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 Genesis
Author
Moses
Date Written
1446–1406 BC; records events
Takes Place
Egypt and Canaan
from undated antiquity to
c. 2000 BC

Themes
Genesis highlights beginnings: God’s masterwork as Creator of the universe, the creation of man and woman,
the inception of sin, and the birth of the covenant between God and his people.

> Creation, the fall, the flood (1–11)

> Abraham (12–25)
> Isaac and Jacob (26–36)
> Joseph (37–50)

Introduction
“Genesis” is a literal translation of the book’s first words, “In the beginning” (1:1). The author, who is almost
certainly Moses, presents the beginnings of all things—with God as master Creator—as fact. He paints a
portrait of the character of God as one who makes order from chaos and crafts a beautiful creation from a
formless void. We see this in the universe’s beginning, creation of life, the fall, the flood, and the scattering of
people upon the earth. In a foreshadowing to our need for salvation (and a Savior in Jesus), God establishes
a covenant with Abraham that will endure throughout generations. In Genesis, this covenant is threatened by
broken people who don’t love God or others like they should, but God proves faithful by repeatedly reaffirming
his promise and prospering Abraham’s descendants.

Genesis marks book one in the Pentateuch—the first five books of the Bible, also known as the Torah. It is
in these first books that we find the history of humankind (Genesis), God’s deliverance of his people from
slavery (Exodus), outlines for the Law and sacrifice (Leviticus), chronicles of history spanning generations with
a detailed census (Numbers), and the teachings of Moses (Deuteronomy). Genesis marks the beginnings of all
things and paves the way for the Author of our story to display his great love for creation.
The Beginning 18 to govern the day and the night,

1 In the beginning God created and to separate light from darkness.

the heavens and the earth. 2 Now And God saw that it was good. 19And
the earth was formless and empty, there was evening, and there was
darkness was over the surface of the morning — the fourth day.
deep, and the Spirit of God was hov­ 20 And God said, “Let the water teem
ering over the waters. with living creatures, and let birds
fly above the earth across the vault
3 And God said, “Let there be light,” and of the sky.” 21 So God created the
there was light. 4 God saw that the great creatures of the sea and every
light was good, and he separated living thing with which the water
the light from the darkness. 5 God teems and that moves about in it,
called the light “day,” and the dark­ according to their kinds, and every
ness he called “night.” And there winged bird according to its kind.
was evening, and there was morn­ And God saw that it was good. 22 God
ing — the first day. blessed them and said, “Be fruitful
6 And God said, “Let there be a vault be­ and increase in number and fill the
tween the waters to separate water water in the seas, and let the birds
from water.” 7 So God made the vault increase on the earth.” 23 And there
and separated the water under the was evening, and there was morn­
vault from the water above it. And ing — the fifth day.
it was so. 8 God called the vault “sky.” 24 And God said, “Let the land produce
And there was evening, and there living creatures according to their
was morning — the second day. kinds: the livestock, the creatures
9 And God said, “Let the water under the that move along the ground, and
sky be gathered to one place, and let the wild animals, each according to
dry ground appear.” And it was so. its kind.” And it was so. 25 God made
10 God called the dry ground “land,” the wild animals according to their
and the gathered waters he called kinds, the livestock according to
“seas.” And God saw that it was good. their kinds, and all the creatures
11 Then God said, “Let the land that move along the ground accord­
produce vegetation: seed­bearing ing to their kinds. And God saw that
plants and trees on the land that it was good.
bear fruit with seed in it, accord­ 26 Then God said, “Let us make
ing to their various kinds.” And it mankind in our image, in our like­
was so. 12 The land produced vege­ ness, so that they may rule over the
tation: plants bearing seed accord­ fish in the sea and the birds in the
ing to their kinds and trees bearing sky, over the livestock and all the
fruit with seed in it according to wild animals, a and over all the crea­
their kinds. And God saw that it was tures that move along the ground.”
good. 13 And there was evening, and
there was morning — the third day. 27 So God created mankind in his own
14 And God said, “Let there be lights in the image,
vault of the sky to separate the day in the image of God he created them;
from the night, and let them serve as male and female he created them.
signs to mark sacred times, and days 28 God blessed them and said to
and years, 15and let them be lights in them, “Be fruitful and increase in
the vault of the sky to give light on number; fill the earth and subdue it.
the earth.” And it was so. 16God made Rule over the fish in the sea and the
two great lights — the greater light birds in the sky and over every living
to govern the day and the lesser light creature that moves on the ground.”
to govern the night. He also made 29 Then God said, “I give you ev­
the stars. 17God set them in the vault ery seed­bearing plant on the face
of the sky to give light on the earth, of the whole earth and every tree
a
26 Probable reading of the original Hebrew text (see Syriac); Masoretic Text the earth
Genesis 1:30 3 3 Genesis 3:5

that has fruit with seed in it. They Tigris; it runs along the east side of Ash­
will be yours for food. 30 And to all ur. And the fourth river is the Euphrates.
the beasts of the earth and all the 15 The Lord God took the man and put
birds in the sky and all the creatures him in the Garden of Eden to work it and
that move along the ground — ev­ take care of it. 16 And the Lord God com­
erything that has the breath of life manded the man, “You are free to eat
in it — I give every green plant for from any tree in the garden; 17 but you
food.” And it was so. must not eat from the tree of the knowl­
31 God saw all that he had made, edge of good and evil, for when you eat
and it was very good. And there was from it you will certainly die.”
evening, and there was morning — 18 The Lord God said, “It is not good for
the sixth day. the man to be alone. I will make a helper
suitable for him.”
2 Thus the heavens and the earth
were completed in all their vast array.
19 Now the Lord God had formed out
of the ground all the wild animals and
2 By the seventh day God had finished all the birds in the sky. He brought them
the work he had been doing; so on to the man to see what he would name
the seventh day he rested from all them; and whatever the man called each
his work. 3 Then God blessed the sev­ living creature, that was its name. 20So the
enth day and made it holy, because man gave names to all the livestock, the
on it he rested from all the work of birds in the sky and all the wild animals.
creating that he had done. But for Adam f no suitable helper was
found. 21 So the Lord God caused the man
Adam and Eve to fall into a deep sleep; and while he
4 This is the account of the heavens was sleeping, he took one of the man’s
and the earth when they were created, ribs g and then closed up the place with
when the Lord God made the earth and flesh. 22 Then the Lord God made a wom­
the heavens. an from the rib h he had taken out of the
man, and he brought her to the man.
5 Now no shrub had yet appeared on 23 The man said,
the earth a and no plant had yet sprung
up, for the Lord God had not sent rain “This is now bone of my bones
on the earth and there was no one to and flesh of my flesh;
work the ground, 6 but streams b came up she shall be called ‘woman,’
for she was taken out of man.”
from the earth and watered the whole
surface of the ground. 7 Then the Lord 24 That is why a man leaves his father
God formed a man c from the dust of the and mother and is united to his wife,
ground and breathed into his nostrils and they become one flesh.
the breath of life, and the man became 25 Adam and his wife were both naked,
a living being. and they felt no shame.
8 Now the Lord God had planted a gar­
den in the east, in Eden; and there he put The Fall
the man he had formed. 9 The Lord God
made all kinds of trees grow out of the
ground — trees that were pleasing to the
3 Now the serpent was more crafty
than any of the wild animals the
Lord God had made. He said to the wom­
eye and good for food. In the middle of an, “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat
the garden were the tree of life and the from any tree in the garden’?”
tree of the knowledge of good and evil. 2 The woman said to the serpent, “We
10 A river watering the garden flowed may eat fruit from the trees in the gar­
from Eden; from there it was separated den, 3 but God did say, ‘You must not eat
into four headwaters. 11 The name of the fruit from the tree that is in the middle
first is the Pishon; it winds through the of the garden, and you must not touch it,
entire land of Havilah, where there is or you will die.’ ”
gold. 12 (The gold of that land is good; ar­ 4 “You will not certainly die,” the ser­
omatic resin d and onyx are also there.) pent said to the woman. 5 “For God knows
13 The name of the second river is the Gi­ that when you eat from it your eyes will
hon; it winds through the entire land of be opened, and you will be like God,
Cush. e 14 The name of the third river is the knowing good and evil.”
a b c
5 Or land ; also in verse 6 6 Or mist 7 The Hebrew for man (adam) sounds like and
may be related to the Hebrew for ground (adamah) ; it is also the name Adam (see verse 20).
d e f g
12 Or good; pearls 13 Possibly southeast Mesopotamia 20 Or the man 21 Or took
h
part of the man’s side 22 Or part
Genesis 3:6 4 4 | Genesis 4:9

