Genesis 1:26-27
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The phrase "Let us make man" isn't just about God conferring importance on humanity; it's a deliberate, unique declaration in the creation account, signaling that this act of making is a cooperative venture within the Godhead itself, distinct from any other created thing. This implies humanity's special role and relationship with God, not just as a creation, but as something formed through divine counsel and intentionality.
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.” So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.
English Standard Version (ESV)
On the sixth day of creation, after God had formed the plants and animals, He declares His intention to create humankind. This is presented as a deliberate and momentous act, marked by a unique consultation within the Godhead ("Let us make...") and the bestowal of a special status upon humanity. Man is to be created in God's own image and likeness, an honor no other creature receives, and is given dominion over all the living world.
Why does God say 'Let Us make man...' instead of 'Let Me make man'?
This verse introduces a profound mystery: God speaks in the plural, 'Let Us make man in Our image.' This isn't just a stylistic choice; it hints at the complex, relational nature of the Godhead itself.
The Trinity at Work
While the full revelation of the Trinity comes later in Scripture, Genesis 1:26 offers an early glimpse. The commentators suggest this plural 'Us' points to the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit consulting and collaborating in the creation of humanity. It signifies that our creation is not a solitary act but a communal one within the very being of God.
A Reflection of God's Nature
God is love, and love exists in relationship. By creating humanity in this 'Us' image, God designed us to reflect His own relational nature. We are made to connect, to love, and to be in relationship with Him and with each other.
What does it truly mean for humanity to 'have dominion' over creation?
The command for humanity to 'have dominion' is a foundational aspect of our created purpose. It's crucial to understand that this dominion is not a license for unchecked exploitation, but a sacred trust.
Stewards of Creation
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The commentators emphasize that this dominion is rooted in humanity being made in God's image. Just as God is the sovereign ruler of the universe, we are appointed as His representatives on Earth. Our role is to care for, manage, and steward His creation responsibly, reflecting His own loving governance.
Moral and Spiritual Authority
This dominion isn't primarily about physical strength, but about a divinely-given authority stemming from our unique nature as beings made in God's likeness. It speaks to our capacity for reason, self-consciousness, and moral choice—qualities that equip us to rule justly and wisely, reflecting God's character.
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.
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.
bara · Hebrew Verb
To bring into existence something entirely new or unique. In the Bible, this specific verb is used exclusively with God as the subject, emphasizing His role as the sole Author of life and the universe.
zakar · Hebrew Noun
The masculine gender or sex. The word stems from a root meaning 'to remember,' suggesting the role of the male in carrying on the name and memory of the family.
neqebah · Hebrew Noun
The feminine gender or sex. The term refers to the distinct biological and relational identity of the woman as a partner and co-image-bearer with the man.
This passage describes Jesus as 'the image of the invisible God,' echoing the Genesis declaration that humanity is made in God's image, suggesting Christ is the perfect embodiment of that image.
1 Corinthians 11:7This verse directly refers back to Genesis 1:26, stating that man 'is the image and glory of God,' further emphasizing the profound dignity and divine reflection inherent in humanity.
Psalm 8:4-6This psalm contemplates humanity's high calling and dominion over creation, directly referencing the 'image' and 'glory' bestowed upon man in Genesis 1:26, highlighting God's purpose for humanity's rule.
Romans 8:29This passage speaks of believers being 'conformed to the image of his Son,' showing how the original divine image intended for humanity in Genesis is ultimately restored and perfected in Christ for those who follow Him.
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:…
The phrase "Let us make man" isn't just about God conferring importance on humanity; it's a deliberate, unique declaration in the creation account, signaling that this act of making is a cooperative venture within the Godhead itself, distinct from any other created thing. This implies humanity's special role and relationship with God, not just as a creation, but as something formed through divine counsel and intentionality.
On the sixth day of creation, after God had formed the plants and animals, He declares His intention to create humankind. This is presented as a deliberate and momentous act, marked by a unique consultation within the Godhead ("Let us make...") and the bestowal of a special status upon humanity. Man is to be created in God's own image and likeness, an honor no other creature receives, and is given dominion over all the living world.
On the sixth day of creation, after God had formed the plants and animals, He declares His intention to create humankind. This is presented as a deliberate and momentous act, marked by a unique consultation within the Godhead ("Let us make...") and the bestowal of a special status upon humanity. Man is to be created in God's own image and likeness, an honor no other creature receives, and is given dominion over all the living world.
"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…" — The phrase "Let us make man" isn't just about God conferring importance on humanity; it's a deliberate, unique declaration in the creation account, signaling that this act of making is a cooperativ…
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Last reviewed October 2026
