#Authorinterview with Benjamin McGreevy
Today, Feathered Quill reviewer Alma Boucher is talking with Benjamin McGreevy, author of Verse by Verse: A Daily Devotional Through the Whole Bible — Volume 1: Genesis 1–11 — Where the Story Begins.
FQ: What inspired you to write a verse-by-verse devotional book rather than a topical study?
MCGREEVY: Throughout church history, many of the most thoughtful theologians studied Scripture slowly and thoroughly, often working through books of the Bible line by line. They believed that no verse was accidental and nothing in God’s Word was expendable.
In today’s culture, however, it’s easy to gravitate toward familiar passages or favorite themes while unintentionally skipping over the quieter verses that don’t immediately stand out. I wanted to create a devotional that encourages readers to slow down and rediscover the beauty of careful reading.
A verse-by-verse format helps ensure that nothing is overlooked. Every verse has theological depth, historical context, and practical significance. By moving steadily through Scripture rather than jumping between topics, readers can see how each verse contributes to the larger story God is telling.
My hope was to create something that fosters consistency, attentiveness, and a deeper appreciation for the fullness of the biblical text.
FQ: Why did you choose Genesis 1–11 as the starting point for this series?
MCGREEVY: Genesis 1–11 lays the foundation for the entire biblical narrative. In these opening chapters, we encounter creation, the nature of humanity, the entrance of sin, judgment, mercy, covenant, and the beginnings of God’s redemptive plan. Nearly every major theological theme in Scripture can be traced back to these first eleven chapters.
If we misunderstand the beginning, we often misunderstand everything that follows.
I chose to start here because Genesis 1–11 shapes how we think about God’s character, human dignity, moral responsibility, and the need for redemption. These chapters are also frequently discussed, debated, and sometimes misunderstood, which makes careful, verse-by-verse reflection especially important.
By slowing down and walking through these foundational passages one verse at a time, readers can see how the rest of Scripture builds upon what is introduced at the very beginning. It seemed fitting to begin the journey where the biblical story itself begins — “In the beginning.”
FQ: Who did you have in mind while writing this book: new believers, seasoned readers, or both?
MCGREEVY: I intentionally wrote this devotional with both in mind.
For new believers, I wanted something structured and steady — a guide that walks through Scripture clearly and thoughtfully without assuming prior theological training. The verse-by-verse format helps remove intimidation and replaces it with consistency. Instead of wondering where to begin, readers can simply move forward one verse at a time.
For seasoned readers, I aimed to offer depth without becoming overly academic. Even familiar passages can reveal new insight when examined carefully. Slowing down allows readers to revisit foundational truths with fresh eyes and greater appreciation.
Ultimately, whether someone is opening the Bible for the first time or has been studying it for decades, my hope is the same: that they would engage Scripture more attentively and discover that every verse is worth examining.
FQ: What does this verse-by-verse devotional offer that other Bible studies might not?
MCGREEVY: When we focus primarily on a theme, there’s always the risk of unintentionally narrowing our attention to that single lens. Themes are valuable, but God’s revelation in Scripture is far richer and broader than any one topic can fully capture.
A verse-by-verse approach resists that narrowing effect. Instead of filtering Scripture through a chosen subject, it allows the text to speak in its own order and emphasis. Some verses confront us, others comfort us, and others quietly build theological foundations that we might otherwise overlook.
By slowing down and examining each verse carefully, we begin to appreciate the fullness of what God has revealed. It’s an attempt to give the text the attention and reverence it deserves — trusting that every verse contributes meaningfully to the larger story.
FQ: What challenges did you experience writing this devotional while still staying faithful to the original biblical text?
MCGREEVY: The biggest challenge wasn’t a single difficult passage — it was the sheer scope of the project.
There are 31,102 verses in the Bible. Even at a pace of five verses a day, working through all of Scripture would take more than seventeen years. That reality forced me to confront the importance of consistency and discipline. Writing a verse-by-verse devotional isn’t something you complete quickly; it’s something you commit to over time.