6 When the woman saw that the fruit all the days of your life.
of the tree was good for food and pleas­ 18 It will produce thorns and thistles for
ing to the eye, and also desirable for you,
gaining wisdom, she took some and ate and you will eat the plants of the
it. She also gave some to her husband, field.
who was with her, and he ate it. 7 Then 19 By the sweat of your brow
the eyes of both of them were opened, you will eat your food
and they realized they were naked; so until you return to the ground,
they sewed fig leaves together and made since from it you were taken;
coverings for themselves. for dust you are
8 Then the man and his wife heard the and to dust you will return.”
sound of the Lord God as he was walking
20 Adam c named his wife Eve, d because
in the garden in the cool of the day, and
she would become the mother of all the
they hid from the Lord God among the
living.
trees of the garden. 9 But the Lord God
21 The Lord God made garments of
called to the man, “Where are you?”
skin for Adam and his wife and clothed
10 He answered, “I heard you in the
them. 22And the Lord God said, “The man
garden, and I was afraid because I was
has now become like one of us, knowing
naked; so I hid.”
good and evil. He must not be allowed to
11 And he said, “Who told you that you
reach out his hand and take also from
were naked? Have you eaten from the tree
the tree of life and eat, and live forever.”
that I commanded you not to eat from?”
23 So the Lord God banished him from
12 The man said, “The woman you put
the Garden of Eden to work the ground
here with me — she gave me some fruit
from which he had been taken. 24 After he
from the tree, and I ate it.”
drove the man out, he placed on the east
13 Then the Lord God said to the wom­
side e of the Garden of Eden cherubim
an, “What is this you have done?”
and a flaming sword flashing back and
The woman said, “The serpent de­
forth to guard the way to the tree of life.
ceived me, and I ate.”
14 So the Lord God said to the serpent, Cain and Abel
“Because you have done this,
“Cursed are you above all livestock
and all wild animals!
4 Adam c made love to his wife Eve,
and she became pregnant and gave
birth to Cain. f She said, “With the help of
You will crawl on your belly the Lord I have brought forth g a man.”
and you will eat dust 2 Later she gave birth to his brother Abel.
all the days of your life. Now Abel kept flocks, and Cain
15 And I will put enmity worked the soil. 3 In the course of time
between you and the woman, Cain brought some of the fruits of the
and between your offspring a and soil as an offering to the Lord. 4 And Abel
hers; also brought an offering — fat portions
he will crush b your head, from some of the firstborn of his flock.
and you will strike his heel.” The Lord looked with favor on Abel
and his offering, 5 but on Cain and his
16 To the woman he said,
offering he did not look with favor. So
“I will make your pains in Cain was very angry, and his face was
childbearing very severe; downcast.
with painful labor you will give 6Then the Lord said to Cain, “Why are
birth to children. you angry? Why is your face downcast? 7If
Your desire will be for your husband, you do what is right, will you not be ac­
and he will rule over you.” cepted? But if you do not do what is right,
sin is crouching at your door; it desires to
17 To Adam he said, “Because you lis­
have you, but you must rule over it.”
tened to your wife and ate fruit from the
8 Now Cain said to his brother Abel,
tree about which I commanded you, ‘You
“Let’s go out to the field.” h While they
must not eat from it,’
were in the field, Cain attacked his
“Cursed is the ground because of you; brother Abel and killed him.
through painful toil you will eat 9 Then the Lord said to Cain, “Where is
food from it your brother Abel?”
a b c d e
15 Or seed 15 Or strike 20,1 Or The man 20 Eve probably means living. 24 Or
f g
placed in front 1 Cain sounds like the Hebrew for brought forth or acquired. 1 Or have
h
acquired 8 Samaritan Pentateuch, Septuagint, Vulgate and Syriac; Masoretic Text does not
have “Let’s go out to the field.”
 5

1 verse
Genesis 3:6
“When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable
for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and
he ate it.” (NIV)

2 design 3 develop
“So when the woman saw that the tree was good “pleasing/pleasant/delight” – [G/K NUMBER:
for food, that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a H9294.] In Hebrew: tawah. Definition: longing, de-
tree desirable to make one wise, she took of its sire, craving; favorite; intensely, what is desirable.
fruit and ate. She also gave to her husband with
her, and he ate.” (NKJV) “desirable” – [G/K NUMBER: H2773.] In Hebrew:
khamadh. Definition: to covet, lust, desire; delight
“When the woman saw that the tree was good for in; what is coveted: treasure, wealth; to be pleas-
food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and ing, be desirable; to delight; this can refer to proper
that the tree was desirable to make one wise, she delight and fondness, as well as to improper lust
took from its fruit and ate; and she gave also to her and desire.
husband with her, and he ate.” (NASB)
“wisdom/wise” – [G/K NUMBER: H8505.] In He-
brew: sakhal. Definition: to have success; to have
insight, wisdom, understanding; to prosper, suc-
cessful; the potent capacity to understand and so
exercise skill in life, a state caused by proper train-
ing and teaching, enhanced by careful observation.

4 actions
What actions develop the story in this verse? What is happening in this verse? To whom?

