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The "Be" Commentary
Be Basic (Genesis 1-11): Believing the Simple Truth of God's Word
The world has become a confusing place. Every day we are confronted with cloudy moral issues that once seemed clear. When did the simple things get so complicated? But instead of wondering how we got here, maybe we should revisit how we got started. And there's no better place to start than the beginning of God's Word, the book of Genesis.
Part of Dr. Warren W. Wiersbe's best-selling "BE" commentary series, Be Basic has now been updated with study questions and a new introduction by Ken Baugh. A respected pastor and Bible teacher, Dr. Wiersbe takes an insightful look at the fundamentals for a life well lived. Return to the beginning and discover life-changing truths about relationships, faith, sin, and spiritual fulfillment. Because in life, the key to a happy ending is found at the beginning.
Part of Dr. Warren W. Wiersbe's best-selling "BE" commentary series, Be Basic has now been updated with study questions and a new introduction by Ken Baugh. A respected pastor and Bible teacher, Dr. Wiersbe takes an insightful look at the fundamentals for a life well lived. Return to the beginning and discover life-changing truths about relationships, faith, sin, and spiritual fulfillment. Because in life, the key to a happy ending is found at the beginning.
194 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 1, 1998
377 people are currently reading
889 people want to read
About the author
Warren W. Wiersbe
663 books409 followersWarren W. Wiersbe, former pastor of the Moody Church and general director of Back to the Bible, has traveled widely as a Bible teacher and conference speaker. Because of his encouragement to those in ministry, Dr. Wiersbe is often referred to as 'the pastor's pastor.' He has ministered in churches and conferences throughout the United States as well as in Canada, Central and South America, and Europe. Dr. Wiersbe has written over 150 books, including the popular BE series of commentaries on every book of the Bible, which has sold more than four million copies. At the 2002 Christian Booksellers Convention, he was awarded the Gold Medallion Lifetime Achievement Award by the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association. Dr. Wiersbe and his wife, Betty, live in Lincoln, Nebraska.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
February 19, 2017
This is my first foray into a more in-depth study of a book of Scripture (meaning not just reading a bible study, but actually digging into commentaries, etc, on my own) and this is my first outside commentary/discussion in Genesis.
This book gives an overview chapter by chapter and verse by verse of the historical, cultural and linguistic aspects of the first 11 chapters in Genesis. There were several things that I already knew, but that others who haven't studied Scriptures as much might not be familiar with. But there were also some insights that I hadn't considered before, which was the purpose in further study to begin with, so I appreciated that.
I didn't agree with every conclusion made or every statement, but Wiersbe for the most part did a good job of providing further reading suggestions for other views on sections that scholars have debated about, and mostly presented alternative arguments, while stating concisely why he takes a particular viewpoint over the others. He is straightforward in his opinions without being threatening or divisive. The honest balance in approach was appreciated.
This book gives an overview chapter by chapter and verse by verse of the historical, cultural and linguistic aspects of the first 11 chapters in Genesis. There were several things that I already knew, but that others who haven't studied Scriptures as much might not be familiar with. But there were also some insights that I hadn't considered before, which was the purpose in further study to begin with, so I appreciated that.
I didn't agree with every conclusion made or every statement, but Wiersbe for the most part did a good job of providing further reading suggestions for other views on sections that scholars have debated about, and mostly presented alternative arguments, while stating concisely why he takes a particular viewpoint over the others. He is straightforward in his opinions without being threatening or divisive. The honest balance in approach was appreciated.
April 10, 2015
Really excellent commentary and discussion of Genesis 1-11. Fascinating study of the Bible.
February 19, 2019
You can't have the New Testament without the Old and you can't get to Jesus without Genesis. Appreciate how well Wiersbe lays the foundation for all that is to come in this book and the rest of the Bible. Looking forward to continuing through Genesis with this series.
