253)

‘Commentary on Genesis, fragment from Book 3’ in Origen, ed. Joseph W. Trigg Ref (Routledge, 1998) 292 pp.

Victorinus – On the Creation of the World 3 pp. in Ante-Nicene Fathers, vol. 7, pp. 341-43

Victorinus of Pettau (d. 303 or 304)

Ephrem the Syrian

‘Commentary on Genesis’ in Selected Prose Works: Commentaries on Genesis & Exodus, etc. in Fathers of the Church Pre (Catholic University of America Press, 1994), pp. 59-216 Latin

Ephrem (c. 306 – 373)

trans. Gary Anderson (1995) at University of Virginia

Life of Adam & Eve
Commentary on Genesis [chs. 1-3]
On Gen. 3:1-24

Basil of Caesarea

The Hexaemeron 57 pp. being 9 Homilies on Gen. 1, in Nicene & Post-Nicene Fathers, Second Series, vol. 8, pp. 51-108

On Creation (on Gen. 1) at Patristic Bible Commentary

Basil (330–379)

Gregory of Nyssa

On the Six Days of Creation trans. Robin Orton in The Fathers of the Church: Shorter Works Pre (Catholic University of America Press, 2021) 125 pp. ToC

Gregory (c. 335 – c. 395)

On the Making of Man at Patristic Bible Commentary

Ambrosiaster – Questions & Answers on Genesis (chs. 1-4, 7, 11, 13-15, 17, 19-20, 27, 49-50) at Patristic Bible Commentary

Ambrose

Hexameron, Paradise, Cain & Abel in Fathers of the Church (Catholic University of America Press, 1961) 460 pp. no ToC

Ambrose (c. 339 – c. 397)

On Gen. 2-3 at Patristic Bible Commentary

Seven Exegetical Works… in The Fathers of the Church (Catholic University of America Press, 1972)

‘Isaac, or the Soul’, pp. 9-69
‘Jacob & the Happy Life’, pp. 117-186
‘Joseph’, pp. 187-240
‘The Patriarchs’, pp. 241-78

Didymus the Blind – Commentary on Genesis in Fathers of the Church (Catholic University of America Press, 2016) 240 pp. ToC

Didymus the Blind (c. 313 – 398)

Chrysostom

Homilies on Genesis, vol. 1 (1-17), 2 (18-45), 3 (46-67) in Fathers of the Church (Catholic University of America Press, 2010) ToC 1, 2, 3

Chrysostom (c. 347–407)

Synopsis on Genesis at Patristic Bible Commentary

Homilies on Genesis 2:4-3:24 at University of Virginia

Severian of Gabala

‘Homilies on Creation & Fall’ in Commentaries on Genesis 1-3 in Ancient Christian Texts Pre Buy (IVP Academic, 2010), pp. 1-94

Severian of Gabala (before 380 – after 408, probably before 425)

‘On the Creation of the World: Sermon 1: On the First Day of Creation’ trans. J. Bareille at Tertullian.org (2010)

Jerome – Hebrew Questions on Genesis trans. C.T.R. Hayward in Oxford Early Christian Studies Pre (Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1995) 250 pp. ToC

Jerome (c. 342–347 – 420)

Augustine

On Genesis: A Refutation of the Manichees, Unfinished Literal Commentary on Genesis, The Literal Meaning of Genesis, I/13 trans. Edmund Hill in The Works of Saint Augustine: a Translation for the 21st Century (Hyde Park, NY: New City Press, 1990) 540 pp. ToC

Augustine (354–430). The works in this volume are different from that in the two volumes below.