5 outcome
What is God saying to me today? How do I apply this to my life?
Genesis 4:10 6 6 | Genesis 5:25

“I don’t know,” he replied. “Am I my From Adam to Noah

5
brother’s keeper?” This is the written account of Adam’s
10 The Lord said, “What have you family line.
done? Listen! Your brother’s blood cries
out to me from the ground. 11 Now you When God created mankind, he made
are under a curse and driven from the them in the likeness of God. 2 He creat­
ground, which opened its mouth to re­ ed them male and female and blessed
ceive your brother’s blood from your them. And he named them “Mankind” f
hand. 12 When you work the ground, it when they were created.
will no longer yield its crops for you. You 3 When Adam had lived 130 years, he
will be a restless wanderer on the earth.” had a son in his own likeness, in his own
13 Cain said to the Lord, “My punish­ image; and he named him Seth. 4 After
ment is more than I can bear. 14 Today Seth was born, Adam lived 800 years
you are driving me from the land, and I and had other sons and daughters. 5 Al­
will be hidden from your presence; I will together, Adam lived a total of 930 years,
be a restless wanderer on the earth, and and then he died.
whoever finds me will kill me.” 6 When Seth had lived 105 years, he be­
15 But the Lord said to him, “Not so a; came the father g of Enosh. 7 After he be­
anyone who kills Cain will suffer ven­ came the father of Enosh, Seth lived 807
geance seven times over.” Then the Lord years and had other sons and daugh­
put a mark on Cain so that no one who ters. 8 Altogether, Seth lived a total of 912
found him would kill him. 16 So Cain went years, and then he died.
out from the Lord’s presence and lived 9 When Enosh had lived 90 years, he
in the land of Nod, b east of Eden. became the father of Kenan. 10 After he
17 Cain made love to his wife, and she became the father of Kenan, Enosh lived
became pregnant and gave birth to 815 years and had other sons and daugh­
Enoch. Cain was then building a city, ters. 11 Altogether, Enosh lived a total of
and he named it after his son Enoch. 18 To 905 years, and then he died.
Enoch was born Irad, and Irad was the 12 When Kenan had lived 70 years, he
father of Mehujael, and Mehujael was became the father of Mahalalel. 13 After
the father of Methushael, and Methu­ he became the father of Mahalalel, Ke­
shael was the father of Lamech. nan lived 840 years and had other sons
19 Lamech married two women, one and daugh ters. 14 Al to geth er, Ke nan
named Adah and the oth er Zil lah. lived a total of 910 years, and then he
20 Adah gave birth to Jabal; he was the died.
father of those who live in tents and 15 When Mahalalel had lived 65 years,
raise livestock. 21 His brother’s name was he became the father of Jared. 16 After he
Jubal; he was the father of all who play became the father of Jared, Mahalalel
stringed instruments and pipes. 22 Zillah lived 830 years and had other sons and
also had a son, Tubal­Cain, who forged daughters. 17 Altogether, Mahalalel lived
all kinds of tools out of c bronze and iron. a total of 895 years, and then he died.
Tubal­Cain’s sister was Naamah. 18 When Ja red had lived 162 years,
23 Lamech said to his wives, he became the father of Enoch. 19 After
he became the father of Enoch, Jared
“Adah and Zillah, listen to me;
lived 800 years and had other sons and
wives of Lamech, hear my words.
daughters. 20 Altogether, Jared lived a
I have killed a man for wounding me,
total of 962 years, and then he died.
a young man for injuring me.
21 When Enoch had lived 65 years, he
24 If Cain is avenged seven times,
became the father of Methuselah. 22 Af­
then Lamech seventy­seven times.”
ter he became the father of Methuselah,
25 Adam made love to his wife again, Enoch walked faithfully with God 300
and she gave birth to a son and named years and had other sons and daugh­
him Seth, d saying, “God has granted me ters. 23 Altogether, Enoch lived a total of
another child in place of Abel, since Cain 365 years. 24 Enoch walked faithfully with
killed him.” 26 Seth also had a son, and he God; then he was no more, because God
named him Enosh. took him away.
At that time people began to call on e 25 When Me thu se lah had lived 187
the name of the Lord. years, he became the father of Lamech.
a b
15 Septuagint, Vulgate and Syriac; Hebrew Very well 16 Nod means wandering (see verses
c d
12 and 14). 22 Or who instructed all who work in 25 Seth probably means granted.
e f g
26 Or to proclaim 2 Hebrew adam 6 Father may mean ancestor; also in verses 7­26.
Genesis 5:26 7 7 Genesis 7:7

26 After he became the father of Lamech, 11 Now the earth was corrupt in God’s
Methuselah lived 782 years and had oth­ sight and was full of violence. 12 God saw
er sons and daughters. 27 Altogether, Me­ how corrupt the earth had become, for
thuselah lived a total of 969 years, and all the people on earth had corrupted
then he died. their ways. 13 So God said to Noah, “I am
28 When Lamech had lived 182 years, going to put an end to all people, for the
he had a son. 29 He named him Noah a earth is filled with violence because of
and said, “He will comfort us in the la­ them. I am surely going to destroy both
bor and painful toil of our hands caused them and the earth. 14 So make yourself
by the ground the Lord has cursed.” an ark of cypress d wood; make rooms in
30 After Noah was born, Lamech lived 595 it and coat it with pitch inside and out.
years and had other sons and daughters. 15 This is how you are to build it: The ark is
31 Altogether, Lamech lived a total of 777 to be three hundred cubits long, fifty cu­
years, and then he died. bits wide and thirty cubits high. e 16 Make
32 After Noah was 500 years old, he be­ a roof for it, leaving below the roof an
came the father of Shem, Ham and Ja­ opening one cubit f high all around. g Put
pheth. a door in the side of the ark and make
lower, middle and upper decks. 17 I am
Wickedness in the World going to bring floodwaters on the earth

