“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.”
My Notes
What Does Genesis 1:26 Mean?
God speaks in the plural — "Let us make man in our image" — a phrase that has generated centuries of theological discussion. Christians read the plural as a reference to the Trinity: Father, Son, and Spirit in conversation before creating humanity.
The decision to create humanity is deliberate and communal. God does not create humans the way he created light — with a single command. He deliberates. He announces intention. He uses personal language.
"In our image, after our likeness" establishes humanity as the pinnacle of creation. Nothing else in the creation account receives this designation. Animals are created by kind. Humans are created in God's image.
"Dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air" grants authority and responsibility. Humanity is made in God's image for a purpose: to steward creation. The image-bearing comes with a mandate.
Reflection Questions
- 1.What does 'made in God's image' mean for how you see yourself?
- 2.How does the plural 'let us' shape your understanding of God's nature?
- 3.What does responsible dominion over creation look like in your daily life?
- 4.How would treating every person as an image-bearer change your interactions?
Devotional
Let us make man in our image. The us is the first hint in Scripture that God is not solitary. Before a single human existed, relationship was already present in God himself.
In our image. You are not made in the image of an animal, a system, or an accident. You are made in the image of God — which means you carry something of him in your very being. Creativity, morality, relationship, purpose — these are not random developments. They are reflections of your maker.
The dominion is not domination. It is stewardship — the authority to care for creation the way God would. You were given responsibility, not just privilege.
But the image is the foundational thing. Before any role, any calling, any accomplishment — you bear the image of God. That is who you are at the deepest level. Not what you do, not what you achieve, not how others see you. Image-bearer. That is the identity that was decided before you were formed.
What would change if you lived as though you — and every person you encounter — carried the image of the creator?
Commentary
Trusted original commentary from respected historical Bible scholars and theologians.
And God said, let us make man in our image, after our likeness,.... These words are directed not to the earth, out of…
- VIII. The Sixth Day 24. בהמה behēmâh, “cattle; dumb, tame beasts.” רמשׂ remeś, “creeping (small or low) animals.”…
And God said, Let us make man - It is evident that God intends to impress the mind of man with a sense of something…
We have here the second part of the sixth day's work, the creation of man, which we are, in a special manner, concerned…
Let us make, &c. The creation of man, although taking place on the same day with that of the land animals, is a…
Cross References
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