On Genesis: Two Books on Genesis Against the Manichees; & On the Literal Interpretation of Genesis, an Unfinished Book in Fathers of the Church (Catholic University of America Press, 1990) 215 pp. ToC

Sermons 1-5 ToC in Sermons I (1-19) on the Old Testament trans. Edmund Hill in The Works of Saint Augustine: a Translation for the 21st Century (Hyde Park, NY: New City Press, 1990), pp. 169-226

Ancient Christian Writers: the Works of the Fathers in Translation (Catholic Univ. of America, Newman Press)

41. Augustine: Literal Meaning of Genesis, vol. 1 Ref (1982)
42. Augustine: Literal Meaning of Genesis, vol. 2 Pre (1982) ToC

Questions on Genesis (chs. 4-15, 17-50) at Patristic Bible Commentary

Confessions, bks 11-13 on Creation, in Nicene & Post-Nicene Fathers, Second Series, vol. 1, pp. 163-208

On Gen. 1-6 in The City of God at Patristic Bible Commentary

Cyril of Alexandria – Glaphyra on the Pentateuch, vol. 1: Genesis in Fathers of the Church, vol. 137 Pre (Catholic University of America Press, 2018)

Cyril (c. 376 – 444)

Theodoret of Cyrus – ‘The Questions on Genesis’ in The Questions on the Octateuch, vol. 1, On Genesis & Exodus in The Library of Early Christianity (Catholic University of America Press, 2007), pp. 2-221

Theodoret (c. 393 – c. 458/466)

The Medieval Church on Genesis

Compilation

ed. Schroeder, Joy A. – The Book of Genesis in The Bible in Medieval Tradition Pre (Eerdmans, 2015) 290 pp. ToC

This includes translations from: Remigius of Auxerre, Rupert of Deutz, Hildegard of Bingen, Andrew of St. Victor, Peter Comestor, Nicholas of Lyra and Denis the Carthusian.

Many Fathers

Catena on Genesis at Patristic Bible Commentary

Individuals

‘Supplementary Commentary on Genesis, Exodus & the Gospels’ in Biblical Commentaries from the Canterbury School of Theodore & Hadrian eds. Bernhard Bischoff & Michael Lapidge Pre (Cambridge University Press, 1994), pp. 386-96

Theodore of Tarsus (602–690); Adrian of Canterbury (b. before 637 – d. 710).

Bede – On Genesis trans. Calvin B. Kendall in Translated Texts for Historians, vol. 48 (Liverpool Univ. Press, 2008) 360 pp. ToC

Bede (672/3 – 735)

John of Damascus – On Creation & Paradise in The Orthodox Faith, 2.1-12 at Patristic Bible Commentary

Damascene (c. 675 or 676 – 749)

Alcuin of York – Questions & Answers on Genesis at Patristic Bible Commentary

Alcuin (c. 735 – 804)

Eckhart, Master – ‘Selections form the Commentaries on Genesis’ in Essential Sermons, Commentaries, Treatises, & Defense trans. Edmund Colledge in The Classics of Western Spirituality (Paulist Press, 1981), pp. 82-121

Eckhart (c. 1260 – c. 1328)

Sections Throughout Genesis

Close, Francis – The Book of Genesis Considered & Illustrated in a Series of Historical Discourses (1828)

* “A course of smoothly-flowing, respectable, quiet, evangelical sermons. Nobody could be so wicked as to call them sensational.” – Spurgeon

Le Clerk, Jean – 12 Dissertations out of Monsieur Le Clerk’s Genesis (1696) 360 pp.

The dissertations are: (1) Hebrew tongue, (2) Manner of interpreting the Bible, (3) Author of the Penteteuch, (4) Temptation of Eve by the Serpent, (5) Flood, (6) Confusion of languages, (7) Original of Circumcision, (8) Divine appearances in the O.T., (9) Subversion of Sodom, (10) Pillar of Salt, (11) Coming of Shiloh, (12) Several obscure texts explained.

Lightfoot, John – A Few & New Observations upon the Book of Genesis 8 pp. in two volume works, vol. 1, p. 691 ff.

Morrison, George – The Glasgow Pulpit Series: Morrison on Genesis Buy n.d. 92 pp. Morrison treats of: the Creation, the Fall, Cain & Abel, the Flood, Noah’s Covenant, Lot’s Choice, Abram’s Vision, Abraham & Sodom, Hagar & Ishmael, the Offering of Isaac, Rebekah & Isaac, Jacob & Esau, Bethel & Peniel

Morrison (1866-1928) was a minister in the United Free Church of Scotland and served as an assistant to Alexander Whyte.