6 When human beings began to in­ to destroy all life under the heavens, ev­
crease in number on the earth and ery creature that has the breath of life in
daughters were born to them, 2 the sons it. Everything on earth will perish. 18 But
of God saw that the daughters of hu­ I will establish my covenant with you,
mans were beautiful, and they married and you will enter the ark — you and
any of them they chose. 3 Then the Lord your sons and your wife and your sons’
said, “My Spirit will not contend with b wives with you. 19 You are to bring into
humans forever, for they are mortal c; the ark two of all living creatures, male
their days will be a hundred and twen­ and female, to keep them alive with you.
ty years.” 20 Two of every kind of bird, of every kind
4 The Nephilim were on the earth in of animal and of every kind of creature
those days — and also afterward — when that moves along the ground will come
the sons of God went to the daughters of to you to be kept alive. 21 You are to take
humans and had children by them. They every kind of food that is to be eaten
were the heroes of old, men of renown. and store it away as food for you and for
5 The Lord saw how great the wicked­ them.”
ness of the human race had become on 22 Noah did everything just as God
the earth, and that every inclination of commanded him.
the thoughts of the human heart was
only evil all the time. 6 The Lord regret­ 7 The Lord then said to Noah, “Go into
the ark, you and your whole family,
because I have found you righteous in
ted that he had made human beings
on the earth, and his heart was deeply this generation. 2 Take with you seven
troubled. 7 So the Lord said, “I will wipe pairs of every kind of clean animal, a
from the face of the earth the human male and its mate, and one pair of ev­
race I have created — and with them ery kind of unclean animal, a male and
the animals, the birds and the creatures its mate, 3 and also seven pairs of every
that move along the ground — for I re­ kind of bird, male and female, to keep
gret that I have made them.” 8 But Noah their various kinds alive throughout the
found favor in the eyes of the Lord. earth. 4 Seven days from now I will send
rain on the earth for forty days and for­
Noah and the Flood ty nights, and I will wipe from the face
of the earth every living creature I have
9 This is the account of Noah and his
made.”
family.
5 And Noah did all that the Lord com­
Noah was a righteous man, blameless manded him.
among the people of his time, and he 6 Noah was six hundred years old when
walked faithfully with God. 10 Noah had the floodwaters came on the earth. 7 And
three sons: Shem, Ham and Japheth. Noah and his sons and his wife and his
a b c
29 Noah sounds like the Hebrew for comfort. 3 Or My spirit will not remain in 3 Or
d e
corrupt 14 The meaning of the Hebrew for this word is uncertain. 15 That is, about 450
feet long, 75 feet wide and 45 feet high or about 135 meters long, 23 meters wide and 14 meters
f g
high 16 That is, about 18 inches or about 45 centimeters 16 The meaning of the Hebrew
for this clause is uncertain.
Genesis 7:8 8 8 | Genesis 8:20

sons’ wives entered the ark to escape the deep and the floodgates of the heav­
waters of the flood. 8 Pairs of clean and ens had been closed, and the rain had
unclean animals, of birds and of all crea­ stopped falling from the sky. 3 The water
tures that move along the ground, 9 male receded steadily from the earth. At the
and female, came to Noah and entered end of the hundred and fifty days the
the ark, as God had commanded Noah. water had gone down, 4 and on the sev­
10 And after the seven days the floodwa­ enteenth day of the seventh month the
ters came on the earth. ark came to rest on the mountains of
11 In the six hundredth year of Noah’s Ararat. 5 The waters continued to recede
life, on the seventeenth day of the sec­ until the tenth month, and on the first
ond month — on that day all the springs day of the tenth month the tops of the
of the great deep burst forth, and the mountains became visible.
floodgates of the heavens were opened. 6 After forty days Noah opened a win­
12 And rain fell on the earth forty days dow he had made in the ark 7 and sent
and forty nights. out a raven, and it kept flying back and
13 On that very day Noah and his sons, forth until the water had dried up from
Shem, Ham and Japheth, together with the earth. 8 Then he sent out a dove to see
his wife and the wives of his three sons, if the water had receded from the sur­
entered the ark. 14 They had with them face of the ground. 9 But the dove could
every wild animal according to its kind, find nowhere to perch because there was
all livestock according to their kinds, water over all the surface of the earth;
every creature that moves along the so it returned to Noah in the ark. He
ground according to its kind and every reached out his hand and took the dove
bird according to its kind, everything and brought it back to himself in the
with wings. 15 Pairs of all creatures that ark. 10 He waited seven more days and
have the breath of life in them came to again sent out the dove from the ark.
Noah and entered the ark. 16 The animals 11 When the dove returned to him in the
going in were male and female of every evening, there in its beak was a freshly
living thing, as God had commanded plucked olive leaf ! Then Noah knew that
Noah. Then the Lord shut him in. the water had receded from the earth.
17 For forty days the flood kept coming 12 He waited seven more days and sent
on the earth, and as the waters increased the dove out again, but this time it did
they lifted the ark high above the earth. not return to him.
18 The waters rose and increased greatly 13 By the first day of the first month
on the earth, and the ark floated on the of Noah’s six hundred and first year,
surface of the water. 19 They rose greatly the water had dried up from the earth.
on the earth, and all the high mountains Noah then removed the covering from
under the entire heavens were covered. the ark and saw that the surface of the
20 The waters rose and covered the moun­ ground was dry. 14 By the twenty­seventh
tains to a depth of more than fifteen cu­ day of the second month the earth was
bits. a , b 21 Every living thing that moved completely dry.
on land perished — birds, livestock, wild 15 Then God said to Noah, 16 “Come out
animals, all the creatures that swarm of the ark, you and your wife and your
over the earth, and all mankind. 22 Ev­ sons and their wives. 17 Bring out every
erything on dry land that had the breath kind of living creature that is with you —
of life in its nostrils died. 23 Every living the birds, the animals, and all the crea­
thing on the face of the earth was wiped tures that move along the ground — so
out; people and animals and the crea­ they can multiply on the earth and be
tures that move along the ground and fruitful and increase in number on it.”
the birds were wiped from the earth. 18 So Noah came out, together with his
Only Noah was left, and those with him sons and his wife and his sons’ wives.
in the ark. 19 All the animals and all the creatures
24 The waters flooded the earth for a that move along the ground and all
hundred and fifty days. the birds — everything that moves on

8 But God remembered Noah and all

the wild animals and the livestock
that were with him in the ark, and he
land — came out of the ark, one kind af­
ter another.
20 Then Noah built an altar to the Lord
sent a wind over the earth, and the wa­ and, taking some of all the clean ani­
ters receded. 2 Now the springs of the mals and clean birds, he sacrificed burnt
a b
20 That is, about 23 feet or about 6.8 meters 20 Or rose more than fifteen cubits, and the
mountains were covered
 9

1 verse
Genesis 7:18–19
“The waters rose and increased greatly on the earth, and the ark floated on the surface of the water. They
rose greatly on the earth, and all the high mountains under the entire heavens were covered.” (NIV)

2 design 3 develop
“The waters prevailed and greatly increased on the “waters/water” – [G/K NUMBER: H4784.] In He-
earth, and the ark moved about on the surface of brew: mayim. Definition: water, pool; flood.
the waters. And the waters prevailed exceedingly
on the earth, and all the high hills under the whole “rose greatly/prevailed” – [G/K NUMBER:
heaven were covered.” (NKJV) H1504.] In Hebrew: gavar. Definition: to rise, flood;
to be greater, stronger; to prevail, overwhelm; to
“The water prevailed and increased greatly upon strengthen; to cause to triumph, confirm (a cov-
the earth, and the ark floated on the surface of the enant); to show oneself as a victor.
water. The water prevailed more and more upon
the earth, so that all the high mountains every- “mountains/hills” – [G/K NUMBER: H2215.] In
where under the heavens were covered.” (NASB) Hebrew: har. Definition: hill, mountain, range (of
hills, mountains); referring to low hills as well as
high mountains.

4 actions
What actions develop the story in this verse? What is happening in this verse? To whom?

