Works on Genesis, especially commentaries.

Recommended Commentaries

G_Wenham.jpg1. Gordon J. Wenham — Genesis 1-15 and Genesis 16-50 (Word Biblical Commentary, 1987, 1994). from lionger

The layout of the Word Biblical Commentary series is not the most reader friendly, but in the case of Gordon Wenham’s commentary on Genesis, it is certainly worth the trouble. Wenham writes from a generally conservative evangelical viewpoint. His exegesis is careful and detailed and always worth consulting.

Mathews.jpg2. Kenneth A. Mathews — Genesis 1-11:26 and Genesis 11:27-50:26 (The New American Commentary, 1996, 2005). from lionger

In recent years, Broadman & Holman have published a number of excellent commentaries in their New American Commentary series. In 2005, with the publication of the second volume of Kenneth Mathews’ commentary on Genesis, they added another outstanding contribution.

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3. Victor P. Hamilton — The Book of Genesis Chapters 1-17 and The Book of Genesis Chapters 18-50 (The New International Commentary on the Old Testament, 1990, 1995). from lionger

Like Wenham and Mathews, Hamilton writes from a generally conservative evangelical perspective. I rank Mathews slightly higher simply because Hamilton is a rather dry read. He is, however, always worth consulting.

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4. Allen P. Ross — Creation and Blessing (1988). from lionger

Although not technically a commentary, this volume by Ross is an invaluable resource for expositors. If you are a pastor, you should not be without this book.

Walton.jpg5. John H. Walton — Genesis (NIV Application Commentary, 2001) from lionger

It is difficult to decide what commentary should fill the number five slot, but in terms of general helpfulness, Walton’s commentary probably deserves it. The NIVAC series does not get into as many technical issues, but it excels in terms of bridging the gap between the original audience and the contemporary world. This commentary, then, will be of particular use to preachers and teachers.

Runners Up:

There are a number of other helpful commentaries on the the Book of Genesis. Among them are those by Bruce Waltke, Derek Kidner, Nahum Sarna, John E. Hartley, and Umberto Cassuto (Vol. 1, Vol. 2. Cassuto’s works are sometimes difficult to track down. The publisher’s website is here: (Vol. 1, Vol. 2). Sarna’s work is in the JPS Torah Commentary series, which is written from a Jewish perspective and is somewhat critical. This means that it must be used with great care and discernment.

Enduring Word Commentary on Genesis online
Easy English Commentary on Genesis online

See Also Best commentaries on Genesis