The Character of God in Genesis: 18 Attributes You Need to Know

Introduction

The book of Genesis is saturated with the presence and actions of God from beginning to end. He fills every page, shaping the course of history through His words, deeds, and relationships with humanity.

Understanding who God is forms the foundation of our faith. Genesis reveals several attributes of God through His interactions with creation and mankind. 

Here are 18 key attributes of God found in Genesis:

1. Creator (Genesis 1:1, 1:26-27, Psalm 24:1-2): The first attribute of God we encounter in Genesis is His role as the Creator. He spoke the universe into existence, forming the heavens, the earth, and all living things. Humanity, created in His image, is the pinnacle of His creation (Genesis 1:26-27).

Psalm 24:1-2 declares:

"The earth is the Lord’s, and all its fullness, the world and those who dwell therein. For He has founded it upon the seas, and established it upon the waters."

God is the source of all life and gives it meaning.

2. Sovereign (Genesis 1:3, 1:26, Psalm 115:16): God’s sovereignty is demonstrated in how He created all things by His command and entrusted humanity with stewardship over the earth.

Psalm 115:16 states:

"The heaven, even the heavens, are the Lord’s; but the earth He has given to the children of men."

Though we are stewards, God’s authority remains supreme over all creation.

3. All-Powerful (Omnipotent) (Genesis 17:1, Jeremiah 32:27): When God appeared to Abraham, He introduced Himself as El Shaddai (God Almighty) (Genesis 17:1). His omnipotence is demonstrated in Sarah’s miraculous conception at an old age (Genesis 21:1-2).

Jeremiah 32:27 affirms this truth:

"Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh. Is there anything too hard for Me?"

Nothing can stop God from fulfilling His purposes.

4. All-Knowing (Omniscient) (Genesis 6:5, 18:17-19, Psalm 139:1-4): God knows everything, including human thoughts and actions. Before the flood, He saw humanity’s wickedness (Genesis 6:5). He also chose to reveal His plans to Abraham because He knew his faithfulness (Genesis 18:17-19).

Psalm 139:1-4 confirms:

"O Lord, You have searched me and known me... You understand my thought afar off."

All knowledge and wisdom come from God.

5. Ever-Present (Omnipresent) (Genesis 28:15-16, Matthew 28:20): When Jacob had a dream at Bethel, he realized that God was present with him even though he was unaware (Genesis 28:15-16).

Jesus echoed this in Matthew 28:20:

"I am with you always, even to the end of the age."

Never feel alone—God is always with you.

6. Personal (Genesis 3:8-9, James 4:8): God desires a personal relationship with mankind. He walked in the Garden of Eden and called out to Adam and Eve (Genesis 3:8-9).

James 4:8 assures:

"Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you."

He seeks intimacy with His creation.

7. Just (Genesis 3:14-19, 6:7, Deuteronomy 32:4): God is just and punishes sin. He judged Adam and Eve, brought the flood upon the wicked (Genesis 6:7), and will judge the world in righteousness.

Deuteronomy 32:4 declares:

"All His ways are justice, a God of truth and without injustice."

Evil never goes unpunished.

8. Merciful (Genesis 3:21, 6:8, Lamentations 3:22-23): Even in judgment, God shows mercy. He clothed Adam and Eve (Genesis 3:21) and spared Noah and his family (Genesis 6:8).

Lamentations 3:22-23 reminds us:

"Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed... His mercies are new every morning."

9. Covenant-Keeping (Genesis 9:8-17, 15:18, 2 Corinthians 1:20): God keeps His promises. He made covenants with Noah (Genesis 9:8-17) and Abraham (Genesis 15:18).

2 Corinthians 1:20 assures:

"For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen."

10. Gracious (Genesis 12:1-3, Ephesians 2:8-9): God’s grace is evident in Abraham’s calling, which was not based on merit (Genesis 12:1-3).

Ephesians 2:8-9 affirms:

"For by grace you have been saved through faith."

11. Faithful (Genesis 21:1-2, 50:24-25, Hebrews 10:23): God is faithful to His word. He gave Sarah a son (Genesis 21:1-2) and led Israel to the promised land.

Hebrews 10:23 states:

"He who promised is faithful."

12. Righteous (Genesis 18:25, Psalm 11:7): Abraham declared God as a righteous Judge (Genesis 18:25).

Psalm 11:7 says:

"For the Lord is righteous, He loves righteousness."

13. Provider (Genesis 22:14, Philippians 4:19): God provided a ram for Abraham (Genesis 22:14), proving He is Jehovah Jireh.

Philippians 4:19 assures:

"My God shall supply all your need."

14. Protector (Genesis 15:1, 28:15, Psalm 121:7-8): God told Abraham, “I am your shield” (Genesis 15:1).

Psalm 121:7-8 affirms:

"The Lord shall preserve you from all evil."

15. Unchanging (Immutable) (Genesis 17:19, Malachi 3:6, Hebrews 13:8): God’s promises remain steadfast (Genesis 17:19).

Malachi 3:6 says:

"I am the Lord, I do not change."

16. Compassionate (Genesis 19:16, Psalm 103:8): God rescued Lot from destruction (Genesis 19:16).

Psalm 103:8 declares:

"The Lord is merciful and gracious."

17. Judge (Genesis 6:7, 19:24-25, Hebrews 9:27): God judged Sodom and Gomorrah and the world through the flood.

Hebrews 9:27 states:

"It is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment."

18. The One True God (Genesis 35:2-3, Deuteronomy 6:4): Jacob commanded his household to serve the only true God (Genesis 35:2-3).

Deuteronomy 6:4 proclaims:

"Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one!"

Conclusion

Genesis reveals God’s nature—powerful, personal, just, merciful, and faithful. As you reflect on these attributes, let them deepen your understanding of who God is and strengthen your faith in Him.