Genesis 1:28
And God blessed them, and God said vnto them, Be fruitfull, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it, and haue dominion ouer the fish of the sea, and ouer the foule of the aire, and ouer euery liuing thing that mooueth vpon the earth. Genesis 1:28 (KJV)
Genesis 1:28 is part of the creation account found in the first chapter of Genesis. The verse follows the declaration that man was created in God’s own image and likeness (Genesis 1:26‑27) and precedes the close of the sixth day of creation.
The verse opens with God’s blessing upon humanity. This blessing signifies God’s favour, provision, and empowerment, and it is an expression of His goodness toward humankind.
God’s command to “be fruitful and multiply” emphasizes the reproductive capacity of humanity and the divine mandate to procreate and populate the earth. It highlights the value of family, children, and the continuation of generations.
The instruction to “replenish the earth” (or “fill the earth”) is understood as a call to occupy, restore, and bring abundance to the earth. It indicates that humanity has a role in nurturing and caring for God’s creation, participating in its proper stewardship.
God’s command to “subdue the earth” does not imply destructive domination but rather responsible stewardship and cultivation. It involves harnessing the resources of the earth for humanity’s benefit while also caring for and preserving the environment, underscoring humanity’s role as caretakers and responsible managers of creation.
God grants humanity dominion over the fish of the sea, the fowl of the air, and every living thing that moves upon the earth. This authority is not absolute power but a responsibility to exercise wise and compassionate stewardship over the animal kingdom.
In summary, Genesis 1:28 conveys God’s blessing upon humanity and provides clear instructions for their role in creation. It emphasizes the importance of procreation, responsible stewardship, and the cultivation of the earth, laying the foundation for humanity’s relationship with the environment and their duty to wisely utilise the resources of God’s creation.
