Genesis
in mathematics, a term formerly used, meaning the same as generation. In the genesis of figures, the moving magnitude or point is called the describent; the guiding line of the motion is called the dirigent.
In Scripture, the first book of the Pentateuch, of the Old Testament, and of the Bible. In the Hebrew original, la as well as in the Septuagint and all modern versions, it occupies this place. It is called in Hebrew bereshith, which is its initial word, correctly translated in the authorized English version, "In the beginning."
The Jewish and, following it, the early Christian Church almost unanimously pronounced Moses the author of the work, deriving his knowledge of the events prior to his time either from direct revelation or from prior documents consulted under divine guidance.
In A. D. 1753 Astruc, an eminent French medical professor, attempted to point out two such documents, distinguishable by the fact that in one the Divine Being is called almost always Elohim, while in the other he is named Jehovah. On the revival of this hypothesis in the 19th century, Hengstenberg and others contended against it, maintaining that in every case there was a reason why the Divine name which we find in the particular verse was chosen. Most critical scholars adhere to the opinion of the noted physician and theologist, Jean Astruc, and perpetually speak of the Elohist and and the Jehovist.
GENEVA