A timeline of the book of Genesis, from creation to the death of Joseph. Dates are approximate and count from creation in 4004 BC (Ussher's chronology). Ages are as stated in Genesis.
| History · Genesis 1-11 · 4004 to 2247 BC | ||
|---|---|---|
| Date | Event | Reference |
| 4004 BC | Creation of the heavens and earth | Gen 1-2 |
| ? | Fall of Adam and Eve | Gen 3 |
| 3875 BC | Cain murders Abel | Gen 4 |
| 2348 BC Noah, age 600 |
The Flood and covenant with Noah | Gen 6-9 |
| 2247 BC | Tower of Babel; nations scattered | Gen 10-11 |
| Abraham · Genesis 12-25 · 1921 to 1821 BC | ||
|---|---|---|
| Date | Event | Reference |
| 1921 BC Age 75 |
God calls Abram from Haran | Gen 12 |
| 1897 BC Age 99 |
Covenant sign; Abram becomes Abraham | Gen 17 |
| 1896 BC Age 100 |
Isaac, the son of promise, is born | Gen 21 |
| 1872 BC | Abraham offers Isaac on Moriah | Gen 22 |
| 1821 BC Age 175 |
Abraham dies; buried at Machpelah | Gen 25 |
| Isaac and Jacob · Genesis 24-36 · 1856 to 1739 BC | ||
|---|---|---|
| Date | Event | Reference |
| 1856 BC Isaac, age 40 |
Isaac marries Rebekah | Gen 24-25 |
| 1836 BC Isaac, age 60 |
Jacob and Esau are born | Gen 25 |
| 1760 BC | Birthright and blessing taken from Esau | Gen 25, 27 |
| 1760 BC | Jacob's dream at Bethel | Gen 28 |
| 1760-1739 BC | Twenty years with Laban; 12 sons born | Gen 29-31 |
| 1739 BC | Jacob wrestles God, renamed Israel | Gen 32 |
| Joseph · Genesis 37-50 · 1728 to 1635 BC | ||
|---|---|---|
| Date | Event | Reference |
| 1728 BC Joseph, age 17 |
Joseph is sold into Egypt | Gen 37 |
| 1728-1715 BC | Potiphar's house, then prison | Gen 39-40 |
| 1715 BC Joseph, age 30 |
Joseph rules Egypt under Pharaoh | Gen 41 |
| 1708-1707 BC | Famine; Joseph reunited with his brothers | Gen 42-45 |
| 1706 BC Jacob, age 130 |
Jacob moves his family to Egypt | Gen 46-47 |
| 1689-1635 BC Joseph, age 110 |
Jacob's blessings; Joseph dies | Gen 48-50 |
Dates are approximate and follow James Ussher's chronology. Dates marked "c." are circa, where Genesis gives no age. Ages are as stated in the text.