Genesis 1:26

KJV

¶ 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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And God {H430} said {H559}, Let us make {H6213} man {H120} in our image {H6754}, after our likeness {H1823}: and let them have dominion {H7287} over the fish {H1710} of the sea {H3220}, and over the fowl {H5775} of the air {H8064}, and over the cattle {H929}, and over all the earth {H776}, and over every creeping thing {H7431} that creepeth {H7430} upon the earth {H776}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then God said, “Let us make humankind in our image, in the likeness of ourselves; and let them rule over the fish in the sea, the birds in the air, the animals, and over all the earth, and over every crawling creature that crawls on the earth.”

Berean Standard Bible

Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, after Our likeness, to rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, and over all the earth itself and every creature that crawls upon it.”

American Standard Version

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 birds of the heavens, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 1:26 stands as the pinnacle of the creation narrative, revealing God's unique intention to create humanity. In a divine counsel, God declares His purpose to fashion humankind in His own image and likeness, imbuing them with unparalleled dignity and a sacred mandate to exercise benevolent dominion over all creation. This foundational declaration defines human identity, inherent worth, and essential role as God's vice-regents within the cosmos.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This pivotal declaration occurs on the sixth day of creation, marking a distinct shift in the divine creative process. Prior to this, God's commands ("Let there be...") brought forth light, the expanse, dry land, vegetation, celestial bodies, and various forms of animal life. Each preceding act was declared "good," but with humanity, the narrative pauses for a divine deliberation, "Let us make man," signaling a creation of unparalleled significance. This deliberative language sets humanity apart, highlighting its unique relationship with the Creator and its distinct purpose within the created order, serving as the climax of the week-long creative activity.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, creation accounts often depicted humanity as an afterthought, created to serve the gods' needs, often through laborious tasks. Genesis 1:26 profoundly counters this by presenting humanity as the apex of creation, deliberately formed in the divine image and entrusted with a regal role. The concept of a king or deity having an "image" (statue or representative) placed in a territory to signify their rule was common, but here, *all* humanity bears God's image, signifying that every human being is God's representative on earth. This elevates human dignity far beyond any contemporary pagan understanding, establishing a unique theological anthropology.
* **Key Themes:** Genesis 1:26 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book of Genesis and beyond. It establishes the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Intentionality**, demonstrating God's purposeful design in creation, especially concerning humanity. It introduces the profound concept of the **_Imago Dei_ (Image of God)**, which defines human identity and worth, distinguishing humanity from all other creatures and laying the groundwork for all subsequent biblical anthropology. Furthermore, it introduces the theme of **Humanity's Delegated Dominion and Stewardship**, a mandate for responsible care over creation, which is further explored in [Genesis 2:15](/genesis/2-15 "Man placed in the Garden to work and keep it") and echoed in later wisdom literature like [Psalm 8](/psalms/8 "Psalm 8 - The Glory of God and the Dignity of Man"). This verse also subtly hints at the **Plurality within the Godhead**, a theme that gains fuller revelation in the New Testament, as seen in the unified work of the [Father, Son, and Holy Spirit](/john/14-26 "The Holy Spirit, the Comforter").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
The creation of humanity in Genesis 1:26 is presented as a deliberate and unique act, distinct from the preceding commands, highlighting its profound significance.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **man (Hebrew, _ʼâdâm'_):** From the root `אׇדַם`, meaning "ruddy." This term refers to a human being, encompassing both the individual and the species (mankind). Its use here signifies the creation of humanity as a distinct entity, the crowning glory of God's physical creation, capable of bearing His image.
* **image (Hebrew, _tselem'_):** From an unused root meaning "to shade." This word denotes a phantom, illusion, or resemblance, and concretely, a representative figure, especially an idol. In this context, it signifies that humanity is created as a representative figure of God on earth, not a physical copy, but a qualitative and functional reflection of His nature and authority.
* **dominion (Hebrew, _râdâh'_):** A primitive root meaning "to tread down" or "subjugate." It implies a kingly rule or governmental authority. Here, it signifies the divine delegation of authority to humanity to rule over and manage creation, not as an inherent right to exploit, but as a sacred trust to steward God's world.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"¶ And God said,"**: This opening phrase, a recurring motif throughout Genesis 1, emphasizes God's sovereign power and the efficacious nature of His Word. Creation is not an accidental occurrence but a deliberate act of divine speech and will, demonstrating God's intentionality in bringing all things into being. The paragraph break symbol (¶) in the KJV highlights the profound significance and new direction of this particular divine utterance.
* **"Let us make man in our image, after our likeness:"**: This is the theological heart of the verse. The use of the plural pronoun "us" is profoundly significant, understood by Christian theology as an early, subtle intimation of the plurality within the Godhead—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—acting in unified counsel and purpose. The phrase "in our image, after our likeness" (Hebrew: _tselem_ and _demuth_) indicates that humanity is created as God's earthly representative, endowed with capacities that reflect His nature: rationality, moral discernment, relationality, creativity, and spiritual awareness. This distinguishes humanity utterly from all other creatures, making us unique bearers of divine dignity and purpose. It is not a physical resemblance, but a qualitative, functional, and relational mirroring of the Creator.
* **"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."**: This clause outlines humanity's divinely delegated authority. The Hebrew word for "dominion" (_radah_) implies a kingly rule or governmental authority. This is a sacred trust to manage and care for God's creation in a way that reflects His own benevolent and wise sovereignty. The comprehensive list—fish, fowl, cattle, all the earth, and every creeping thing—delineates the universal scope of humanity's delegated authority, emphasizing that every aspect of the created order is placed under human care, underscoring the immense responsibility and unique position humanity holds.

