1. Introduction
Genesis, the first book of the Torah/Pentateuch, serves as the foundational narrative for both Judaism and Christianity. It details the origins of the cosmos, humanity, sin, and God’s covenant with Abraham—the progenitor of Israel. While both religions revere Genesis as sacred Scripture, their doctrinal emphases diverge, especially concerning the nature of sin, covenant, and messianic fulfilment. This article examines these theological dimensions, comparing Jewish and Christian interpretations and highlighting their doctrinal cores.
2. Historical and Textual Context
Genesis is traditionally ascribed to Moses and composed during Israel’s formative centuries (circa 13th–10th centuries BCE), incorporating oral and written traditions (Westermann, 1987). The Hebrew Masoretic Text (MT) remains the authoritative source in Judaism, whereas Christianity frequently references both the MT and the Septuagint (LXX), the ancient Greek translation (Sarna, 1989).
3. Doctrinal Views in Judaism
3.1 Creation and Divine Sovereignty
Judaism affirms Genesis 1–2 as a literal and theological account of God’s creation ex nihilo, underscoring God’s absolute sovereignty and orderliness in creation (Genesis 1:1; Psalm 33:6). Humanity’s creation in the divine image (Genesis 1:27) confers unique moral responsibility and sanctity (Alter, 1996).
3.2 The Covenant with Abraham
Genesis chapters 12, 15, and 17 depict the Abrahamic covenant, foundational for Jewish identity. God’s promises of land, descendants, and blessing establish the election of Israel as His chosen people (Sarna, 1989). This covenantal relationship demands obedience and faithfulness to God’s law (Deuteronomy 6:4–9).
3.3 The Patriarchal Narratives
The stories of Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph exemplify divine providence, election, and the maintenance of covenantal promises amidst adversity (Genesis 22; 28). These narratives reinforce the theme of God’s ongoing engagement with His people.
3.4 Messianic Expectation
Though Genesis itself is non-messianic in explicit terms, Jewish tradition reads the Abrahamic covenant as the bedrock of future Messianic hopes—anticipating a restoration of Israel and universal peace (Boda, 2012).
4. Doctrinal Views in Christianity
4.1 Creation and Original Sin
Christian doctrine accepts Genesis as God’s creative work but introduces the concept of original sin through the Fall narrative (Genesis 3), a theological cornerstone influencing Christian soteriology (Romans 5:12–21). Humanity’s fallen state necessitates divine redemption.
4.2 Abrahamic Covenant as Promise of Salvation
Christians interpret the Abrahamic covenant typologically, viewing Abraham as “father of all who believe” (Romans 4:11). The promise of blessing to all nations (Genesis 12:3) finds fulfilment in Christ, extending covenantal blessings beyond ethnic Israel (Galatians 3:8, 16, 29).
4.3 Christological Typology
Events such as the near-sacrifice of Isaac (Genesis 22) are typologies prefiguring Christ’s atonement (Hebrews 11:17–19). Joseph’s suffering and exaltation are also viewed as a Christological foreshadowing (Acts 7:9–14).
4.4 Universality of Blessing
Christianity emphasises the universal scope of God’s promise, accessible through faith in Christ, transcending national boundaries (Matthew 28:19).
5. Comparative Summary
| Theme | Judaism | Christianity |
|---|---|---|
| Creation | Literal creation by God; humanity created in God’s image | Same; original sin and need for redemption emphasised |
| Abrahamic Covenant | Election of Israel as chosen people; national and ethnic covenant | Promise fulfilled universally in Christ; faith supersedes ethnicity |
| Covenant and Obedience | Covenant blessings tied to obedience to Torah law | Faith in Christ supersedes law; grace central |
| Messianic Expectation | Future Messiah restoring Israel and peace | Jesus Christ as Messiah fulfilling promise |
| Typology | Less emphasised | Strong typological reading linking Genesis events to Christ |
6. Conclusion
Genesis remains a shared scriptural foundation, yet Jewish and Christian doctrines diverge significantly in interpreting covenant, sin, and messianic fulfilment. Judaism focuses on covenantal election and law obedience, while Christianity centres on salvation through Christ’s atoning work, fulfilling the promises in Genesis.
7. References
- Alter, R. (1996). Genesis: Translation and Commentary. W. W. Norton & Company.
- Boda, M. J. (2012). The Book of Genesis. Eerdmans.
- Sarna, N. M. (1989). Genesis: The Traditional Hebrew Text with the New JPS Translation Commentary. Jewish Publication Society.
- Westermann, C. (1987). Genesis: A Practical Commentary. Eerdmans.
- The Holy Bible, New Revised Standard Version (NRSV).
- Calvin, J. (1559). Institutes of the Christian Religion. Translated by Henry Beveridge.