The primeval history of the Book of Genesis is one of the most influential narratives in the history of the Old Testament. The texts present a picture of beginnings from different perspectives, aiming to provide readers with insights into their own situation and world: Why is order predominant in creation rather than chaos? In what ways does humanity differ from other creatures? What does it say about humans that they need the proximity of their fellow beings? Is evil an irremovable fact in the world understood as God's creation? Why are there different nations, ethnicities, and languages instead of a single "unified culture"? In addition to a step-by-step interpretation of the texts, this commentary offers introductions to the themes and theological core questions of each section of the primeval history. The history of its impact is also addressed in excursuses.