This commentary is an "exegetical and theological exposition of the Holy Scripture" based upon the New International Version text. The New American Commentary assumes the inerrancy of Scripture. The introduction analyzes the literary structure of Genesis, the structure of the Pentateuch and its relationship to Genesis, the theology of Genesis, Genesis and ancient literature, and creation and contemporary interpretation. The main body of the book consists of a verse-by-verse analysis and commentary on chapters 1-11:26. The author also includes 5 excursions: Translating 1:1-2, Interpreting the "Image of God", The Human Soul, The Origin of Civilization in Ancient Near East Mythology, and The Revelation of the Divine Name.

Includes full text of the New International Version- Written from an evangelical perspective with allegiance to the complete authority and inerrancy of the Bible-in-depth verse by verse commentary - concise background material enabling the reader to understand the historical, social, and cultural context of the book - Pertinent, integral word studies - accessible to the non-specialist.

The Gold Medallion winning commentary by one of the leading Old Testament evangelical scholars that explores Genesis with the academic integrity you expect from a conservative commentary, but in an approachable style that addresses the text as "theological literature." Hebrew and Old Testament expert Bruce Waltke looks at the book of Genesis as a work of theological literature. Thus, he focuses on primary aspects of the story (narrative), including characterization, plot, theme, scene, structure, foreshadowing and irony, and balances these issues with an emphasis on the theology of Genesis which 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. altke 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 one of the best looks at the theological and literary value of Genesis, the book of beginnings.

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. This series emphasizes a thorough analysis of textual, linguistic, structural, and theological evidence. The result is judicious and balanced insight into the meanings of the text in the framework of biblical theology. 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.

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. This series emphasizes a thorough analysis of textual, linguistic, structural, and theological evidence. The result is judicious and balanced insight into the meanings of the text in the framework of biblical theology. 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.

In this clear and readable style Walter Brueggemann presents Genesis as a single book set within the context of the whole of biblical revelation. He sees his task as bringing the text close to the faith and ministry of the church. He interprets Genesis as a proclamation of God's decisive dealing with creation rather than as history of myth. Brueggemann's impressive perspective illuminates the study of the first book of the Bible