The Types in Genesis

Jukes, Andrew – The Types of Genesis briefly considered, Revealing the Development of Human Nature 8th ed. 1898 460 pp. Jukes expounds on: the Creation, Adam, Cain & Abel, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob & Joseph

Jukes (1815–1901)

** “In many places far too forced, and therefore to be read with caution; but in its own spiritualizing way very masterly. Jukes dives deep.” – Spurgeon

On Chapters in Genesis

Genesis 1-3

For a brief, Scriptural defense that Gen. 1 means exactly what it says, see Kenneth Gentry’s In the Space of Six Days and the further resources on our page: Creation.

Reformer

Oecolampadius, Johannes – An Exposition of Genesis Buy Lectures on Gen. 1-3

Oecolampadius (1482–1531) was a German/Swiss reformer, a co-worker with Erasmus and Zwingli, and as was influential upon Bullinger, Calvin and others.

Puritans

White, John – A Commentary upon the Three First Chapters of the First Book of Moses called Genesis (†1648; 1656)

White (1575–1648) was a Westminster divine and was influential for the Massachusetts Bay Company settling in America, though he never made the trip across to the New World.

** – “A puritan divine, called ‘The Patriarch of Dorchester'” “A folio upon three chapters! There were giants in those days. Manton says, ‘To speak of the worth of the author is needless, his praise being already in all of the churches,’ and he adds that he had been greatly refreshed by the perusal of this book.” – Spurgeon

Walker, George – The History of the Creation as it is Written by Moses in the First & Second Chapters of Genesis, Plainly Opened & Expounded in Several Sermons (1641) in God Made Visible in his Works

Walker was a puritan and Westminster divine.

Early Westminster

Young, Edward J.

In the Beginning: Gen. chs. 1-3 & the Authority of Scripture Buy (1976) 117 pp.

Genesis 3: a Devotional & Expository Study Buy (1966) 165 pp.

Young was one of the great, early, Westminster Seminary scholars.

MacDonald, Donald – Creation & the Fall: a Defence & Exposition of the First Three Chapters of Genesis (1856)

** “We do not hesitate to designate this volume as the most complete examination of the literature and the exegesis of the Creation and the Fall which has appeared in England.” – Journal of Sacred Literature, as quoted by Spurgeon

Bonhoeffer, Dietrich – Creation & Fall: a Theological Interpretation of Genesis 1-3 Buy (1959)

Bonhoeffer, a resistance worker against the Nazis, and a martyr in their concentration camps, was neo-orthodox (following Karl Barth), which is highly not recommended. Nonetheless his life and thought is fascinating, if a bit off. These lectures were some of his most popular as a theologian. In explaining the origin of evil, he posits an autonomous vacuum (so to speak) from within creation from whence it came, everything reformed theology has argued against.

‘A philosophical interpretation of Genesis 1-3 which manifests some unusual views.’ – Cyril J. Barber

Bonnet, L. – The Exile from Eden: Meditations on the Third Chapter of Genesis, with Exegetical Developments (1839)

** “After the French manner. In nine meditations the salient points in the all-important story of the Fall are touched upon. One of the best separate treatises upon the subject.” – Spurgeon

Genesis 1-5

Puritan

Needler, Benjamin – Expository Notes, with Practical Observations, towards the Opening of the Five First Chapters of the First Book of Moses (1655)

* – ‘Needler was one of the eminent divines who took part in the famous [puritan] Morning Exercises [at Cripplegate]. The little work is a curiosity, but nothing more.’ – Spurgeon

Genesis 1-6

1800’s

Williams, Isaac – The Beginning of the Book of Genesis [chs. 1-4], with Notes & Reflections (1861) 455 pp.

Williams (†1865) was a prominent member of the Oxford Movement, or Tractarians (which was High-Church and sacramentalist).

*** – ‘A very remarkable work by a high churchman, opening up in a masterly manner the mystical teachings of the early chapters of Genesis. To be read cum grano salis [with a grain of salt].’ – Spurgeon

Bonar, Horatius – Earth’s Morning, or Thoughts on Genesis [chs. 1-6] (1875) 385 pp.

Bonar was a minister in the Free Church of Scotland.

