The abridged version of Westermann's classic three-volume work on Genesis. This work presents a magisterial commentary in a condensed and more accessible form. Included are a fresh translation of Genesis, the philological reasoning behind the translation, an examination of the historical background of the original text, a survey of all that has been written about Genesis (together with full references) and a consideration of the problems and questions the text of Genesis raises for today.

Claus Westermann (1909-2000) was Professor Emeritus of Old Testament at the University of Heidelberg, Germany.