5 outcome
What is God saying to me today? How do I apply this to my life?
Genesis 8:21 10 10 | Genesis 9:29

offerings on it. 21 The Lord smelled the have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it
pleasing aroma and said in his heart: will be the sign of the covenant between
“Never again will I curse the ground be­ me and the earth. 14 Whenever I bring
cause of humans, even though a every in­ clouds over the earth and the rainbow
clination of the human heart is evil from appears in the clouds, 15 I will remember
childhood. And never again will I de­ my covenant between me and you and
stroy all living creatures, as I have done. all living creatures of every kind. Nev­
22 “As long as the earth endures, er again will the waters become a flood
seedtime and harvest, to destroy all life. 16 Whenever the rain­
cold and heat, bow appears in the clouds, I will see it
summer and winter, and remember the everlasting covenant
day and night between God and all living creatures of
will never cease.” every kind on the earth.”
17 So God said to Noah, “This is the sign
God’s Covenant With Noah of the covenant I have established be­

9 Then God blessed Noah and his sons,

saying to them, “Be fruitful and in­
crease in number and fill the earth. 2 The
tween me and all life on the earth.”

The Sons of Noah

fear and dread of you will fall on all the
beasts of the earth, and on all the birds 18 The sons of Noah who came out of
in the sky, on every creature that moves the ark were Shem, Ham and Japheth.
along the ground, and on all the fish in (Ham was the father of Canaan.) 19 These
the sea; they are given into your hands. were the three sons of Noah, and from
3 Everything that lives and moves about them came the people who were scat­
will be food for you. Just as I gave you tered over the whole earth.
the green plants, I now give you every­ 20 Noah, a man of the soil, proceeded b
thing. to plant a vineyard. 21 When he drank
4 “But you must not eat meat that has some of its wine, he became drunk and
its lifeblood still in it. 5 And for your life­ lay uncovered inside his tent. 22 Ham, the
blood I will surely demand an account­ father of Canaan, saw his father naked
ing. I will demand an accounting from and told his two brothers outside. 23 But
every animal. And from each human be­
Shem and Japheth took a garment and
ing, too, I will demand an accounting for
laid it across their shoulders; then they
the life of another human being.
walked in backward and covered their
6 “Whoever sheds human blood, father’s naked body. Their faces were
by humans shall their blood be turned the other way so that they would
shed; not see their father naked.
for in the image of God 24 When Noah awoke from his wine
has God made mankind. and found out what his youngest son
7 As for you, be fruitful and increase in had done to him, 25 he said,
number; multiply on the earth and in­
crease upon it.” “Cursed be Canaan!
8 Then God said to Noah and to his sons The lowest of slaves
with him: 9 “I now establish my covenant will he be to his brothers.”
with you and with your descendants af­ 26 He also said,
ter you 10 and with every living creature
that was with you — the birds, the live­ “Praise be to the Lord, the God of
stock and all the wild animals, all those Shem!
that came out of the ark with you — ev­ May Canaan be the slave of Shem.
ery living creature on earth. 11 I establish 27 May God extend Japheth’s c territory;
my covenant with you: Never again will may Japheth live in the tents of
all life be destroyed by the waters of a Shem,
flood; never again will there be a flood and may Canaan be the slave of
to destroy the earth.” Japheth.”
12 And God said, “This is the sign of the
covenant I am making between me and 28 After the flood Noah lived 350 years.
you and every living creature with you, a 29 Noah lived a total of 950 years, and
covenant for all generations to come: 13 I then he died.
a b c
21 Or humans, for 20 Or soil, was the first 27 Japheth sounds like the Hebrew for extend.
 Psalms
Authors
David, Moses, Asaph, Solomon,
Date Written
C. 1000–450 BC
Takes Place
Israel
Ethan the Ezrahite, sons of
Korah, Heman the Ezrahite, and
some unknown authors

Themes
Written during a roughly 500-year period in ancient Israel, the book of Psalms consists of 150 distinct works
including hymns and songs, worship to our Creator, and strong truths about the character of God. In the
same way that the Pentateuch is broken into five books, the psalms are divided into five sections each with a
doxology—verses of praise that conclude the books.

> Book I (1–41)

> Book II (42–72)
> Book III (73–89)
> Book IV (90–106)
> Book V (107–150)

Introduction
The book of Psalms is the hymnal and prayer book of God’s people. Written in the familiar style of Hebrew
poetry of the time—pairing two or three parallel lines into verses for a repetitive rhythm of meditation—
Psalms was penned by a chorus of authors in a timeframe that spans generations and covers a wide range
of emotions, ideas, and thoughts. The largest portions of the book are believed to have been written by David
(73 psalms), followed by Asaph (12 psalms), and the sons of Korah (10 psalms). Moses, Ethan the Ezrahite,
Solomon, Heman the Ezrahite, and unknown authors also make contributions.

Many psalms are joy-laden accolades of God’s sovereignty, majesty, and power. Others are rendered as a
cry of desperation to a faithful God—so characteristic of a believer’s faith-journey covering both mountain-
top and valley-walking moments. The psalms are among the most beloved and quotable parts of the Bible,
finding timeless appeal through familiar verses of thanksgiving (9:1), faithfulness (23; 27:1), strength (29:11;
107:19–21), restoration (34:18), joy (100), brokenness (147:3), and affirmations of God’s deep and abiding love
for his creation (121; 139).
 BOOK I He said to me, “You are my son;
today I have become your father.
8 Ask me,
Psalms 1 – 41 and I will make the nations your
inheritance,
Psalm 1
the ends of the earth your possession.
1 Blessed is the one 9 You will break them with a rod of
who does not walk in step with the iron b;
wicked you will dash them to pieces like
or stand in the way that sinners take pottery.”
or sit in the company of mockers,
10 Therefore, you kings, be wise;
2 but whose delight is in the law of
be warned, you rulers of the earth.
the Lord,
11 Serve the Lord with fear
and who meditates on his law day
and celebrate his rule with
and night.
trembling.
3 That person is like a tree planted by
12 Kiss his son, or he will be angry
streams of water,
and your way will lead to your
which yields its fruit in season
destruction,
and whose leaf does not wither —
for his wrath can flare up in a
whatever they do prospers.
moment.
4 Not so the wicked! Blessed are all who take refuge in
They are like chaff him.
that the wind blows away.
5 Therefore the wicked will not stand Psalm 3 c
in the judgment,
A psalm of David. When he fled
nor sinners in the assembly of the
from his son Absalom.
righteous.
1 Lord, how many are my foes!
6 For the Lord watches over the way of How many rise up against me!
the righteous, 2 Many are saying of me,
but the way of the wicked leads to “God will not deliver him.” d
destruction.
3 But you, Lord, are a shield around me,
Psalm 2 my glory, the One who lifts my
head high.
1 Why do the nations conspire a
4 I call out to the Lord,
and the peoples plot in vain?
and he answers me from his holy
2 The kings of the earth rise up
mountain.
and the rulers band together
against the Lord and against his 5 I lie down and sleep;
anointed, saying, I wake again, because the Lord
3 “Let us break their chains sustains me.
and throw off their shackles.” 6 I will not fear though tens of
thousands
4 The One enthroned in heaven laughs;
assail me on every side.
the Lord scoffs at them.
5 He rebukes them in his anger 7 Arise, Lord!
and terrifies them in his wrath, Deliver me, my God!
saying, Strike all my enemies on the jaw;
6 “I have installed my king break the teeth of the wicked.
on Zion, my holy mountain.” 8 From the Lord comes deliverance.
7 I will proclaim the Lord’s decree: May your blessing be on your people.
a b
1 Hebrew; Septuagint rage 9 Or will rule them with an iron scepter (see Septuagint and
c d
Syriac) In Hebrew texts 3:1­8 is numbered 3:2­9. 2 The Hebrew has Selah (a word of
uncertain meaning) here and at the end of verses 4 and 8.
 626

