The Book of Genesis Outline
Genesis is where everything begins — creation, life, sin, redemption, nations, and the covenant story of God’s unstoppable grace.
Genesis is not just the first book of the Bible; it is the beginning of the story that defines reality itself. In its pages, we find the origins of the universe, humanity, marriage, family, work, sin, judgment, and salvation. Genesis introduces us to the character of God: all-powerful, all-wise, just, merciful, and faithful to His promises.
The book is divided into two major sections: Primeval History (chapters 1–11) and Patriarchal History (chapters 12–50). The Primeval History traces God’s creation of the world, humanity’s tragic fall, and the escalating consequences of sin through three great rebellions: Eden, the corruption of the “sons of God” and “daughters of men,” and the defiance at Babel. These chapters explain why the world is broken and why redemption is necessary.
The Patriarchal History shifts focus to God’s covenant plan through one man, Abraham, and his descendants. Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph are not just ancestral figures; they are examples of faith, failure, transformation, and providence. Their stories reveal that God’s plan of redemption is not thwarted by human weakness. Through covenant promises and providential events, Genesis shows that God is building a people for His own possession, setting the stage for the Messiah who will ultimately crush evil and restore creation.
Shoe Leather Gospel reminds us: Genesis is not ancient mythology or distant history. It is the first step in the story of God’s interaction with humanity — and our invitation to walk by faith in His unchanging promises. As we trace Genesis, we learn that our origin, identity, and destiny are found not in ourselves, but in the God who speaks, calls, redeems, and reigns.
Genesis is the beginning of the journey. And every step of our walk with God today is connected to what He began “in the beginning.”
1. Title, Author, and Date
Title: Genesis comes from the Greek Genesis (génesis), meaning “origin,” “birth,” or “beginning.” In Hebrew, the book is called Bereshith (בְּרֶאשִׁית), meaning “In the beginning,” from the first word of the text.
Author: Moses (traditional and biblical view). Supported by internal testimony (Exodus 17:14; Numbers 33:2; Deuteronomy 31:24) and affirmed by Christ (John 5:46–47).
Date: Approximately 1445–1405 BC during Israel’s wilderness wanderings.
Role in Redemptive History: Genesis introduces the covenantal foundations of Scripture: Creation, Fall, Promise of Redemption, Abrahamic Covenant. It sets up the distinction between Israel and the nations, and the lineage of the Messiah.
2. Purpose and Themes
Genesis lays the foundation for the rest of Scripture by presenting God’s creation of the universe, humanity’s fall into sin, and God’s gracious plan of redemption. It traces the origins of key theological truths: the nature of God, man, sin, and salvation. Through the calling of Abraham and the establishment of the covenant, Genesis inaugurates God’s redemptive plan focused on the nation of Israel and ultimately fulfilled in Christ. The book is structured around key genealogical records and major life stories, emphasizing God’s sovereignty, covenant faithfulness, and providential care.
3. Outline
I. Primeval History (Genesis 1–11)
Genesis opens with the majestic account of God’s creation, revealing Him as the sovereign Creator of all things. The fall of man into sin through Adam and Eve introduces the tragic consequences of rebellion. This downward spiral continues with the murder of Abel by his brother Cain, culminating in widespread corruption and violence that brings about God’s judgment through a worldwide flood. God’s covenant with Noah marks a new beginning, but humanity’s pride resurfaces at Babel, resulting in the division of nations and languages. These chapters present three foundational rebellions: Eden (Genesis 3), the divine-human corruption (Genesis 6:1–4), and Babel (Genesis 11), setting the stage for God’s redemptive mission through a chosen people.
A. Creation of the Universe (1:1–2:3)
B. The Garden of Eden and Fall (2:4–3:24)
C. Cain and Abel; the Spread of Sin (4:1—26)
D. Genealogy from Adam to Noah (5:1–32)
E. The Flood: Judgment and Preservation (6:1–9:29)
F. The Nations: Tower of Babel and Dispersion (10:1–11:32)
II. Patriarchal History (Genesis 12–50)
The second half of Genesis focuses on the patriarchs—Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph—through whom God builds His covenant nation. Abraham’s journey of faith, including the covenant promises of land, seed, and blessing, becomes a central theme. Isaac’s life continues the covenant line quietly, while Jacob’s story is marked by transformation from a deceiver to a man dependent on God. Joseph’s narrative highlights God’s providential sovereignty in using suffering and betrayal to accomplish His purposes, preserving both Israel and the messianic line. The patriarchal stories anchor the theological themes of faith, covenant loyalty, and divine providence.