*** – “An exposition of the first six chapters only. The author endeavors ‘to investigate the meaning of each verse and word; that, having done so, the exact revelation of God in these may be brought out, and the spiritual truth evolved.’ He has in a great measure attained his object. What more could be said in his praise?’ – Spurgeon

Genesis 1-11

Reformer

Thompson, John – Reformation Commentary on Scripture: Genesis 1-11 Buy

Puritan

Bunyan, John – An Exposition of the First Ten Chapters of Genesis in Works, vol. 2

* “Allegorical and spiritual. Bunyan’s characteristics are very prominently manifest.” – Spurgeon

Henry, Philip – An Exposition, with Practical Observations, upon the First Eleven Chapters of the Book of Genesis (d. 1696)

** – ‘Interesting as the exposition of Matthew Henry’s father, taken down from his lips at family prayer by Matthew his son. This probably suggested the famous Commentary [of Matthew Henry].’ – Spurgeon

Old Princeton

Davis, John – Genesis & Semitic Tradition (1894) 150 pp. Davis treats of the major subjects in Gen. 1-11

Davis (1854-1926) was one of the great, conservative Princeton scholars. His specialty was in archaeology and Assyriology.

‘A comparison of the Genesis account of creation and the deluge with Babylonian, Assyrian and Egyptian traditions.’ – Cyril J. Barber

MacGregor, C. Bart. – Notes on Genesis, designed principally for the use of Students in Divinity, part 1 (chs. 1-11) 1853

** “Contains a great deal of learning, of small use to the preacher. Many curious and knotty points which arise in the first eleven chapters of Genesis are discussed with considerable ability.” – Spurgeon

Cassuto, Umberto – Commentary on the Book of Genesis, vol. 1 (1-6), vol. 2 (6-11)

Cassuto was a mid-1900’s Jewish professor at Hebrew University.

Genesis 1-14

Puritans

Clapham, Henoch – Commentary on the First Fourteen Chapters of Genesis (†1614) being entitled, Bibliotheca Theologica: or, a Library Theological... (Amsterdam, 1597)

Clapham (fl.1585-1614) was a puritan and a pastor of an English-speaking congregation in Amsterdam.

* – “Clapham was a voluminous author of very remarkable attainments. He wrote also on the first fourteen chapters of Genesis. This work [on the Song of Solomon] is rare as angel’s visits.” – Spurgeon

Gibbens, Nicholas – Questions & Disputations Concerning the Holy Scripture wherein are contained, brief, faithful and sound expositions of the most difficult and hardest places… (1602)

* – ‘In his own fashion this antique writer tries to answer curious questions which are suggested by Genesis. His day is over.’

Ross, Alexander – An Exposition on the Fourteen First Chapters of Genesis, by way of Question & Answer, Collected out of Ancient & Recent Writers: both briefly and subtilly propounded and expounded (1626)

* – “A very scarce catechism by that Scotch divine who is mentioned in Hudibras [p. 56] in the lines:

‘There was an ancient sound philosopher
That had read Alexander Ross over.'”

Genesis 1-22

Reformer

Calvin, John

Sermons on Genesis, chs. 1-11 trans. Rob Roy McGregor (Banner of Truth, 2009) Buy with an Introduction by John DeWitt

Forty-nine sermons translated from the original French. Originally preached from 4 September 1559 through 23 January 1560. Sermon 27 on Genesis 4:19–22 is missing.

Sermons on Genesis, chs. 11-20 trans. Rob Roy McGregor (Banner of Truth, 2012) Buy

These sermons are different from his commentary on Genesis. Forty-eight sermons translated from the original French. Originally preached from 24 January 1560–15 May 1560.

Sermons on Melchizedek & Abraham Buy on Gen. 14, 15, 22

1900’s, Devotional

Barnhouse, Donald – Genesis, a Devotional Commentary Buy (1970)

Barnhouse

‘A verse-by-verse treatment containing pithy gems of devotional thought, but covering only chapters 1-22.’ – Cyril J. Barber

Genesis 1

Cooper, Thomas – The Exposition upon the First Chapter of Genesis in A Brief Exposition of such Chapters of the Old Testament as usually are Read in the Church at Common Prayer on the Sundays… (d. 1594) English reformer

Genesis 2

Cooper, Thomas – The Exposition upon the Second Chapter of Genesis in A Brief Exposition of such Chapters of the Old Testament as usually are Read in the Church at Common Prayer on the Sundays… (d. 1594) English reformer

Genesis 3

Cooper, Thomas – The Exposition upon the 3rd Chapter of Genesis in A Brief Exposition of such Chapters of the Old Testament as usually are Read in the Church at Common Prayer on the Sundays… (d. 1594)

Cooper was an English reformer.

