The Little Genesis
The Book of Jubilees, sometimes called “Little Genesis,” retells the stories of Genesis and part of Exodus from a unique perspective. Written in the 2nd century BC, it was highly influential in Second Temple Judaism and early Christianity and remains canonical in the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church.
What Is the Book of Jubilees?
Written as a revelation given to Moses on Mount Sinai, Jubilees presents history organized into “jubilees” — periods of 49 years (seven weeks of years). This structure gives the book its name and reflects a deep concern with the sacred calendar.
Contents
The book retells familiar stories from Genesis — creation, Adam and Eve, the flood, the patriarchs — but adds details not found in the biblical account:
- Angelic revelation: The “Angel of the Presence” speaks to Moses, revealing heavenly knowledge.
- The calendar: Jubilees promotes a 364-day solar calendar as Gods appointed system, in contrast to the lunar calendar later adopted by mainstream Judaism.
- The fall of the Watchers: Expanded details about the angels who fell and their judgment.
- Abrahams faithfulness: Extended accounts of Abrahams rejection of idolatry and his testing.
- Levi and the priesthood: A strong emphasis on the tribe of Levi and the importance of the priesthood.
Why It Matters
Jubilees provides a window into Jewish thought during the critical period between the Old and New Testaments — the time when many of the theological ideas that shaped early Christianity were developing. Its themes of heavenly revelation, angels, the final judgment, and the importance of divine law all find echoes in the New Testament. Among the Dead Sea Scrolls, Jubilees was considered authoritative by the Qumran community.
Where to Read It
You can find the full English text of Jubilees linked from our Study Resources page.