Genesis: A Beginner's Guide to the Beginning

by Amy-Jill Levine

Explore the Bible’s first stories of creation, conflict, judgment, and mercy. A Beginner’s Guide to the Beginning invites readers into the foundational stories of the Old Testament with clarity, depth, and imagination. Amy-Jill Levine presents Genesis as a living text, one that continues to shape faith, identity, and our understanding of what it means to be human. These familiar stories are often heard in fragments; here, they are explored with care, curiosity, and theological insight. With her signature blend of historical context and engaging storytelling, Levine opens up the book of beginnings, attending to its beauty, tensions, and enduring questions. She invites readers to linger with stories of creation and responsibility, rivalry and loss, judgment and mercy, promise and perseverance, revealing how these ancient narratives still speak with power today. This study explores key stories from Genesis, - The Garden of Eden - Cain and Abel - Noah’s Ark - The Near Sacrifice of Isaac - Jacob’s Stairway to Heaven - Joseph’s Saga Whether you are encountering Genesis for the first time or returning with fresh questions, this book offers a thoughtful and inviting companion. Levine does more than explain what happens in these stories. She shows why they matter, bridging ancient Scripture and modern life and inviting readers to engage the book of beginnings with wisdom and wonder. Each book includes everything you need for a meaningful study experience, plus a companion code to redeem on Amplify Media and stream all video sessions and leader resources. Internet connection required. Code is non-transferable, may not be sold separately, and is subject to expiration. Ideal Individual study, church small groups, Sunday school classes, and congregational studies.

Kindle Edition

Published August 4, 2026

About the author

Amy-Jill Levine is University Professor of New Testament and Jewish Studies and Mary Jane Werthan Professor of Jewish Studies at Vanderbilt Divinity School and Department of Jewish Studies. Her books include The Misunderstood Jew: The Church and the Scandal of the Jewish Jesus; Short Stories by Jesus: The Enigmatic Parables of a Controversial Rabbi; four children's books (with Sandy Sasso); The Gospel of Luke (with Ben Witherington III); and The Jewish Annotated New Testament (co-edited with Marc Z. Brettler). Her most recent books are The Bible With and Without Jesus: How Jews and Christians Read the Same Stories Differently (co-authored with Marc Z. Brettler), Sermon on the Mount: A Beginner's Guide to the Kingdom of Heaven; and The Kingdom of Heaven: 40 Devotionals. In 2019 she became the first Jew to teach New Testament at Rome's Pontifical Biblical Institute. Professor Levine, who has done over 300 programs for churches, clergy groups, and seminaries, has been awarded grants from the Mellon Foundation, the National Endowment for the Humanities, and the American Council of Learned Societies. Institutions granting her honorary degrees include Christian Theological Seminary and the Episcopal Seminary of the Southwest.