Genesis 6

Cooper, Thomas – The Exposition upon the 6th Chapter of Genesis in A Brief Exposition of such Chapters of the Old Testament as usually are Read in the Church at Common Prayer on the Sundays… (d. 1594)

Cooper was an English reformer.

Genesis 9

Cooper, Thomas – The Exposition upon the 9th Chapter of Genesis in A Brief Exposition of such Chapters of the Old Testament as usually are Read in the Church at Common Prayer on the Sundays… (d. 1594)

Cooper was an English reformer.

Genesis 12

Cooper, Thomas – The Exposition upon the 9th Chapter of Genesis in A Brief Exposition of such Chapters of the Old Testament as usually are Read in the Church at Common Prayer on the Sundays... (d. 1594)

Cooper was an English reformer.

Genesis 14-15

On Gen. 14:13 – 15:7

Calvin, John – Sermons on Melchizedek & Abraham trans. Thomas Stocker Buy (London, 1592)

Ten sermons on Genesis 14:13–15:7 & 21:33–22:14.

Genesis 16

Shute, Josias – Sarah & Hagar, or Genesis the 16th Chapter Opened in Twenty Sermons (1649) 248 pp.

Shute was a reformed Anglican.

** – ‘Above three and thirty years rector of St. Mary, Woolnoth.’ ‘In shape, the editor tells us, ‘this book is somewhat slender, like the encouragements of learning.’ He informs us that the author was ‘one of the five famous brother-preachers, somewhat like the five fingers on the right hand of fellowship;’ and that Chrysostom did so much lie in his bosom that he became like him in his flowing style and golden eloquence. He writes like a learned man, and treats the Scriptures as if ‘each book were a course, each chapter a Benjamin’s mess, and every verse a morsel of the food of angels.”

Genesis 18

Cooper, Thomas – The Exposition upon the 18th Chapter of Genesis in A Brief Exposition of such Chapters of the Old Testament as usually are Read in the Church at Common Prayer on the Sundays… (d. 1594)

Cooper was an English reformer.

Genesis 19

Cooper, Thomas – The Exposition upon the 19th Chapter of Genesis in A Brief Exposition of such Chapters of the Old Testament as usually are Read in the Church at Common Prayer on the Sundays... (d. 1594)

Cooper was an English reformer.

Genesis 21-22

Calvin, John – Sermons on Melchizedek & Abraham trans. Thomas Stocker Buy (London, 1592)

Ten sermons on Genesis 14:13–15:7 & 21:33–22:14.

Beza, Theodore – A Tragedy of Abraham’s Sacrifice (Gen. 22) 1575

Cooper, Thomas – The Exposition upon the 22nd Chapter of Genesis in A Brief Exposition of such Chapters of the Old Testament as usually are Read in the Church at Common Prayer on the Sundays… (d. 1594)

Cooper was an English reformer.

Genesis 25-50

Parker, Samuel – Bibliotheca Biblica: being a Commentary upon all the Books of the Old & New Testament, gathered out of the genuine writings of Fathers, Ecclesiastical Historians & Acts of Councils down to the Year of our Lord 451, vol. 1, Part 2, Gen. 25-50 (d. 1730)

Parker (1681-1730) was an Anglican.

Genesis 25-27

On Gen. 25:12 – ch. 27:38

Calvin, John – Thirteen Sermons of Master John Calvin, Entreating of the Free Election of God in Jacob, & of reprobation in Esau, A Treatise… (London, 1579)

Genesis 27

Cooper, Thomas – The Exposition upon the 27th Chapter of Genesis in A Brief Exposition of such Chapters of the Old Testament as usually are Read in the Church at Common Prayer on the Sundays… (d. 1594)

Cooper was an English reformer.