April 4, 2024
Are you looking for a good Bible study series? I have been enjoying the Warren Wiersbe “Be Series” along with a Bible side-by-side Commentary that my mother gave me. Be Basic details the first eleven chapters of Genesis. Wiersbe explains how what starts in Genesis is ultimately fulfilled in Revelation - for example: the first Heaven and Earth with the garden of Eden where the Tree of Life is guarded is fulfilled in the prophetic details of Revelation with the new Heaven and new Earth, and the "garden city" where the Tree of Life is available (Rev. 22). The first marriage between Adam and Eve leads to the last marriage: the marriage of the Lamb. After the temptation and the fall in Genesis, death enters our world - then in Revelations, we see that there will be "no more death." The Redeemer is promised and in Revelation, we see the Redeemer Reign. Wiersbe discusses creation, the garden, the fall & the consequences of the fall, Cain and Abel, Noah and the flood, and the Tower of Babel in this, the first of three "Be Series" books on Genesis.
December 3, 2016
"If you are wondering why there's so much confusion and destruction in today’s world, one reason is because people are ignoring or rejecting the basics. But that’s like going on a voyage without a compass or radar, or trying to perform brain surgery without lights." Wiersbe goes on to say that to know the book of Genesis is to know the fundamental truths about God, the world, yourself and other people, law, sin, salvation, marriage, faith, and spiritual fulfillment.
In addition to these are themes of God-ordained work and rest, male and femaleness, scripture as our authority, and God as covenant keeper.
As always, Wiersbe combines his insights with biblical cross-references and memorable one-liners such as, "We live by promises, not by explanations," and "Faith is living without scheming."
Another insightful Wiersbe gem.
In addition to these are themes of God-ordained work and rest, male and femaleness, scripture as our authority, and God as covenant keeper.
As always, Wiersbe combines his insights with biblical cross-references and memorable one-liners such as, "We live by promises, not by explanations," and "Faith is living without scheming."
Another insightful Wiersbe gem.
February 19, 2012
Wiersbe stresses that God created the world perfect. He then describes the fall of man. God has always had a plan to redeem His creation. Many of us have heard all of our lives about God plan for redemption of mankind, but Wiersbe points out that God's plan of remption was for all of His creation. Some quotes: "God has built law into this universe which, if we obey them, work for us, but if we disobey them, they work against us." "We live on promises, not explanations."
March 21, 2014
When I read my bible I am tempted to read quickly, skimming over the detail, perhaps searching for a nugget of guidance or wisdom. This commentary (and the other by Wiersby that I've read) changes that for me. The text slows me down, expands the detail, challenges my thinking, offers the author's clearly explained insights. Genesis is a long and seminal start to the bible, I am looking forward to reading all of it with Wiesby's support in his following volumes.
May 24, 2016
This was helpful as I taught through Genesis in church. Towards the end he is more dogmatic in questionable passages and more philosophical than I prefer. Overall though it was helpful as a source for information and explanation, and I'll consider some of his other resources on other books of Scripture.
August 29, 2013
Continuing to read through this series and discuss with my Bible Life Group. Since our discussions are lively, I'm enjoying reading through the series even though the information is mostly very basic. Not that there's anything wrong with the basics.
May 30, 2014
A very good and short commentary on the Book of Genesis. Weirsbe gave many nuggets that he found in Genesis and gave many Scripture references to prove his points. This is a very enjoyable book to read while you are reading through the first 11 chapters of Genesis.
October 24, 2021
I am in a ladies bible study and we are going through all the BE books by Warren Wiersbe. I learned several things and was reminded of lots of other things I already knew, however, there were a few things I disagreed with, but overall a good book.
April 19, 2011
This book was used for our Women's Bible Study through Genesis, but I would read it for pleasure. Warren is amazing in that he can draw out such insights from pages I have read many times.
November 26, 2013
Hermoso, detalla aspectos muy especiales acerca de la creacion de Dios que habia leido una y otra vez y que a la luz de el autor nos dejan ver que Dios esta en control muy, muy recomendable
January 24, 2016
A study of the first 11 chapters of Genesis. He covers the main events and points to things we should know and understand about the basics. More of an overview of the chapters that indepth study.
May 27, 2017
Helpful, easy-to-read commentary. About the only thing I didn't agree with the author on is capital punishment. But I'm also willing to concede that I may be wrong.
September 28, 2017
I love doing Warren Wiersbe studies. He really makes you dig deep on some questions. He makes learning the Bible more in-depth, fun and challenging.
October 3, 2020
The book of Genesis is 50 chapters long and covers a lot of ground. So Warren Wiersbe divided his commentary on Genesis into three volumes. The first is Be Basic (Genesis 1-11): Believing the Simple Truth of God’s Word.
