“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.”
Context: Genesis 1:26 is found in the creation account in the book of Genesis. It occurs on the sixth day of creation when God is preparing to create humankind.
Divine Dialogue: The verse begins with God saying, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness.” The use of plural pronouns like “us” and “our” indicates a divine conversation within the Godhead. This dialogue points to the Trinitarian nature of God, where God exists as a unity of three persons—Father, Son (Jesus Christ), and Holy Spirit.
Creation of Humanity: God’s purpose in this verse is to create humanity. The phrase “let us make man” implies intentionality and involvement of the divine persons in the act of creation. Humans were uniquely created in the image and likeness of God, distinguishing them from the rest of creation. This highlights the intrinsic value, dignity, and purpose bestowed upon humanity by God.
Image and Likeness: The phrase “in our image, after our likeness” emphasizes the special relationship between God and humanity. Being made in God’s image does not refer to physical resemblance but rather to the reflection of God’s character and attributes in human beings. This includes qualities like rationality, moral consciousness, creativity, and the capacity for relationships. The likeness signifies the representation of God’s nature and qualities in human beings, though it is distinct from being God Himself.
Dominion and Stewardship: God grants humanity authority and responsibility over the rest of creation, as mentioned in the latter part of the verse. The phrase “let them have dominion” means that humans are appointed as stewards or caretakers of the Earth and its creatures. This dominion is not a license to exploit or abuse the creation but rather a call to exercise responsible stewardship, reflecting God’s wise and loving rule over His creation.
Ecological Balance: The verse specifies that humanity’s dominion extends over the fish, birds, land animals, and every creeping thing. This indicates a comprehensive scope of responsibility for taking care of the Earth and its various ecosystems. The passage encourages an understanding of the interconnectedness of all living beings and the importance of maintaining a balanced and sustainable relationship with the natural world.
In summary, Genesis 1:26 reveals God’s divine intention to create humanity in His image and likeness, granting them the responsibility to exercise wise dominion over the Earth and its creatures. It emphasizes the unique value of human beings and calls for responsible stewardship and care for the created order.
