Who is traditionally believed to have authored Genesis?

The traditional belief is that Moses authored the Book of Genesis, along with the other books of the Pentateuch (the first five books of the Bible). This perspective is supported by historical Jewish tradition and is still held by many religious communities today.

Moses is viewed as a central figure in the formation of Israel's identity, and his connection to the Exodus narrative provides a framework for understanding the creation account and early patriarchal stories found in Genesis. The book itself does not explicitly state its author, but the attribution to Moses is based on his role as a lawgiver and leader of the Israelites, suggesting that he compiled and wrote down these foundational stories during the Israelites' time of wilderness wandering.

Additionally, internal references within the Torah (the first five books) often imply a connection to Moses as the recipient of divine revelation, further solidifying this traditional authorship view. While other figures like Abraham, David, and Solomon are significant within the biblical narrative and contributed to Israel's history, there is no substantial traditional or scholarly basis for attributing the authorship of Genesis to them.