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• Genesis I - Priestly Authors, 6th Century BCE (newer) → Babylonian Captivity - slave/oppressed
• Genesis II - Yahwist Authors, 1000 BCE (older - written first) → King David + Solomon 1st Temple
• Religious myth


  Traditional story using sacred truths to reveal the authentic meaning of life. Not to be taken literally, symbolic representations of spiritual truths and insights.
• The main concern of religious myths are accounts of creation - both Genesis 1 & 2 are Creation narratives
• Both stories are written in the genre of religious myth, utilising symbolic elements, poetic techniques and narrative to convey sacred truths about the origins of the world, humanity, and humanity's relationship with the divine. They are not intended to be taken as literal accounts but rather as profound insights into the nature of existence and the divine purpose behind creation.
• Both cannot be literally true - but both present consistent truths about the relationship between God and humanity.
• In both texts humans hold a privileged and special place in creation.
• Genesis 1


  Cosmos as a whole, repetition and poetry
• Genesis 2


  Humanity on the earth, narrative
• Purpose of Genesis 1

  To assert the power of their God over the many gods (polytheistic society) of their captors, demonstrating that Yahweh was more powerful than the many gods worshipped by the Babylonians.
• Genesis 1 was written during the Babylonian captivity (6th century BCE) when the Hebrew people were enslaved and oppressed in Babylon.
• During this time, the Hebrews experienced the sorrow of captivity as depicted in the lamentation by the rivers of Babylon, longing for their homeland of Zion (Jerusalem).
• Despite being in captivity, the Hebrew people maintained their monotheistic beliefs, affirming their faith in Yahweh as the one true God.
• The author's purpose of Genesis 1 was to assert monotheistic beliefs during Babylonian Captivity and affirm Yahweh's supremacy over Babylonian gods, reinforce Jewish faith.
• The Bible bears witness to the fact that the one Creator God has entered into a covenant with humanity within history → the Bible continues the nature of God, creation, and humanity itself from Genesis 1-11.
• Genesis 2 was written during a time of relative stability and prosperity for the Israelites, known as United Israel, particularly during the reigns of David and Solomon.
• Because of their wealth, they had the resources and time, due to there being peace, to reflect on the BIG / existential questions of life. For example, existential questions about the nature of existence and humanity's relationship with God.
• "God created man in his own image," Genesis 1:27.
• Purpose of Genesis 1

  God's purpose from the beginning is to have his presence fill the earth; humans are to image God and subdue the earth, i.e., bring about order and fruitfulness in creation
• Purpose of Genesis 1

  Humanity is created to reflect the image of God and is given dominion over the earth, tasked with caring for and stewarding God's creation.
• Relationship between humans and God in Genesis 1

  Humans, created as images of God, are portrayed as having a special (covenantal) relationship with God
• Relationship between humans and God in Genesis 2

  A covenantal relationship. This is depicted through God's direct involvement in the creation of Adam and Eve.
• Significance of choice and free will in Genesis 2

  The story introduces the concept of choice and consequence, as seen in Adam and Eve's decision to eat from the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil, leading to the Fall and expulsion from the Garden of Eden.
• Genesis 1 - Repetition

  The repetition of "And God said... And it was so", "God saw that it was good" emphasises power and authority of God's commands
• Genesis 1 - Symbolism

  The use of symbols such as light, darkness and waters symbolise the elements of creation and orderliness of God's creative process.
• Genesis 1 - Imagery

  Vivid imagery is used to describe the creation of the world, painting a vivid picture of the cosmic events unfolding, such as the separation of light from darkness and the gathering of waters to form seas.
• Genesis 1 - Poetry

  The rhythmic and poetic nature of the text enhances its impact on the reader and conveys God's creative power.
• Genesis 2 - Narrative Structure

  Genesis 2 is written in narrative style. It focuses on the detailed account of the creation of Adam, the establishment of the Garden of Eden, and the formation of Eve.
• Genesis 2 - Imagery

  Vivid imagery is used to describe the formation of Adam from the dust of the ground and the breathing of life into his nostrils by God, creating a powerful visual depiction of this significant moment.
• Genesis 2 - Symbolism

  The creation of Eve from Adam's rib symbolises the intimate connection and unity between man and woman, highlighting the complementary nature of their relationship.
• Genesis 2 - Anthropomorphism

  God is depicted in anthropomorphic terms, such as walking in the garden ("God walks in the garden in the cool of the evening").
• Genesis 2 - Dialogue


  Conversations between God and Adam are included, adding depth to the narrative and providing insight into the relationship between humanity and the divine.
• Humanity continually fails to uphold the goodness of the world given by God, choosing instead to define good and evil themselves. This leads to broken relationships, conflict, violence, and death. However, there is hope in God's promise of a descendant who will ultimately defeat evil. Despite humanity's shortcomings, God remains determined to bless and rescue the world.
• Genesis provides a pattern that will be repeated throughout the Bible. People are in close relationship with God and then fall out of that relationship through their denial of their place as creatures. This rise and fall in the relationship between the Chosen People and God is repeated throughout Biblical history until a saviour arrives and uses another tree (the cross) to transform the narrative.
• Relationship between humankind and God in Genesis 1

  Humanity is created in the image and likeness of God, signifying a special relationship. God blesses humanity and grants them dominion over creation, emphasising their role as stewards. God is portrayed as the creator and sovereign ruler of the universe. God grants humans dominion over the earth and its creatures, entrusting them with the responsibility to care for and steward the natural world. God blesses humanity and commands them to be fruitful, multiply, and fill the earth, indicating a close relationship and partnership in the ongoing work of creation.
• Relationship between humankind and God in Genesis 2

  In Genesis 2, the relationship between humankind and God takes on a more intimate and personal dimension → covenantal relationship. God is depicted as directly involved in the creation of humanity, forming Adam from the dust of the ground and breathing life into him, symbolising a close connection between God and humanity. God's presence in the garden and interaction with Adam and Eve reflect a relational aspect of God's nature, as he walks and talks with them, demonstrating closeness and intimacy → anthropomorphism
• Relationship between humans and the rest of creation in Genesis 1

  Humans were created as the pinnacle of God's creation, made in the image and likeness of God Himself. Given dominion over all other living creatures, establishing a position of authority and responsibility. Implies a special relationship between humans and the Creator.
• Unlike Mesopotamian myths where humans are created as servants to the gods, Genesis portrays them as partners with God, reflecting a relational aspect.
• Importance of the Sabbath in Genesis 1

  The sanctification of the seventh day as a day of rest and worship emphasises the divine-human relationship. Reflects the Jewish understanding of Sabbath observance as a means of honouring God's creative work and entering into communion with Him. Reinforces the idea of humans participating in God's rest, recognising their dependence on Him for sustenance and renewal.
• Relationship between humans and the rest of creation in Genesis 2

  Humans are portrayed as stewards of creation, tasked with caring for the garden and naming the animals. Adam is placed in the Garden of Eden to cultivate and care for it. Adam's naming of the animals highlights his role as steward and caretaker of creation. Adam's loneliness prompts the creation of Eve, emphasising the relational aspect of humanity.