The first eleven chapters of Genesis cover creation, the fall, Cain and Abel, Noah and the flood, and the tower of Babel. The next section begins with Abraham’s life.
Be Basic is probably a good title, because Genesis sets up foundational truths for the rest of the Bible.
Genesis is quoted or referred to more than two hundred times in the New Testament, which means it’s important for the New Testament Christian to understand its message.
Here are a few other passages I have marked:
As always, I appreciate Dr. Wiersbe’s helpful insights.
The first eleven chapters of Genesis cover creation, the fall, Cain and Abel, Noah and the flood, and the tower of Babel. The next section begins with Abraham’s life.
Be Basic is probably a good title, because Genesis sets up foundational truths for the rest of the Bible.
Genesis is quoted or referred to more than two hundred times in the New Testament, which means it’s important for the New Testament Christian to understand its message.
Here are a few other passages I have marked:
God didn’t create a world because He needed anything but that He might share His love with creatures who, unlike the angels, are made in the image of God and can respond willingly to His love.
Work isn’t a curse; it’s an opportunity to use our abilities and opportunities in cooperating with God and being faithful stewards of His creation. After man sinned, work became toil (Gen. 3: 17–19), but that wasn’t God’s original intention.
We’re commanded to worship God, love people, and use things for the glory of God and the good of others. When this divine order becomes confused, then God’s creation suffers. When in our greed we start lusting after things, we soon begin to ignore God, abuse people, and destroy creation.
Bible history begins with a beautiful garden in which man sinned, but the story ends with a glorious “garden city” (Rev. 21—22) in which there will be no sin. What brought about the change? A third garden, Gethsemane, where Jesus surrendered to the Father’s will and then went forth to die on a cross for the sins of the world.
As always, I appreciate Dr. Wiersbe’s helpful insights.
November 19, 2022
Another absolutely, stunning, wonderful study from Wiersbe. I recommend his books to anyone with a Bible Study, a Prayer Group, a Church function, as a gift to a friend in church, or just sitting around to read on a cold day. His books are masterful. Simply wonderful exposition. He breaks down the most complex of ideas into easy bites to read, digest, and get closer to your Bible.
My Bible comes away full of notes and ideas and I'm so excited to share what I read. He is a master.
This study is all about the foundation the rest of the Bible will starting building upon. Even if you just read the last chapter you'd walk away with some amazing food for thought as he reviews all of his material.
All of his insights are wonderful, the man even makes the genealogies interesting and exciting to read. He opens up ways to look at your Bible that are masterful. I can't recommend Wiersbe more.
Everyone who is interested in Biblical commentary, or just knowing their Bible better would do well to spend some time reading Warren Wiersbe.
My Bible comes away full of notes and ideas and I'm so excited to share what I read. He is a master.
This study is all about the foundation the rest of the Bible will starting building upon. Even if you just read the last chapter you'd walk away with some amazing food for thought as he reviews all of his material.
All of his insights are wonderful, the man even makes the genealogies interesting and exciting to read. He opens up ways to look at your Bible that are masterful. I can't recommend Wiersbe more.
Everyone who is interested in Biblical commentary, or just knowing their Bible better would do well to spend some time reading Warren Wiersbe.
March 20, 2019
I have read several book in the "BE" series of Bible studies, and I think this is my favorite. Wiersbe covers the first eleven chapters of Genesis; there are two more books in the series on later chapters in Genesis.
Genesis is a book of beginnings and presents the basics of the faith--the foundation of Christianity. He points out that Jesus and the Holy Spirit were with the Father before the beginning, and God's plan for salvation preceded Creation.
There are many, many cross-references included. In fact, I opened the Bible in a second Kindle so I wouldn't have to keep going back and forth from this book to the Bible to look up the cross-references. Wiersbe also includes many footnotes with references and observations. Each chapter covers a specific section of Genesis and ends with questions for group discussion or personal reflection. The final chapter is a nice summation of the main points of the entire book.
Highly recommended.
Genesis is a book of beginnings and presents the basics of the faith--the foundation of Christianity. He points out that Jesus and the Holy Spirit were with the Father before the beginning, and God's plan for salvation preceded Creation.
