This work presents a magisterial commentary in a condensed and more poluar 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 is Professor Emeritus of Old Testament at the University of Heidelberg.