1 verse
Psalm 2:12
“Kiss his son, or he will be angry and your way will lead to your destruction, for his wrath can flare up in a
moment. Blessed are all who take refuge in him.” (NIV)

2 design 3 develop
“Kiss the Son, lest He be angry, and you perish “kiss/do homage” – [G/K NUMBER: H5975.] In
in the way, when His wrath is kindled but a little. Hebrew: nashaq. Definition: to kiss (repeatedly or
Blessed are all those who put their trust in Him.” intensely); a kiss can show familial or romantic af-
(NKJV) fection, as well as homage and submission.

“Do homage to the Son, that He not become “destruction/perish” – [G/K NUMBER: H0006.]
angry, and you perish in the way, for His wrath may In Hebrew: ’avadh. Definition: destroy, demolish,
soon be kindled. How blessed are all who take annihilate; “to destroy the heart” means “to lose
refuge in Him!” (NASB) courage.”

“take refuge in/trust in” – [G/K NUMBER: H2879.]

In Hebrew: khasah. Definition: to take refuge in, to
trust in.

4 actions
What actions develop the story in this verse? What is happening in this verse? To whom?

5 outcome
What is God saying to me today? How do I apply this to my life?
PSALM 4:1 627 627 PSALM 6:8

Psalm 4 a 7 But I, by your great love,

can come into your house;
For the director of music. With stringed in reverence I bow down
instruments. A psalm of David. toward your holy temple.
1 Answer me when I call to you,
8 Lead me, Lord, in your righteousness
my righteous God.
because of my enemies —
Give me relief from my distress;
make your way straight before me.
have mercy on me and hear my
9 Not a word from their mouth can be
prayer.
trusted;
2 How long will you people turn my their heart is filled with malice.
glory into shame? Their throat is an open grave;
How long will you love delusions with their tongues they tell lies.
and seek false gods b ? c 10 Declare them guilty, O God!
3 Know that the Lord has set apart his Let their intrigues be their
faithful servant for himself; downfall.
the Lord hears when I call to him. Banish them for their many sins,
4 Tremble and d do not sin; for they have rebelled against you.
when you are on your beds, 11 But let all who take refuge in you be
search your hearts and be silent. glad;
5 Offer the sacrifices of the righteous let them ever sing for joy.
and trust in the Lord. Spread your protection over them,
that those who love your name
6 Many, Lord, are asking, “Who will may rejoice in you.
bring us prosperity?”
Let the light of your face shine on 12 Surely, Lord, you bless the righteous;
us. you surround them with your favor
7 Fill my heart with joy as with a shield.
when their grain and new wine
abound. Psalm 6 f
8 In peace I will lie down and sleep, For the director of music. With
for you alone, Lord, stringed instruments. According to
make me dwell in safety. sheminith. g A psalm of David.
1 Lord, do not rebuke me in your anger
Psalm 5 e or discipline me in your wrath.
For the director of music. For 2 Have mercy on me, Lord, for I am
pipes. A psalm of David. faint;
heal me, Lord, for my bones are in
1 Listen to my words, Lord, agony.
consider my lament. 3 My soul is in deep anguish.
2 Hear my cry for help, How long, Lord, how long?
my King and my God,
for to you I pray. 4 Turn, Lord, and deliver me;
save me because of your unfailing
3 In the morning, Lord, you hear my love.
voice; 5 Among the dead no one proclaims
in the morning I lay my requests your name.
before you Who praises you from the grave?
and wait expectantly.
4 For you are not a God who is pleased 6 I am worn out from my groaning.
with wickedness; All night long I flood my bed with
with you, evil people are not weeping
welcome. and drench my couch with tears.
5 The arrogant cannot stand 7 My eyes grow weak with sorrow;
in your presence. they fail because of all my foes.
You hate all who do wrong;
6 you destroy those who tell lies. 8 Away from me, all you who do evil,
The bloodthirsty and deceitful for the Lord has heard my
you, Lord, detest. weeping.
a b c
In Hebrew texts 4:1­8 is numbered 4:2­9. 2 Or seek lies 2 The Hebrew has Selah (a word
d
of uncertain meaning) here and at the end of verse 4. 4 Or In your anger (see Septuagint)
e f
In Hebrew texts 5:1­12 is numbered 5:2­13. In Hebrew texts 6:1­10 is numbered 6:2­11.
g
Title: Probably a musical term
PSALM 6:9 628 628 PSALM 8:9

9 The Lord has heard my cry for mercy; 14 Whoever is pregnant with evil
the Lord accepts my prayer. conceives trouble and gives birth
10 All my enemies will be overwhelmed to disillusionment.
with shame and anguish; 15 Whoever digs a hole and scoops
they will turn back and suddenly it out
be put to shame. falls into the pit they have made.
16 The trouble they cause recoils on
Psalm 7 a them;
b
A shiggaion of David, which he sang to their violence comes down on their
the Lord concerning Cush, a Benjamite. own heads.
1 Lord my God, I take refuge in you; 17 I will give thanks to the Lord because
save and deliver me from all who of his righteousness;
pursue me, I will sing the praises of the name
2 or they will tear me apart like a lion of the Lord Most High.
and rip me to pieces with no one to
rescue me. Psalm 8 f
3 Lord my God, if I have done this For the director of music. According
and there is guilt on my hands — to gittith. g A psalm of David.
4 if I have repaid my ally with evil
1 Lord, our Lord,
or without cause have robbed my
how majestic is your name in all
foe —
5 then let my enemy pursue and the earth!
overtake me; You have set your glory
let him trample my life to the in the heavens.
ground 2 Through the praise of children and
and make me sleep in the dust. c infants
6 Arise, Lord, in your anger; you have established a stronghold
rise up against the rage of my against your enemies,
enemies. to silence the foe and the avenger.
Awake, my God; decree justice. 3 When I consider your heavens,
7 Let the assembled peoples gather the work of your fingers,
around you, the moon and the stars,
while you sit enthroned over them which you have set in place,
on high. 4 what is mankind that you are
8 Let the Lord judge the peoples. mindful of them,
Vindicate me, Lord, according to my human beings that you care for
righteousness, them? h
according to my integrity, O Most
High. 5 You have made them i a little lower
9 Bring to an end the violence of the than the angels j
wicked and crowned them i with glory and
and make the righteous secure — honor.
you, the righteous God 6 You made them rulers over the works
who probes minds and hearts. of your hands;
you put everything under their k
10 My shield d is God Most High, feet:
who saves the upright in heart. 7 all flocks and herds,
11 God is a righteous judge, and the animals of the wild,
a God who displays his wrath every 8 the birds in the sky,
day. and the fish in the sea,
12 If he does not relent, all that swim the paths of the seas.
he e will sharpen his sword;
he will bend and string his bow. 9 Lord, our Lord,
13 He has prepared his deadly weapons; how majestic is your name in all
he makes ready his flaming arrows. the earth!
a b
In Hebrew texts 7:1­17 is numbered 7:2­18. Title: Probably a literary or musical term
c d e
5 The Hebrew has Selah (a word of uncertain meaning) here. 10 Or sovereign 12 Or If
f g
anyone does not repent, / God In Hebrew texts 8:1­9 is numbered 8:2­10. Title: Probably a
h
musical term 4 Or what is a human being that you are mindful of him, / a son of man that you
i j k
care for him? 5 Or him 5 Or than God 6 Or made him ruler . . . ; / . . . his
 629