There are many, many cross-references included. In fact, I opened the Bible in a second Kindle so I wouldn't have to keep going back and forth from this book to the Bible to look up the cross-references. Wiersbe also includes many footnotes with references and observations. Each chapter covers a specific section of Genesis and ends with questions for group discussion or personal reflection. The final chapter is a nice summation of the main points of the entire book.
Highly recommended.
February 23, 2025
Enjoyed studying Genesis in a different setting. We cannot dismiss the Old Testament since it needs to be joined with the New Testament. Jesus is involved from day one to the end of Revelation. Without having His death on the cross we are separated from God. We need to take care of what God gave us since He created everything to help us see who He is and how He loves us. Keep close to Him by reading His Word and learn how to live for Him each day He gives us.
August 30, 2020
Warren Wiersbe's "Be..." series has helped me dig deeper into the historical and cultural contexts of Scripture. I highly recommend the series; he has one for almost every book of the Bible. So far I've read Be Basic, Be Strong (Joshua), Be Committed (Esther & Ruth), and Be Loyal (Matthew) - all excellent.
February 13, 2021
Warren Wiersbe allows, even the simplest, to grasp the deep truth of Who God is, and challenges even brilliant minds.
I gained a lot of personal gems in this book and chapter 4, was really special. The recommended Hymn that was suggested with this chapter was one I was listening to for days afterwards!
I gained a lot of personal gems in this book and chapter 4, was really special. The recommended Hymn that was suggested with this chapter was one I was listening to for days afterwards!
October 16, 2021
Genesis Commentary
This book is a very easy to understand commentary on the first 11 chapters of Genesis. It can be used for individual or group study. There are discussion questions at the end of each chapter which help to apply Biblical truths, concepts and knowledge to all areas of your Christian walk. I look forward to reading more books in the series.
This book is a very easy to understand commentary on the first 11 chapters of Genesis. It can be used for individual or group study. There are discussion questions at the end of each chapter which help to apply Biblical truths, concepts and knowledge to all areas of your Christian walk. I look forward to reading more books in the series.
December 5, 2018
Being basic
Wow!! Phenomenal stuff in this book! I can't wait to read the rest of the series. Every Christian needs to read this!! We need to fight for our God. This book will teach you how
Wow!! Phenomenal stuff in this book! I can't wait to read the rest of the series. Every Christian needs to read this!! We need to fight for our God. This book will teach you how
October 2, 2019
Genesis is basic
Dr Wiersbe Bring Genesis to life and helps the reader to understand even the genealogies. He wrote “This is our Father’s world. God generously gives to us “richly all things to enjoy” (1 Tim. 6: 17), and we should thank Him for His gifts and use them wisely.”
Dr Wiersbe Bring Genesis to life and helps the reader to understand even the genealogies. He wrote “This is our Father’s world. God generously gives to us “richly all things to enjoy” (1 Tim. 6: 17), and we should thank Him for His gifts and use them wisely.”
March 5, 2020
Refreshing review of Biblical truths
Enjoyed this in depth study of Biblical basics. A great study to refresh and review my beliefs. Each chapter focused on the mercy and love of God toward humanity since the beginning.
Enjoyed this in depth study of Biblical basics. A great study to refresh and review my beliefs. Each chapter focused on the mercy and love of God toward humanity since the beginning.
August 4, 2022
Great Series
This is the second book from the BE series that I have read. The author does a good job at explaining things in easy to understand language while still discussing deep topics.
This is the second book from the BE series that I have read. The author does a good job at explaining things in easy to understand language while still discussing deep topics.
November 24, 2023
Warren Wiersbe makes my favourite biblical commentaries! This book looks into essential biblical teachings, offering profound insights into the significance of basic principles often overlooked in our quest for complexity.
November 13, 2018
Great commentary.
Another great commentary be Mr. Wiersbe. Love how he ties many principles to New Testament scripture and ultimately how to apply it to our lives.
Another great commentary be Mr. Wiersbe. Love how he ties many principles to New Testament scripture and ultimately how to apply it to our lives.
May 21, 2019
Be basic
This is a great commentary on Genesis 1-11. I love the way Wiersbe breaks done each chapter and helps us to understand God’s purpose for this book in the Bible.
This is a great commentary on Genesis 1-11. I love the way Wiersbe breaks done each chapter and helps us to understand God’s purpose for this book in the Bible.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews