‘Ac ic to þam grunde genge’: an analogue for Genesis B, line 834a

The Old English verse passage known as Genesis B , a translation from Old Saxon that has been preserved in the Junius 11 manuscript, 1 retells the apoc-ryphal angelic rebellion and Adam and Eve’s lapse that forms part of the Book of Genesis. The passage, which modifies its biblical source in significant ways, 2 comes to a close with Adam and Eve’s extra-biblical expression of remorse and regret immediately following their lapse, in lines 765 b-851, before God’s arrival on the scene. 3 This paper focuses on Adam’s extra-biblical expression of remorse and repentance. It proposes that the poem’s expression of this theme is influenced by Job 38.16. Allusion to this verse from the Book of Job, I argue, serves two functions. In the first place, it affirms Adam’s readiness to undergo penance. Secondly, it suggests that Adam and Eve may only be saved through Christ. This second point transpires from the Christian exegetical tradition relating to Job 38.16. I