Genesis 28

Cowper, William – Jacob’s Wrestling with God 1608 148 pp. on Gen. 28

Cowper was a Scottish bishop.

MacDuff, J.R. – Eventide at Bethel, or the Night-Dream of the Desert; an O.T. Chapter on Providence & Grace on Gen. 28 (1878) 310 pp.

MacDuff (1818–1895) was an evangelical Church of Scotland minister who wrote numerous devotional works.

Genesis 34

Cooper, Thomas – The Exposition upon the 34th Chapter of Genesis in A Brief Exposition of such Chapters of the Old Testament as usually are Read in the Church at Common Prayer on the Sundays… (d. 1594)

Cooper was an English reformer.

Genesis 39

Cooper, Thomas – The Exposition upon the 39th Chapter of Genesis in A Brief Exposition of such Chapters of the Old Testament as usually are Read in the Church at Common Prayer on the Sundays… (d. 1594)

Cooper was an English reformer.

Genesis 43

Cooper, Thomas – The Exposition upon the 43rd Chapter of Genesis in A Brief Exposition of such Chapters of the Old Testament as usually are Read in the Church at Common Prayer on the Sundays… (d. 1594)

Cooper was an English reformer.

Genesis 45

Puritan

Rollinson, Francis – Twelve Prophetical Legacies; or, Twelve Sermons upon Jacob’s Last Will, recorded in the 45th chapter of Genesis (1612)

* – ‘Old-fashioned learning, and singular remarks; its rarity is no great calamity.’

Archaeology & Genesis

Osburn, William – Israel in Egypt; or the Books of Genesis & Exodus Illustrated by Existing Monuments (1856)

** “Not a commentary; but a volume full of interest, which should be studied by all who would understand this portion of history.” – Spurgeon

The Authenticity & Genuineness of Genesis

See also The Authenticity of the Pentateuch. For a brief, Scriptural defense that Gen. 1 means exactly what it says, see Kenneth Gentry’s In the Space of Six Days and the further resources on our page: Creation.

Article

Young, E.J. – ‘The Accuracy of Genesis’ His 17.6 (March 1957), pp. 23-26

Books

Green, William H. – The Unity of the Book of Genesis (1895) 605 pp.

Green (1825–1900) was an imminent Princeton, Hebrew scholar.

“A thorough, scholarly refutation of the documentary hypothesis.” – Cyril J. Barber

Hoffmeier, James – Israel in Egypt: The Evidence for the Authenticity of the Exodus Tradition Buy (1999)

Hoffmeier is Professor of Bible Studies and Archaeology at Wheaton College, Illinois. See the ‘Buy’ link for a description.

Bible Characters in Gen. 1-12

Whyte, Alexander – Bible Characters, vol. 1

Whyte (1836-1921) was a minister in the Free Church of Scotland and later, post-1900, in the United Free Church of Scotland.

Adam
Eve
Cain

“Cain was a deist; that is, an impenitent theist.” – John ‘Rabbi’ Duncan

Abel
Enoch
Jubal
Noah

“In Noah we have the first account of justification by grace.” – John ‘Rabbi’ Duncan, Gen. 6:8-9

Ham
Nimrod
Terah

On Bible Characters in Genesis

The Patriarchs

Ambrose – Seven Exegetical Works… in The Fathers of the Church (Catholic University of America Press, 1972)

‘Isaac, or the Soul’, pp. 9-69
‘Jacob & the Happy Life’, pp. 117-186
‘The Patriarchs’, pp. 241-78

Ambrose (c. 339 – c. 397)

Blaikie, William G. – Heroes of Israel: Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph & Moses (1894) 530 pp.

Blaikie (1820–1899) was of the Free Church of Scotland.

Delitzsch, Franz – ‘The Character of Patriarchal History’ 7 pp.

Delitzsch was a conservative German, Lutheran theologian and Hebraist, known for his contribution to the Keil-Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary. His translation of the N.T. into Hebrew is still considered the standard translation. The Free Churchman, ‘Rabbi’ John Duncan, said that Delitzsch “stood firm in maintenance of the divine authority and inspiration of the whole Old Testament” at a time when many “seemed willing to surrender.”

