Genesis Quiz

Genesis is the first book of the Bible, the Torah, and the Old Testament - One of the most foundational texts in all of human literature and religious history. Its name comes from the Greek word for "origin" or "beginning," and appropriately, the book covers the origins of the universe, life, humanity, and the people of Israel. Genesis is structured in two major sections: the Primeval History (chapters 1 - 11), covering creation, the Fall, Cain and Abel, Noah's flood, and the Tower of Babel; and the Patriarchal History (chapters 12 - 50), following the lives of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph. Genesis is sacred scripture for Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.

Key Stories in Genesis

Genesis begins with two accounts of creation: the seven-day creation narrative (Genesis 1:1 - 2:3), in which God creates the heavens and earth systematically, resting on the seventh day; and the Garden of Eden narrative (Genesis 2:4 - 3:24), which focuses on the creation of Adam and Eve. The Fall occurs when Adam and Eve eat the forbidden fruit from the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil, leading to their expulsion from Eden. Cain and Abel (Genesis 4) tells of the first murder - Cain kills his brother Abel out of jealousy. Noah's Ark (Genesis 6 - 9) describes a worldwide flood sent by God to cleanse the earth, with Noah building an ark to preserve his family and two of every animal species.

The patriarchal narratives are among the most compelling stories in world literature. Abraham (originally Abram) is called by God to leave his homeland for the Promised Land of Canaan; he is promised that his descendants will become a great nation. Isaac, the son of Abraham's old age born to Sarah, is miraculously conceived and later nearly sacrificed in the Akedah (binding of Isaac). Jacob (renamed Israel) fathers twelve sons who become the twelve tribes of Israel. Joseph, Jacob's favored son, is sold into slavery by his jealous brothers but rises to become second in command of Egypt. Test your Genesis knowledge here - Also try our Book of Matthew quiz and our Christian quiz.