Genesis

When was Genesis written, and by whom?

Traditionally written by Moses, 1446–1406 BC (1491–1451 BC in the Traditional reckoning); many scholars date it 950–400 BC.

Critical: put together from earlier sources, in its final form by the Persian period.

Its events are set in 4004–1689 BC (Traditional reckoning), by the dates on the timeline.

Traditional authorship dates as conservative introductions give them; critical dates where most critical scholars differ. Sources and both reckonings: the timeline.

Genesis on the timeline

• Creation undated
• The fall undated
• Creation of Adam and Eve undated
• God instructs Noah to build the ark undated
• The flood undated
• The Great Flood undated
• God makes a covenant with Noah undated
• The tower of Babel undated
• Abraham is born 2166 BC
• Abraham goes to Canaan 2091 BC
• Abraham and Lot Separate ≈ 2090 BC
• Birth of Ishmael ≈ 2081 BC
• Sodom Destroyed ≈ 2070 BC
• Birth of Isaac ≈ 2069 BC
• Abraham offers Isaac on Moriah 2066–2029 BC
• Birth of Jacob and Esau ≈ 2011 BC