Thomas, William Henry Griffith – Genesis, a Devotional Commentary Buy (1946)

‘Possibly the most helpful devotional exposition of Genesis available. Pastors will find the material on Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph (chaps. 12-50) to be unsurpassed!’ – Cyril J. Barber

Abraham

“If Adamic blood flows in all our veins, Abrahamic blood flows spiritually in every Christian’s veins.”

John ‘Rabbi’ Duncan

Buddicom, R.P. – Friendship with God Illustrated in the Life of Abraham, vol. 1, 2

Of his work on Exodus: ** “Able discourses, using the Exodus spiritually and wisely.” – Spurgeon

Dykes, J. Oswald – Abraham, the Friend of God 1877 17 devotional messages based on Gen. 12-25

Blunt, Henry – Twelve Lectures on the History of Abraham & Jacob (1839)

** “Like the rest of this author’s lectures. Good, plain addresses.” – Spurgeon

Guthrie, Thomas – Abraham the Friend of God in Studies of Character from the Old Testament 1872 Free Church of Scotland

Meyer, F.B. – Abraham, or the Obedience of Faith n.d. 205 pp.

Meyer (1847–1929) was an English, baptist pastor who wrote numerous, very good devotional works.

Whyte, Alexander – Abraham in Bible Characters, vol. 1 (d. 1921)

Sarah

Whyte, Alexander – Sarah in Bible Characters, vol. 1

Lot

Whyte, Alexander – Lot in Bible Characters, vol. 1 (d. 1921)

Eliezer, the Servant

Guthrie, Thomas – Eliezer the Pattern Servant in Studies of Character from the Old Testament (1872)

Guthrie was a minister in the Free Church of Scotland.

Isaac

Blunt, Henry – Twelve Lectures on the History of Abraham and Jacob 1839

** “Like the rest of this author’s lectures. Good, plain addresses.” – Spurgeon

Bouchier, Barton – History of Isaac as Recorded in the Bible 1865

** “A charming book, in Bouchier’s gracious style.” – Spurgeon

Rawlinson, George – Isaac and Jacob: their Lives and Times 1890

Rawlinson (1812–1902)

“Still contains valuable insights for preachers today.” – Cyril J. Barber

Whyte, Alexander – Isaac in Bible Characters, vol. 1 d. 1921

Rebekah

Whyte, Alexander – Rebekah in Bible Characters, vol. 1 (d. 1921)

Jacob

Cowper, William – Jacob’s Wrestling with God (1608) 148 pp.

Cowper was a Scottish bishop.

Meyer, F.B. – Israel, a Prince with God, the Story of Jacob Retold n.d. 200 pp.

Rawlinson, George – Isaac & Jacob: their Lives & Times (1890)

Rawlinson (1812–1902)

“Still contains valuable insights for preachers today.” – Cyril J. Barber

Whyte, Alexander – Jacob in Bible Characters, vol. 1 (d. 1921)

Esau

Whyte, Alexander – Esau in Bible Characters, vol. 1 (d. 1921)

On Joseph

The Best

Blaikie, William G. – ‘Jacob & Joseph’ (1894) 82 pp. being Part 2 of Heroes of Israel: Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph & Moses, pp. 204-286 1894

Blaikie (1820–1899) was of the Free Church of Scotland.

Lawson, George – Lectures on Joseph, 2 vols. Buy (1807 & 1812)

*** – ‘Dr. Lawson had a fertile mind, and a heart alive both to the human and divine side of truth. He writes with pleasing simplicity of style. One of the highest compliments to this book is found in the fact that a distinguished American scholar issued much of it as his own [Lawson was Scottish].’ – Spurgeon

Smith, Thornley – History of Joseph viewed in connection with the Antiquities of Egypt, and the times in which he lived Buy (1875)

*** – ‘Written under the full light of the most recent archaeological discoveries, modern scholarship, and theological science, it is THE book on the subject. Now we have it, we cannot dispense with it.’ – Homilist, quoted by Spurgeon

Winsolw, Octavius – The Fullness of Christ: Unfolded in the History of Joseph Buy (1863)

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Commentaries on Genesis