How to Read Genesis: A Beginner's Guide
Genesis is where everything begins. Creation. Humanity. Sin. Redemption. The very first book of the Bible sets the stage for every story that follows.
If you're starting a Bible reading journey, Genesis is a natural place to begin. But at 50 chapters, it can feel like a lot. This guide breaks it down into manageable pieces and shows you what to look for along the way.
What Is Genesis About?
The name "Genesis" means "beginning" or "origin." And that's exactly what this book delivers—the origin story of everything.
Genesis answers the big questions:
- Where did we come from?
- Why is the world the way it is?
- How did God's relationship with humanity begin?
- Who are the people God chose to bless the world?
The book divides naturally into two parts. The first eleven chapters cover universal history—creation, the fall, the flood, and the tower of Babel. The remaining thirty-nine chapters zoom in on one family: Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph.
Who Wrote Genesis?
Traditionally, Moses is credited as the author of Genesis and the four books that follow it (the "Pentateuch" or Torah). He likely compiled existing records and oral traditions during Israel's wilderness journey, around 1400 BC.
While scholars debate the specifics, what matters for your reading is this: Genesis was written to show the Israelites—and us—who God is and how he relates to people.
Genesis Reading Plan: 50 Chapters in 25 Days
Reading two chapters a day lets you finish Genesis in less than a month. Here's a breakdown:
| Days | Chapters | What You'll Read |
|---|---|---|
| 1-3 | 1-6 | Creation, the fall, Cain and Abel, genealogies |
| 4-5 | 7-10 | Noah's flood and its aftermath |
| 6-7 | 11-14 | Tower of Babel, Abraham's call and journey |
| 8-10 | 15-20 | God's covenant with Abraham, Sodom and Gomorrah |
| 11-12 | 21-24 | Isaac's birth, Abraham's test, finding Rebekah |
| 13-15 | 25-30 | Jacob and Esau, Jacob's marriages |
| 16-18 | 31-36 | Jacob's return, wrestling with God, reconciliation |
| 19-22 | 37-44 | Joseph's story—sold, imprisoned, risen to power |
| 23-25 | 45-50 | Family reunited, blessings, Joseph's death |
Pro tip: If two chapters feels like too much, just read one. Progress matters more than speed.
Key Themes to Watch For
As you read Genesis, keep an eye on these recurring threads:
1. God Creates and Calls
Genesis shows a God who speaks things into existence and calls people into relationship. Watch how God initiates—with Adam, Noah, Abraham. He's always the one reaching out first.
2. Human Choice and Consequences
From the garden to Joseph's brothers, Genesis is honest about human failure. People make bad choices. And those choices have real consequences. But notice: God doesn't abandon people when they fail.
3. Covenant and Promise
God makes binding promises—to Noah, to Abraham, to Jacob. These covenants aren't based on human performance. They're based on God's faithfulness. This pattern continues throughout the entire Bible.
4. Blessing Through Difficulty
Joseph's story is the crown jewel of Genesis. Sold by his brothers, falsely accused, forgotten in prison—yet he rises to save nations from famine. His words to his brothers capture the theme perfectly:
"You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good." — Genesis 50:20 (NIV)
5. Family Dysfunction and Grace
Genesis doesn't idealize its heroes. Abraham lies. Isaac plays favorites. Jacob deceives. The twelve brothers are a mess. Yet God works through flawed families. That's encouraging for all of us.
Difficult Passages in Genesis
Let's be honest—Genesis contains some challenging content:
- Long genealogies (chapters 5, 10, 11): These can feel tedious, but they show continuity and God's faithfulness across generations. Feel free to skim.
- Stories of violence and questionable decisions: The Bible records what happened, not always what should have happened. Notice how consequences unfold.
- Creation debates: Whether you read Genesis 1-2 as literal days or literary framework, the core truth remains: God created everything, and it was good.
Don't let difficult passages stop your momentum. Note your questions and keep reading. Understanding often comes with time and context.
How Genesis Connects to the Whole Bible
Genesis isn't just ancient history. It's the foundation for everything else in Scripture.
The promise to Abraham ("through you all nations will be blessed") points directly to Jesus. The New Testament explicitly connects this thread.
Joseph's story foreshadows Christ—rejected by his own, suffering unjustly, rising to save many.
The themes of creation, fall, and redemption echo throughout Scripture, reaching their climax in Revelation's new creation.
When you read Genesis, you're not just reading the beginning. You're learning the vocabulary and patterns that the rest of the Bible builds on.
Genesis in Your Year-Long Journey
In most Bible-in-a-year plans, Genesis appears in the first two weeks. It's the launchpad—establishing characters, themes, and God's character that carry through all 66 books.
Our 365-day reading plan weaves Genesis with Psalms and New Testament readings, giving you variety each day while maintaining forward momentum.
Tips for Reading Genesis Well
Read in context. These are ancient texts written to ancient people. Don't force modern questions onto them.
Look for patterns. Genesis loves repetition—creation and re-creation, promises and fulfillments, older and younger sons.
Pay attention to names. Names in Genesis often carry meaning. Adam means "humanity." Abraham means "father of many." These aren't random.
Don't rush the good parts. The Joseph narrative (chapters 37-50) is one of the greatest stories ever written. Savor it.
Start Your Genesis Journey
Genesis has launched countless reading journeys. Its stories—creation, the flood, Abraham's faith, Joseph's resilience—have shaped Western civilization and billions of individual lives.
You don't need to understand everything on the first read. You just need to start.
Read the Whole Bible This Year
Genesis is just the beginning. Our 365-day reading plan takes you through every book, with daily readings designed to take 15-20 minutes.
- Structured daily readings
- Progress tracking
- Multiple translations