(Greek: origin)
The first Book of the Bible, containing an account of the origin of the world, of the human race and of the chosen people. The general divisions of the book are as follows:
the creation of the world and early history of mankind (1-11), including the Fall, the promise of a Redeemer, and the Deluge;
The Prophecy of Jacob (49) contains one of the most important Messianic prophecies in favor of the tribe of Juda, which will be the cradle of the Redeemer. The Biblical Commission, June 30, 1909, forbade the denial of the historical character of the first three chapters.