1 verse
Psalm 7:3–4
“Lord my God, if I have done this and there is guilt on my hands—if I have repaid my ally with evil or with-
out cause have robbed my foe…” (NIV)

2 design 3 develop
“O Lord my God, if I have done this: if there is “guilt/iniquity/injustice” – [G/K NUMBER: H6404.]
iniquity in my hands, if I have repaid evil to him In Hebrew: ‘awel. Definition: wrong, evil, sin,
who was at peace with me, or have plundered my injustice, what is morally perverted, warped, and
enemy without cause…” (NKJV) twisted, an extension of the base meaning of a
physically twisted, crooked object (not found in the
“O Lord my God, if I have done this, if there is OT).
injustice in my hands, if I have rewarded evil to my
friend, or have plundered him who without cause “repaid/rewarded” – [G/K NUMBER: H1694.] In
was my adversary…” (NASB) Hebrew: gamal. Definition: to do, produce, deal
fully; to wean; to repay (what is deserved); to be
weaned.

“foe/enemy/adversary” – [G/K NUMBER: H7675.]

In Hebrew: tsarar. Definition: to be a rival-wife; to
be an enemy, adversary.

4 actions
What actions develop the story in this verse? What is happening in this verse? To whom?

5 outcome
What is God saying to me today? How do I apply this to my life?
PSALM 9:1 630 630 PSALM 10:9

Psalm 9 a,b 15 The nations have fallen into the pit

they have dug;
For the director of music. To the tune of their feet are caught in the net they
“The Death of the Son.” A psalm of David. have hidden.
1 I will give thanks to you, Lord, with 16 The Lord is known by his acts of
all my heart; justice;
I will tell of all your wonderful the wicked are ensnared by the
deeds. work of their hands. c
2 I will be glad and rejoice in you; 17 The wicked go down to the realm of
I will sing the praises of your name, the dead,
O Most High. all the nations that forget God.
18 But God will never forget the needy;
3 My enemies turn back;
the hope of the afflicted will never
they stumble and perish before
perish.
you.
4 For you have upheld my right and my 19 Arise, Lord, do not let mortals
cause, triumph;
sitting enthroned as the righteous let the nations be judged in your
judge. presence.
5 You have rebuked the nations and 20 Strike them with terror, Lord;
destroyed the wicked; let the nations know they are only
you have blotted out their name for mortal.
ever and ever.
6 Endless ruin has overtaken my Psalm 10 a
enemies,
1 Why, Lord, do you stand far off ?
you have uprooted their cities;
Why do you hide yourself in times
even the memory of them has
of trouble?
perished.
2 In his arrogance the wicked man
7 The Lord reigns forever;
hunts down the weak,
he has established his throne for
who are caught in the schemes he
judgment.
devises.
8 He rules the world in righteousness
3 He boasts about the cravings of his
and judges the peoples with equity.
heart;
9 The Lord is a refuge for the
he blesses the greedy and reviles
oppressed,
the Lord.
a stronghold in times of trouble.
4 In his pride the wicked man does not
10 Those who know your name trust in
seek him;
you,
in all his thoughts there is no room
for you, Lord, have never forsaken
for God.
those who seek you.
5 His ways are always prosperous;
11 Sing the praises of the Lord, your laws are rejected by d him;
enthroned in Zion; he sneers at all his enemies.
proclaim among the nations what 6 He says to himself, “Nothing will ever
he has done. shake me.”
12 For he who avenges blood He swears, “No one will ever do me
remembers; harm.”
he does not ignore the cries of the
7 His mouth is full of lies and threats;
afflicted.
trouble and evil are under his
13 Lord, see how my enemies persecute tongue.
me! 8 He lies in wait near the villages;
Have mercy and lift me up from from ambush he murders the
the gates of death, innocent.
14 that I may declare your praises His eyes watch in secret for his
in the gates of Daughter Zion, victims;
and there rejoice in your salvation. 9 like a lion in cover he lies in wait.
a
Psalms 9 and 10 may originally have been a single acrostic poem in which alternating lines
began with the successive letters of the Hebrew alphabet. In the Septuagint they constitute one
b c
psalm. In Hebrew texts 9:1­20 is numbered 9:2­21. 16 The Hebrew has Higgaion and
d
Selah (words of uncertain meaning) here; Selah occurs also at the end of verse 20. 5 See
Septuagint; Hebrew / they are haughty, and your laws are far from
 631

1 verse
Psalm 9:1–2
“I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds. I will be glad and
rejoice in you; I will sing the praises of your name, O Most High.” (NIV)

2 design 3 develop
“I will praise You, O Lord, with my whole heart; I “heart” – [G/K NUMBER: H4213.] In Hebrew: lev.
will tell of all Your marvelous works. I will be glad Definition: heart; by extension: the inner person,
and rejoice in You; I will sing praise to Your name, self, the seat of thought and emotion: conscience,
O Most High.” (NKJV) courage, mind, understanding.

“I will give thanks to the Lord with all my heart; I “wonderful/marvelous/wonders” – [G/K NUM-
will tell of all Your wonders. I will be glad and exult BER: H7098.] In Hebrew: pala’. Definition: to be
in You; I will sing praise to Your name, O Most wonderful, be marvelous, be amazing; to fulfill;
High.” (NASB) to show a wonder, to cause to astound; to show
oneself marvelous.

“rejoice/exult” – [G/K NUMBER: H6636.] In He-

brew: ‘alats. Definition: to rejoice, be jubilant.

4 actions
What actions develop the story in this verse? What is happening in this verse? To whom?