A. Abraham: The Call, Covenant, and Testing (12:1–25:11)
- God’s call and promises (12:1–9)
- Abraham in Egypt (12:10–20)
- Abraham and Lot (13–14)
- Covenant confirmed (15)
- Hagar and Ishmael (16)
- Covenant sign: Circumcision (17)
- Sodom and Gomorrah (18–19)
- Birth of Isaac (21)
- Sacrifice of Isaac (22)
- Sarah’s death and burial (23)
- Abraham’s death (25:7–11)
B. Isaac: A Quiet Pilgrim (25:19–26:35)
Isaac, though less prominent, faithfully continues Abraham’s legacy. His life is marked by God’s reaffirmation of the covenant promises, quiet perseverance, and preparation for the next generation.
C. Jacob: Transformation of the Patriarch (27:1–36:43)
Jacob’s story is one of divine grace transforming a cunning deceiver into “Israel,” a man who wrestles with God. Through trials, exile, and divine encounters, Jacob matures into the patriarch of the twelve tribes.
D. Joseph: Providence and Redemption (37:1–50:26)
Joseph’s remarkable journey from betrayal to rulership in Egypt showcases God’s unseen hand orchestrating salvation for His people. Joseph’s story mirrors Christ’s humiliation and exaltation, emphasizing God’s power to bring good out of evil.
4. Key Themes and Theological Contributions
Genesis offers profound theological insights essential for a biblical worldview:
- Creation and Divine Authority: God alone is the Creator and Sovereign over all.
- Human Dignity and the Imago Dei: Humanity bears God’s image, giving inherent worth to every person.
- The Entrance of Sin and the Need for Redemption: The fall introduces universal sinfulness and the necessity of divine grace.
- The Three Great Rebellions:
- Eden (Genesis 3) – Humanity’s rebellion against God’s command.
- Divine-Human Rebellion (Genesis 6:1–4) – Spiritual beings corrupting humanity.
- Babel (Genesis 11) – Humanity’s collective defiance against God’s sovereignty.
- Covenant Faithfulness: God’s unbreakable promises to Abraham set the foundation for salvation history.
- Typological Foreshadowing of Christ: Adam, Noah, Isaac, and Joseph prefigure aspects of Christ’s redemptive work.
- Providence and Sovereignty of God: God’s hidden yet active rule brings about His purposes.
- Separation of the Godly Seed and the Ungodly Seed: The conflict between the offspring of the woman and the serpent (Genesis 3:15) shapes the biblical storyline.
5. Christ in Genesis
Genesis foreshadows Christ from its opening chapters:
- Genesis 3:15 (Protoevangelium): The first promise of a Savior who will crush the serpent.
- Adam as a Type of Christ: The “last Adam” brings life where the first Adam brought death (Romans 5; 1 Corinthians 15).
- Melchizedek: A priest-king who anticipates Christ’s eternal priesthood (Hebrews 7).
- Isaac: The beloved son offered in sacrifice, pointing to God’s offering of His Son.
- Joseph: Suffering for others’ salvation and later exalted, mirroring Christ’s humiliation and glorification.
- The Abrahamic Covenant: Fulfilled ultimately in Jesus Christ, the promised “Seed” (Galatians 3:16).
6. Historical and Literary Notes
Genesis, while ancient, stands in sharp contrast to pagan myths of origins. The biblical creation account emphasizes God’s sovereignty, order, and goodness. Ancient flood narratives like the Gilgamesh Epic point to a shared memory of a cataclysmic event, but Genesis preserves the true account.
7. Applications for Today
Genesis forms the bedrock for a biblical worldview. It teaches believers to trust God’s sovereign purposes, even amidst suffering and apparent chaos. It underscores the gravity of sin and the necessity of redemption. Genesis calls believers to walk by faith, as Abraham did, and to recognize that spiritual warfare undergirds human rebellion. The stories of the patriarchs model perseverance, obedience, and hope in the faithful God.
8. Shoe Leather Discipleship Tie-In
“Genesis shows us that our walk with God begins with trusting His promises, even when we cannot see the path ahead. It teaches us that faithful living flows from believing that God is Creator, Redeemer, and Covenant Keeper. It reminds us that spiritual warfare is not a peripheral issue—it is the unseen battle beneath every visible story. Our daily obedience is rooted in the certainty that the God of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph is still writing His story today through us.”
Suggested Memory Verse for Genesis
Genesis 15:6 (LSB):
“Then he believed in Yahweh; and He counted it to him as righteousness.”
Genesis Resources
Pentateuch (or the Law)
Genesis
Learn More about God’s Grand Narrative
God’s Plan to Restore What He Created
