Genesis 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.
Genesis 1:26
Genesis 1:26 marks a pivotal moment: God says, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion…” The plural “us” signals a complex, perhaps dialogical dimension within God’s character and a subdivision of the divine plan. The creation of humanity in God’s image (imago Dei) is foundational for biblical anthropology. The “likeness” is often understood in terms of rationality, moral agency, relational capacity, and stewardship. God grants humans dominion over creatures, framing human authority as trusteeship within creation, not arbitrary domination. The verse sits within Day Six, after other creatures have been made, suggesting humanity’s unique role in governance, care, and partnership with creation. The cultural context includes ancient perceptions of kingship and stewardship, here reframed as divine image-bearing mandate rather than absolute sovereignty. The symmetry with the preceding days shows a coordinated structure in which human beings occupy a central role within a living, ordered cosmos.
The image of God is a central pillar of biblical theology. It informs human dignity, moral responsibility, and the vocation to stewardship. Dominion is tempered by responsibility and relationship with creation, not exploitation. This verse also hints at trinitarian implications through the plural “us,” inviting contemplation about the relational nature of God and the shared divine work in creation. The imago Dei grounds ethics—humans have value, worth, and accountability to the Creator.
Practically, this verse calls Christians to reflect the image of God in social interactions, work, and environmental stewardship. It invites responsible governance—care for animals, sustainable land use, and wise leadership that protects the vulnerable in creation and human communities alike. In daily life, treat others with inherent dignity, mirror God’s intent for relationship, and steward resources with care. Consider ecological footprints, support fair labor practices, and advocate for policies that reflect stewardship of creation. The concept of dominion becomes service—using power to uplift and preserve life rather than exploit it.
Cross-References: Genesis 1:27; Psalm 8:4-8; Colossians 3:10; James 3:9-12; 1 John 3:1