Genesis

"Breaks fresh ground...Mitchells translation tells the stories in a voice much like the ancient Hebrew, without adornment." — Seattle Times

From the author of The Gospel According to Jesus comes a new adaptation of the book of Genesis.

In this highly acclaimed translation, Stephen Mitchell conveys in English the simplicity, dignity and powerful earthiness of the original Hebrew. More than just interpreting it, he also separates stories that were combined by scribes centuries after they were written, explaining their sources and omitting all verses that are recognized as scribal additions. Like removing coat after coat of lacquer from a once-vibrant masterpiece, this allows readers to appreciate the clarity of the original tales.

Genesis is an extraordinarily beautiful book that is accessible in a way that no other translation has ever been. It will shed new light on readers understanding of this seminal work of sacred scripture.

This groundbreaking work of textual scholarship reveals:

Source Separation: For the first time, the distinct voices of the Genesis authors—the Yahwist (J), the Elohist (E), and the Priestly Writer (P)—are presented independently, allowing you to read their original, self-contained narratives. Unparalleled Clarity: Mitchell meticulously removes centuries of scribal additions and interpolations, stripping away layers of theological lacquer to reveal the powerful, unadorned masterpieces beneath. A Living Translation: Experience the sacred scripture not as an archaic text, but through a vital, modern English that captures the powerful earthiness and simple dignity of the original Hebrew. The Foundational Stories: Re-encounter the epic tales of Creation, Adam and Eve, Noah, Abraham, Jacob, and Joseph with newfound understanding and emotional resonance.