Genesis 1:26
Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
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What's truly remarkable here is that God's declaration, "Let us make man," isn't about needing help or deliberation, but about showcasing the dignity and uniqueness of humanity before creation even begins. This "us" points to the multifaceted nature of God, signifying that this creature is a masterpiece conceived and carried out by the divine counsel itself.
This verse marks the pinnacle of creation, coming after God has formed the heavens, the earth, and all living creatures. It is the moment God decides to create humanity, a being distinct from all others, as the culmination of His work. The verses immediately following detail the creation of humankind, male and female, and the specific commission given to them to rule over the earth.
Why does God say, 'Let Us make man' in Genesis 1:26?
The use of the plural pronoun "Us" when God speaks about creating humanity is a profound mystery, hinting at the multi-personal nature of God even from the very beginning.
A Divine Consultation
While the ancient commentators debated whether God was speaking to angels or to Himself, the Christian understanding, supported by later Scripture, points to an internal consultation within the Godhead itself. This wasn't a need for help, as God is all-powerful, but a deliberate choice to highlight humanity's special creation.
Reflecting the Trinity
This "plural of majesty" or "plural of deliberation" suggests that the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit were involved in the decision and act of creating humanity. It foreshadows the New Testament revelation of the Trinity – one God in three persons – all united in the magnificent purpose of creating us.
It signifies that humanity, from its inception, was designed to reflect this triune God.
What does it truly mean to be made 'in God's image and likeness'?
Being created in the 'image and likeness' of God is far more than just a physical resemblance. It speaks to humanity's unique capacity and calling.
Moral and Relational Qualities
This image primarily refers to the spiritual and moral attributes God instilled in humanity: reason, free will, self-consciousness, creativity, and the capacity for love and relationship. It means we were created to reflect God's character and to relate to Him.
Dominion as a Reflection of God's Rule
The command to have dominion over the earth is also a key aspect of this image. Just as God rules over all creation, humanity was given stewardship and authority to manage and care for the earth. This dominion isn't about exploitation, but responsible leadership reflecting God's own benevolent rule.
Understand the original words
Elohim · Hebrew Noun
The generic name for the Supreme Being, the Creator of the universe. In the Hebrew Bible, it is often used in the plural of majesty to denote His absolute sovereignty and power.
asah · Hebrew Verb
To fashion, produce, or accomplish a task. Unlike 'bara' (to create from nothing), this term often refers to the shaping or molding of existing material into a finished work.
adam · Hebrew Noun
The name for the human race or an individual male. It is derived from the word for ground (adamah), highlighting the physical connection between humanity and the earth.
tselem · Hebrew Noun
A representative figure, shadow, or resemblance. Theologically, it refers to the spiritual, moral, and intellectual capacity of humans to reflect God's nature and act as His vice-regents on earth.
This passage directly identifies Jesus Christ as the 'image of the invisible God,' linking back to the concept of God's image established in Genesis 1:26.
1 Corinthians 11:7This verse explains that man is the 'image and glory of God,' directly echoing the Genesis statement and highlighting the profound dignity bestowed upon humanity.
Romans 8:19-22This passage speaks of the 'eager expectation of the creation' which was subjected to futility, hinting at a purpose and order established at creation that is groaning for redemption, connecting to the dominion given in Genesis 1:26.
Psalm 8:4-8This psalm reflects on the immense value of humanity in God's sight, directly referencing man's creation in God's image and the dominion given over all creation, mirroring the Genesis account.
clarkeGenesis 1:26: "And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth."
And God said, Let us make man - It is evident that God intends to impress the mind of man with a sense of something extraordinary in the formation of his body and soul, when he introduces the account of his creation thus; Let Us ma…
calvinGenesis 1:1-31: "In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth."
And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.
Terra autem erat informis et inanis; tenebraeque erant in superficie voraginis, et Spiritus Dei agitabat se in superficie aquarum.
And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.
Et dixit Deus, Sit lux. Et fuit lux.
And God saw the light, that it was good:…
What's truly remarkable here is that God's declaration, "Let us make man," isn't about needing help or deliberation, but about showcasing the dignity and uniqueness of humanity before creation even begins. This "us" points to the multifaceted nature of God, signifying that this creature is a masterpiece conceived and carried out by the divine counsel itself.
This verse marks the pinnacle of creation, coming after God has formed the heavens, the earth, and all living creatures. It is the moment God decides to create humanity, a being distinct from all others, as the culmination of His work. The verses immediately following detail the creation of humankind, male and female, and the specific commission given to them to rule over the earth.
This verse marks the pinnacle of creation, coming after God has formed the heavens, the earth, and all living creatures. It is the moment God decides to create humanity, a being distinct from all others, as the culmination of His work. The verses immediately following detail the creation of humankind, male and female, and the specific commission given to them to rule over the earth.
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While the fall in Genesis 3 deeply marred this image, it was not completely erased. Its restoration is a central theme of redemption.
Why was humanity given dominion right at the moment of creation?
The Genesis account places humanity's creation and the mandate for dominion together, revealing a core purpose for our existence.
A High Calling
From the very start, God's intention was for humanity to be more than just inhabitants of the earth; we were appointed as His representatives, entrusted with authority and responsibility. This "dominion" wasn't a casual afterthought but an integral part of being made in God's image.
Stewardship, Not Tyranny
It's crucial to understand that this dominion is rooted in God's own character. He is the benevolent Creator and Sustainer. Therefore, humanity's rule was meant to be one of responsible stewardship, care, and wise management of His creation, not selfish exploitation or tyranny.
The Goal of Creation
Humanity, and specifically the exercise of dominion, is presented as the culmination of the creation week. All that came before—the light, the waters, the plants, the animals—was in preparation for this crowning act and the purpose it entailed.
likeness · Hebrew Noun
A similarity or comparison. It is often used alongside 'image' to emphasize that humans are like God in their nature and personhood, though they remain distinct from Him.
radah · Hebrew Verb
To rule, reign, or exercise authority over. It carries the sense of stewardship and responsibility, where humans govern the animal kingdom as God's representatives.
shamayim · Hebrew Noun
The expanse of the sky, the atmosphere, or the dwelling place of God. It represents the upper regions of the created order distinct from the earth.
erets · Hebrew Noun
The land, the ground, or the entire physical world. It serves as the sphere for human and animal activity and is the stage for God's redemptive history.
remes · Hebrew Noun
Small animals that move close to the ground, including reptiles and insects. This term distinguishes a specific category of God's creation in the animal kingdom.
"Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps…" — What's truly remarkable here is that God's declaration, "Let us make man," isn't about needing help or deliberation, but about showcasing the dignity and uniqueness of humanity before creation ev…