Staying faithful to the text required building a daily rhythm of study, reflection, and writing. Some days came easily, while others required perseverance. But that steady pace mirrors the heart behind the project itself: Scripture is not meant to be rushed. It is meant to be walked through patiently and faithfully.
In many ways, the challenge of the process reinforced the very message of the book — that careful, consistent engagement with God’s Word over time is both demanding and deeply rewarding.
FQ: How can readers apply ancient texts in Genesis to modern struggles and daily decisions?
MCGREEVY: Scripture reminds us that God is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. That means the truths revealed in Genesis are not just historical—they are deeply relevant to our lives now.
By carefully studying the opening chapters of Genesis, readers can begin to see God’s intention behind creation, the value He places on humanity, and His design for how we relate to one another and the world. These truths provide a foundation for making wise choices, cultivating healthy relationships, and understanding our responsibilities in everyday life.
Even in the midst of modern struggles, the patterns and principles in Genesis—like stewardship, obedience, and trust in God’s plan—can guide our decisions, offering both clarity and reassurance that God’s ways are consistent and good.
FQ: What overarching message do you believe Genesis 1–11 offers modern readers?
MCGREEVY: Genesis 1–11 reveals that God is relational and that He created humanity to experience His love. God is not merely loving—He is Love itself, existing eternally in perfect relationship within Himself: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. From the very beginning, humans were made to reflect that divine communion.
Adam and Eve were created to participate in this love, to mirror God’s unity and distinction, and to experience intimacy with Him and with each other. Humanity was designed for relationship, not isolation. But when sin entered, humanity separated itself from that original intention, hiding from God’s perfect holiness—not because His love failed, but because sin obstructs fellowship with Him.
Yet even after the fall, Genesis hints at God’s redemptive plan: His love endures, and He provides a way to restore the relationship that humanity was always meant to enjoy. The opening chapters of Scripture, therefore, are not just history—they show us the pattern of God’s love, our purpose, and the hope of reconciliation that carries through the rest of the Bible.
FQ: Which passage in these early chapters had the biggest impact on you personally?
MCGREEVY: It’s hard to single out one passage, because going through Genesis 1–11 systematically caused me to internalize the text in a way I hadn’t before. Studying it verse by verse made me slow down, notice details I might have previously skimmed, and see how each part contributes to the larger story of God’s love, order, and design.
As I grew through writing, I intended for readers to grow alongside me. Life is a journey, and Scripture is meant to guide us step by step. By engaging each verse carefully, both the writer and the reader are invited to grow together in understanding, faith, and reflection on God’s Word.
FQ: What do you hope readers walk away with after completing Volume 1?
MCGREEVY: My hope is that readers finish Volume 1 with a firm foundation for growing their relationship with God. By engaging each verse carefully, they gain a deeper understanding of His character, His love, and His design for humanity.
I also hope they develop the habit of thoughtful, consistent Scripture study—seeing that even small, daily steps can lead to meaningful growth. Ultimately, I want readers to leave with a sense of closeness to God and a renewed desire to continue exploring His Word, verse by verse.
FQ: What can readers look forward to as the Verse by Verse series continues?
MCGREEVY: As the series continues, readers can look forward to moving deeper into Scripture, exploring each book with the same careful, verse-by-verse approach. Each volume will build on the foundation of the previous ones, offering fresh insights, practical application, and thoughtful reflection on God’s unfolding story.
Beyond understanding individual verses, the series will help readers see connections across Scripture, highlighting God’s love, justice, mercy, and redemptive plan.
I also plan to convert the devotional into a free blog on versebyversebook.com, so that those who may be struggling or unable to purchase the book can still access its wisdom and grow in their understanding of Scripture. My hope is that this journey will encourage consistent engagement with the Bible, helping readers grow spiritually while enjoying the richness of God’s Word—one verse at a time.