5 outcome
What is God saying to me today? How do I apply this to my life?
PSALM 10:10 632 632 PSALM 13:2

He lies in wait to catch the helpless; 6 On the wicked he will rain

he catches the helpless and drags fiery coals and burning sulfur;
them off in his net. a scorching wind will be their lot.
10 His victims are crushed, they collapse;
they fall under his strength. 7 For the Lord is righteous,
11 He says to himself, “God will never he loves justice;
notice; the upright will see his face.
he covers his face and never sees.”
12 Arise, Lord! Lift up your hand, O God.
Psalm 12 a
Do not forget the helpless. For the director of music. According
13 Why does the wicked man revile God? to sheminith. b A psalm of David.
Why does he say to himself,
“He won’t call me to account”? 1 Help, Lord, for no one is faithful
14 But you, God, see the trouble of the anymore;
afflicted; those who are loyal have vanished
you consider their grief and take it from the human race.
in hand. 2 Everyone lies to their neighbor;
The victims commit themselves to you; they flatter with their lips
you are the helper of the fatherless. but harbor deception in their
15 Break the arm of the wicked man; hearts.
call the evildoer to account for his 3 May the Lord silence all flattering
wickedness lips
that would not otherwise be found
and every boastful tongue —
out.
4 those who say,
16 The Lord is King for ever and ever; “By our tongues we will prevail;
the nations will perish from his our own lips will defend us — who
land. is lord over us?”
17 You, Lord, hear the desire of the
afflicted; 5 “Because the poor are plundered and
you encourage them, and you the needy groan,
listen to their cry, I will now arise,” says the Lord.
18 defending the fatherless and the “I will protect them from those who
oppressed, malign them.”
so that mere earthly mortals 6 And the words of the Lord are
will never again strike terror. flawless,
like silver purified in a crucible,
Psalm 11 like gold c refined seven times.
For the director of music. Of David. 7 You, Lord, will keep the needy safe
1 In the Lord I take refuge. and will protect us forever from the
How then can you say to me: wicked,
“Flee like a bird to your mountain. 8 who freely strut about
2 For look, the wicked bend their bows; when what is vile is honored by the
they set their arrows against the human race.
strings
to shoot from the shadows Psalm 13 d
at the upright in heart.
3 When the foundations are being For the director of music. A psalm of David.
destroyed, 1 How long, Lord? Will you forget me
what can the righteous do?” forever?
4 The Lord is in his holy temple; How long will you hide your face
the Lord is on his heavenly throne. from me?
He observes everyone on earth; 2 How long must I wrestle with my
his eyes examine them. thoughts
5 The Lord examines the righteous, and day after day have sorrow in
but the wicked, those who love my heart?
violence, How long will my enemy triumph
he hates with a passion. over me?
a b c
In Hebrew texts 12:1­8 is numbered 12:2­9. Title: Probably a musical term 6 Probable
d
reading of the original Hebrew text; Masoretic Text earth In Hebrew texts 13:1­6 is
numbered 13:2­6.
PSALM 13:3 633 633 PSALM 16:11

3 Look on me and answer, Lord my God. 4 who despises a vile person

Give light to my eyes, or I will sleep but honors those who fear the
in death, Lord;
4 and my enemy will say, “I have who keeps an oath even when it
overcome him,” hurts,
and my foes will rejoice when I fall. and does not change their mind;
5 who lends money to the poor without
5 But I trust in your unfailing love;
interest;
my heart rejoices in your salvation.
who does not accept a bribe
6 I will sing the Lord’s praise,
against the innocent.
for he has been good to me.
Whoever does these things
Psalm 14 will never be shaken.
For the director of music. Of David.
Psalm 16
1 The fool a says in his heart,
A miktam b of David.
“There is no God.”
They are corrupt, their deeds are vile; 1 Keep me safe, my God,
there is no one who does good. for in you I take refuge.
2 The Lord looks down from heaven 2 I say to the Lord, “You are my Lord;
on all mankind apart from you I have no good
to see if there are any who understand, thing.”
any who seek God. 3 I say of the holy people who are in the
3 All have turned away, all have land,
become corrupt; “They are the noble ones in whom
there is no one who does good, is all my delight.”
not even one. 4 Those who run after other gods will
suffer more and more.
4 Do all these evildoers know nothing?
I will not pour out libations of
They devour my people as though blood to such gods
eating bread; or take up their names on my lips.
they never call on the Lord.
5 Lord, you alone are my portion and
5 But there they are, overwhelmed with
my cup;
dread,
you make my lot secure.
for God is present in the company
6 The boundary lines have fallen for
of the righteous.
me in pleasant places;
6 You evildoers frustrate the plans of
surely I have a delightful
the poor,
inheritance.
but the Lord is their refuge.
7 I will praise the Lord, who counsels
7 Oh, that salvation for Israel would me;
come out of Zion! even at night my heart instructs
When the Lord restores his people, me.
let Jacob rejoice and Israel be glad! 8 I keep my eyes always on the Lord.
With him at my right hand, I will
Psalm 15 not be shaken.
A psalm of David. 9 Therefore my heart is glad and my
tongue rejoices;
1 Lord, who may dwell in your sacred
my body also will rest secure,
tent?
10 because you will not abandon me to
Who may live on your holy
the realm of the dead,
mountain?
nor will you let your faithful c one
2 The one whose walk is blameless, see decay.
who does what is righteous, 11 You make known to me the path of
who speaks the truth from their life;
heart; you will fill me with joy in your
3 whose tongue utters no slander, presence,
who does no wrong to a neighbor, with eternal pleasures at your right
and casts no slur on others; hand.
a b
1 The Hebrew words rendered fool in Psalms denote one who is morally deficient. Title:
c
Probably a literary or musical term 10 Or holy
 731

1 verse
What verse am I mapping? What key themes or specific words are speaking to me today?

2 design 3 develop
What different translations make up the design for What is the Hebrew or Greek meaning for the
this verse? Underline key phrases or words repeated. underlined phrases or words?

4 actions
What actions develop the story in this verse? What is happening in this verse? To whom?

5 outcome
What is God saying to me today? How do I apply this to my life?
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 GO BEYOND JUST READING THE BIBLE.
More than simply reading a verse or Scripture passage, verse mapping means using
Bible study tools to research what you’ve just read in the Bible—to learn more about
what God is saying to you and how you can apply his Word to your life today. 
In the NIV Verse Mapping Bible, author Kristy Cambron expands her verse mapping
curriculum series to include verses from the entire Bible, showing you how to com-
pare Bible translations, pick out meaningful words, and delve into the true meaning
of each verse using starter verse maps and prompts. Verse mapping will help you
study the historical context, transliteration, translation, connotation, and theological
framework of a verse. This unique study technique includes exploring Hebrew and
Greek word studies, finding connections in Scripture, comparing Bible translations,
and learning as much as you can from your time in God’s Word. 

Features
• Guided instructions on how verse mapping works, how to start,
and how to get the most from your mapping
• 350 partially completed verse maps with pre-selected verses in multiple
Bible translations and helpful Hebrew or Greek word studies
• More than 70 blank verse maps for your own inductive Bible study journey
• Exclusive Zondervan NIV Comfort Print® typeface

VISIT versemapping.com

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