A critical and exegetical commentary on Genesis by John Skinner

(4 User reviews)   321
Skinner, John, 1851-1925 Skinner, John, 1851-1925
English
Ever read the first book of the Bible and feel like you're missing the full story? You're not alone. John Skinner's classic commentary is like having the world's most patient, brilliant scholar sitting next to you, explaining Genesis line by line. He doesn't just tell you what the words say; he reveals the ancient world they came from, the debates scholars have had for centuries, and the surprising layers of meaning in stories we think we know. It's a masterclass in understanding where these foundational texts came from and why they still matter.
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for students and clergymen, and will be written in a compact style. Each book will be preceded by an Introduction, stating the results of criticism upon it, and discussing impartially the questions still remaining open. The details of criticism will appear in their proper place in the body of the Commentary. Each section of the Text will be introduced with a paraphrase, or summary of contents. Technical details of textual and philological criticism will, as a rule, be kept distinct from matter of a more general character; and in the Old Testament the exegetical notes will be arranged, as far as possible, so as to be serviceable to students not acquainted with Hebrew. The History of Interpretation of the Books will be dealt with, when necessary, in the Introductions, with critical notices of the most important literature of the subject. Historical and Archæological questions, as well as questions of Biblical Theology, are included in the plan of the Commentaries, but not Practical or Homiletical Exegesis. The Volumes will constitute a uniform series. The International Critical Commentary ARRANGEMENT OF VOLUMES AND AUTHORS THE OLD TESTAMENT =GENESIS.= The Rev. JOHN SKINNER, D.D., Principal and Professor of Old Testament Language and Literature, College of Presbyterian Church of England, Cambridge, England. [_Now Ready._ =EXODUS.= The Rev. A. R. S. KENNEDY, D.D., Professor of Hebrew, University of Edinburgh. =LEVITICUS.= J. F. STENNING, M.A., Fellow of Wadham College, Oxford. =NUMBERS.= The Rev. G. BUCHANAN GRAY, D.D., Professor of Hebrew, Mansfield College, Oxford. [_Now Ready._ =DEUTERONOMY.= The Rev. S. R. DRIVER, D.D., D.Litt., Regius Professor of Hebrew, Oxford. [_Now Ready._ =JOSHUA.= The Rev. GEORGE ADAM SMITH, D.D., LL.D., Professor of Hebrew, United Free Church College, Glasgow. =JUDGES.= The Rev. GEORGE MOORE, D.D., LL.D., Professor of Theology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Mass. [_Now Ready._ =SAMUEL.= The Rev. H. P. SMITH, D.D., Professor of Old Testament Literature and History of Religion, Meadville, Pa. [_Now Ready._ =KINGS.= The Rev. FRANCIS BROWN, D.D., D.Litt., LL.D., President and Professor of Hebrew and Cognate Languages, Union Theological Seminary, New York City. =CHRONICLES.= The Rev. EDWARD L. CURTIS, D.D., Professor of Hebrew, Yale University, New Haven, Conn. [_Now Ready._ =EZRA AND NEHEMIAH.= The Rev. L. W. BATTEN, Ph.D., D.D., Rector of St. Mark’s Church, New York City, sometime Professor of Hebrew, P. E. Divinity School, Philadelphia. =PSALMS.= The Rev. CHARLES A. BRIGGS, D.D., D.Litt., Graduate Professor of Theological Encyclopædia and Symbolics, Union Theological Seminary, New York. [_2 volumes. Now Ready._ =PROVERBS.= The Rev. C. H. TOY, D.D., LL.D., Professor of Hebrew, Harvard University, Cambridge, Mass. [_Now Ready._ =JOB.= The Rev. S. R. DRIVER, D.D., D.Litt., Regius Professor of Hebrew, Oxford. =ISAIAH.= Chapters I‒XXXIX. The Rev. G. BUCHANAN GRAY, D.D., Professor of Hebrew, Mansfield College, Oxford. =ISAIAH.= Chapters XL‒LXVI. The Rev. A. S. PEAKE, M.A., D.D., Dean of the Theological Faculty of the Victoria University and Professor of Biblical Exegesis in the University of Manchester, England. =JEREMIAH.= The Rev. A. F. KIRKPATRICK, D.D., Dean of Ely, sometime Regius Professor of Hebrew, Cambridge, England. =EZEKIEL.= The Rev. G. A. COOKE, M.A., Oriel Professor of the Interpretation of Holy Scripture, University of Oxford, and the Rev. CHARLES F. BURNEY, D.Litt., Fellow and Lecturer in Hebrew, St. John’s College, Oxford. =DANIEL.= The Rev. JOHN P. PETERS, Ph.D., D.D., sometime Professor of Hebrew, P. E. Divinity School, Philadelphia, now Rector of St. Michael’s Church, New York City. =AMOS AND HOSEA.= W. R. HARPER, Ph.D., LL.D., sometime President of the University of Chicago, Illinois. [_Now Ready._ =MICAH TO HAGGAI.= Prof. JOHN P. SMITH, University of Chicago; Prof. CHARLES P. FAGNANI, D.D., Union Theological Seminary, New York; W. HAYES WARD, D.D., LL.D.,...

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Let's be honest, Genesis is a wild ride. It starts with the creation of the universe and ends with a family in Egypt, packed with everything from talking snakes and worldwide floods to sibling rivalries and dream interpreters. John Skinner's commentary is a detailed, chapter-by-chapter guide through this ancient text.

The Story

Skinner doesn't invent a new plot; he meticulously unpacks the one that's already there. He looks at the original Hebrew, compares different ancient sources scholars believe were woven together, and examines the historical and cultural context of the Near East. He points out where stories might have been combined, what specific words really meant, and how ancient readers would have understood these narratives. It's like getting the director's commentary for one of humanity's oldest and most influential stories.

Why You Should Read It

This book changed how I read Genesis. It took stories that felt familiar and made them fresh and complex. Skinner shows you the 'seams' in the text—the places where different traditions meet—and instead of ruining the magic, it adds depth. You see the human hands and thoughtful decisions behind the scripture. It answers questions you didn't know you had and gives you the tools to ask better ones. It’s not about undermining faith; it's about enriching understanding.

Final Verdict

This is the definitive scholarly work for its time. It's perfect for serious students, pastors, or any curious reader who wants to go beyond a surface reading of Genesis. Be warned, it's dense and academic—this isn't a light bedtime read. But if you're willing to put in the work, Skinner is an unparalleled guide. Think of it as the ultimate companion for a deep dive into the Book of Beginnings.



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Linda Clark
4 months ago

At first I wasn’t convinced, but the author anticipates common questions and addresses them well. A perfect companion for a quiet weekend.

Mark Thomas
2 months ago

I decided to give this a chance and the author anticipates common questions and addresses them well. A true masterpiece of its kind.

George Gonzalez
2 months ago

After spending time with this material, the depth of research presented here is truly commendable. An impressive piece of work.

Amanda Smith
3 months ago

If you enjoy this genre, the presentation feels refined and carefully planned. A valuable addition to my digital library.

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5 out of 5 (4 User reviews )

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