A Commentary on the Book of Genesis. Part One: From Adam to Noah

by Umberto Cassuto

Part One covers Genesis 1-6:8. The aim of this commentary is to explain, with the help of an historico-philological method of interpretation, the simple meaning of the biblical text, and to arrive, as nearly as possible, at the sense that the words of the Torah were intended to have for the reader at the time they were written.

Genres: Religion, Reference, Nonfiction, Theology

323 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1944

Reviews

[Jordan Parmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I typically use commentaries as a reference, but this was one of the few I read cover-to-cover. It is an amazing in-depth dive into the first six chapters of Genesis. I first heard of this work in an interview between Tim Mackie and NT Wright who both recommended it.

Cassuto's research and perspective on the Genesis account was a major paradigm shift for me. Growing up in my church tradition, I often felt Genesis was either avoided or taught in a way that was missing the point. It was taught completely devoid of ANE historical and literary background. Unfortunately, these chapters often fall into a modern debate between creationist theory and evolution thereby throwing a blanket over the real principles presented in Genesis.

Cassuto explores the origins of the text, the surrounding ANE influences the Torah is trying to address, how the literature of the Israelites sages compared to that of the latter poets/prophets, and debates around difficult passages. He surfaces why the Torah is written the way it is and puts its literary style in its proper place in history. His discussions on Canaanite/Babylonian creation accounts, allegories and parallels, significance of the garden of Eden, mankind being in the image of God, the serpent motif, numerology, and Nephilim are all fascinating and handled with the utmost care.

This gave me plenty of additional research points, and I won't look at Genesis the same way again.

[James Ordonez · Rating 5 out of 5]

A valuable resource for deconstructing Genesis, and reconstructing it again, as you follow along Cassuto's scholarly mind. I really appreciate the references on Ugaritic/Semitic languages that played with the OT biblical authors, here in Genesis for example, and also found myself adhering to his take on the "sons of God" on Genesis 6: they are members of God's divine council. This interpretation adds more depth and logical narrative on the deity-geography-people relationship that the population has at that time. Also, it helps in understanding some Exodus narratives, the conquests in the book of Joshua, and other verses that hints on the divine council of God.

As someone who is just simply doing a self-study on books of the Bible, Cassuto's book is a treasure mine.

[Jeffrey H. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely Spectacular

What a treasure! Whether you end up agreeing with Cassuto's interpretations of not, his treatment of the plain meaning of the test in its historical and linguistic context is without parallel. This is an invaluable reference to the get six chapters of Genesis. His demolition of the documentary hypothesis in these chapters is also complete.

[Marcus Grant · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is definitely more of a linguistic commentary. I appreciate Cassuto's focus on the text (namely the syntax and grammar of the Hebrew). Not only does Cassuto make arguments from the text, but he also gives examples of words or phrases and their usage throughout the Hebrew Scriptures. I wish the text could be edited a bit cleaner throughout.

[Zach · Rating 5 out of 5]

The wealth of knowledge Umberto can offer as a scholar working with ancient near eastern language is evident by his handling of the texts. His insights into the first six chapters of the foundation stories of the Bible are exquisite.

[Korede · Rating 5 out of 5]

GREAT READ

[Douglas Brock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clearly the best commentary on the first part of Genesis. Very in depth, with huge input from Cassuto's vast knowledge of ancient languages and literature. A must for the serious (or even the curious) student.

[Wayne Larson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simply an outstanding commentary.