This short article describes a few of the more common non-literal interpretations of Genesis.

Background information on the controversy over the meaning of the word day in Genesis 1 and a description of the major viewpoints.

Although the author concludes that the days of creation are to be understood as literal days, he gives a history of thought on the subject, a figurative interpretation of the term and different views of the literary genre of the Bible.

A discussion of the form and content of Genesis, its Near Eastern environment, and comparison with Near Eastern creation myths.

Literal and figurative interpretations of Genesis regarding creation.