Book of Genesis — New World Translation Study Guide
Section: Hebrew Scriptures · Chapters: 50 · Written by: Moses · Approximate date: c. 1440 BC · Theme: Origins & Jehovah's Purpose
Summary of the Book of Genesis
Genesis records the creation of the universe, the fall of humanity, the global Flood, and Jehovah's calling of Abraham — establishing the foundation of His purpose to bless all families of the earth through the promised Seed.
Why the Book of Genesis Matters Today
Genesis is the foundation for every Bible teaching that follows it. The account of creation establishes Jehovah's sovereignty over the earth, his original purpose for humanity, and the basis for the resurrection hope. The first prophecy at Genesis 3:15 — pointing to the promised Seed who would crush the serpent — frames every subsequent book up through Revelation. For Jehovah's Witnesses today, Genesis answers the most pressing questions a Bible student or interested neighbor will raise: Where did we come from? Why is there suffering? What was Jehovah's original purpose? The answers are unchanged.
Key Verses in Genesis
- Gen 1:1
- Gen 12:1–3
- Gen 50:20
Notable Passages in Genesis
Genesis 1:1
The opening declaration establishing Jehovah as Creator of the heavens and earth, foundational to all JW theology on Jehovah's sovereignty.
Genesis 12:1–3
Jehovah's covenant with Abraham — the foundation of the promised seed that would bless all nations of the earth.
Genesis 50:20
Joseph's testimony that Jehovah can turn adversity into good, illustrating his sovereign care for those who trust him.
Study Questions for Genesis
As you read the book of Genesis, reflect on these questions to deepen your understanding and appreciation of Jehovah's Word:
- What does the creation account in Genesis 1–2 reveal about Jehovah's power and his original purpose for the earth and humanity?
- How did Satan use the serpent to challenge Jehovah's sovereignty, and what is the significance of the first prophecy at Genesis 3:15?
- What qualities of faith and obedience did Noah demonstrate, and what does his example teach about trusting Jehovah completely?
- Why did Jehovah choose Abraham, and what do the trials of Abraham's faith — including the command to offer Isaac — teach about loyalty to Jehovah?
- How does the account of Joseph show that Jehovah can bring good out of even the most unjust and painful circumstances?
Frequently Asked Questions About Genesis
- Who wrote the book of Genesis?
- Moses wrote Genesis around 1513 BCE, drawing on family histories preserved from Adam through Joseph. Genesis 5:1 refers to 'the book of Adam's history,' and Moses likely compiled these earlier accounts under inspiration.
- When was the book of Genesis written?
- Genesis was compiled by Moses approximately 1513 BCE during the 40 years Israel spent in the wilderness after leaving Egypt. The events it records span from the creation of the universe through the death of Joseph around 1657 BCE.
- What is the main theme of Genesis?
- Genesis establishes Jehovah as Creator and reveals his purpose to bless all nations through the promised Seed — fulfilled in Jesus Christ. It records the origin of sin, the first prophecy of redemption (Genesis 3:15), and Jehovah's covenant with Abraham.
How to Study Genesis with JW Study
Track your progress through all 50 chapters of Genesis in the New World Translation, mark completed chapters as you read, save personal notes on key passages, and build a consistent daily Bible reading habit. Use it alongside JW Library and the publications available at wol.jw.org to deepen your understanding of Jehovah's Word.
Reading Plans That Include Genesis
The book of Genesis is covered in the following structured reading plans on NWT Progress. Each plan divides the reading evenly across a set number of days to help you stay consistent.
- NWT in 1 Year — Read the entire New World Translation, all 66 books, in 365 days. (365 days, 1189 chapters)
- Hebrew Scriptures in 1 Year — Read all 39 books of the Hebrew Scriptures over the course of a year. (365 days, 929 chapters)
- Intensive: Bible in 90 Days — Cover all 66 books in 90 days with a steady, focused schedule. (90 days, 1189 chapters)
Related Bible Study Topics
Deepen your study of the Bible with these related topics from JW Study:
- Is Jesus God? — Understanding Jesus' identity as the Son of God — distinct from Jehovah
- Jesus and Michael the Archangel — Scriptural evidence that Jesus Christ is Michael the archangel
- Holy Spirit — Person or Force? — The Bible shows the holy spirit is God's active force, not a third person
- Holy Spirit Is Not a Person — Key Verses — Scriptural proof that the holy spirit is God's active force, not a person
- The Trinity Is Not Biblical — Key Verses — Scripture consistently distinguishes the Father from the Son — the Trinity doctrine has no Bible basis
- The Angel of the Lord Is Michael — Key Verses — Scriptural evidence connecting the angel of Jehovah, Michael the archangel, and Jesus Christ
- What Is the Soul? — The Bible defines the soul as a living being — not an immortal inner entity
- What Happens When We Die? — Death is a state of unconscious sleep — not heaven, hell, or purgatory
- God's Kingdom — What Is It? — A real government in heaven that will rule over a paradise earth
- Why Does God Allow Suffering? — Understanding the issue of universal sovereignty and why Jehovah permits evil for now
- The Sanctity of Blood — Why Jehovah commands us to abstain from blood — and what this means today