Genesis Introduction
The Name “Genesis”
“The title 'Genesis' (beginning, Greek) was applied to this book by the Septuagint (Greek translation of the Hebrew Scriptures). The Hebrew title consists of the first word or two in the book ('in the beginning')”. 1 “The English title ‘Genesis’ is a transliteration, via the Vulgate, of the Greek title. Both titles (Hebrew and Greek/Latin/English) aptly describe the book's contents: it is a book of origins”. 2 Henry Morris points out that in this book we find the origin of: The Universe, Of Order and Complexity, Of the Solar System, Of the Atmosphere and Hydrosphere, Of Life, Of Man, Of Marriage, Of Evil, Of Language, Of Government, Of Culture, Of Nations, Of Religion, and Of The Chosen People.
Authorship
“Most so-called liberal theologians and commentators, along with not a few conservatives, have followed the theory that a number of unknown writers and editors, during the period of Israel's history from about the time of Hezekiah to that of Ezra the Scribe, complied and edited several old legends and traditions, verbally transmitted not only by their own Israeli ancestors but also by the Egyptians, Babylonians, and others, into the Book of Genesis. Presumably they then allowed 1
A Survey Of Old Testament Introduction. Gleason L. Archer, Jr. p. 179. 2
Word Biblical Commentary. Genesis 115, Gordon J. Wenham p. xxi. 1 1