Genesis: A New English Translation

by Kent P. Jackson

This volume contains a faithful new English translation of Genesis, translated directly from the Hebrew Bible into the language of today’s English speakers. The translation is followed by commentary intended to help readers navigate through this first book of the Bible. Joseph Smith’s translation of Genesis is also included, with its additions and revisions placed where they appear in their original context. Genesis is the foundational text for all the sacred writings that follow it. Genesis reveals the creation of the earth and the fall of Adam and Eve, and by doing so it lays the groundwork for later revelations that make known the atonement of Jesus Christ. It is the indispensable scriptural book. For the ancient Israelites and modern believers, it has been particularly important because it tells of the beginnings of human history and relates the story of Israel’s earliest ancestors. This groundbreaking volume brings Genesis to life for a new generation.

200 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 22, 2025

About the author

Kent P. Jackson is a professor of ancient scripture at Brigham Young University. He was born and raised in Salt Lake City, Utah, and graduated from BYU with a B.A. in ancient studies. He then earned M.A. and Ph.D. degrees in ancient Near Eastern studies from the University of Michigan. He joined the BYU faculty in 1980.

Dr. Jackson has two primary academic interests. The first is the intersection of the Bible and Latter-day Saint history and beliefs. The second is the Middle East—ancient, medieval, and modern. He is a former chair of Near Eastern Studies at the David M. Kennedy Center for International Studies at BYU and former associate dean of Religious Education. He has been a faculty member at the BYU Jerusalem Center for Near Eastern Studies five times.

Dr. Jackson has authored several books and articles. In his spare time he enjoys traveling, reading, and wildflower photography.

He and his wife, Nancy, live in Orem, Utah, and are the parents of five children and nine grandchildren.

Reviews

[Jason Weaver · Rating 5 out of 5]

Much easier to understand and good commentary

I loved the comment the Old Testament teaches us more by bad examples than good. I understand a lot more about the meaning behind the stories now.