#### Literary Devices
Genesis 1:26 employs several significant literary devices. The most prominent is **Divine Fiat**, exemplified by the recurring phrase "And God said," which underscores the power and authority of God's spoken word in bringing creation into being. The use of the plural pronoun "us" in "Let us make man" is an instance of **Divine Deliberation**, highlighting the unique significance and intentionality behind the creation of humanity, setting it apart from all previous acts of creation. The phrase "image, after our likeness" functions as a **Hendiadys**, where two words are used to express a single, more emphatic idea, emphasizing the profound and multifaceted nature of humanity's reflection of God. Finally, the comprehensive listing of creatures over which humanity is to have dominion—"fish of the sea... fowl of the air... cattle... every creeping thing"—is a form of **Merism**, where two or more contrasting parts are used to represent a whole, signifying humanity's authority over all living creatures across all environments.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 1:26 lays foundational theological truths that resonate throughout the biblical narrative. It reveals God's intrinsic desire for relationship and His deliberate design in creating beings capable of reflecting His character and participating in His benevolent rule. The concept of the _Imago Dei_ establishes the inherent dignity and value of every human life, regardless of circumstance, forming the bedrock for biblical ethics concerning human rights and justice. Furthermore, humanity's delegated dominion is not a license for exploitation but a sacred trust of stewardship, calling us to manage God's creation in a way that honors Him and sustains life. This verse sets the stage for understanding both humanity's original glory and the tragic consequences of the Fall, which marred but did not erase this divine image.

* [Genesis 9:6](/genesis/9-6 "Whoever sheds man's blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made he man")
* [Psalm 8:5-8](/psalms/8-5-8 "Psalm 8 - Humanity's Exalted Position")
* [James 3:9](/james/3-9 "Not cursing those made in God's likeness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Understanding that we are made in God's image profoundly shapes our self-perception and our engagement with the world. It calls us to live with a deep sense of inherent dignity, treating ourselves and all others with the reverence due to image-bearers of God, regardless of their circumstances, beliefs, or perceived worth. This truth dismantles prejudice and calls for universal respect and love. Simultaneously, it compels us to embrace our God-given mandate to lovingly and responsibly steward the earth and its resources, reflecting His benevolent rule in every sphere of our lives, from environmental care to social justice. This foundational truth provides both purpose for our existence and a framework for ethical living, urging us to restore and honor the divine image in ourselves, in others, and in creation, striving to live in a way that brings glory to our Creator.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding that you are made in God's image impact your self-worth and identity?**
* **In what practical ways can you exercise responsible dominion and stewardship over the resources God has entrusted to you, whether personal, communal, or environmental?**
* **How does the _Imago Dei_ inform your interactions with and treatment of other people, especially those who are different from you or marginalized?**

### FAQ
**Does the phrase "Let us make man" imply multiple gods?**

Answer: No. While the plural pronoun "us" might seem to suggest polytheism, Christian theology consistently interprets it as an early, subtle intimation of the Trinity—God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit—acting in unified counsel and purpose in the supreme act of creating humanity. This interpretation is consistent with the singular "God" (Hebrew: _ʼĕlôhîym_, a plural noun often used with singular verbs in Hebrew to denote majesty and fullness) used throughout the chapter, and the later, clearer revelation of the Triune nature of God in the New Testament, such as in [Matthew 28:19](/matthew/28-19 "The Great Commission, baptizing in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit").

**What is the difference between "image" and "likeness" in this verse?**

Answer: The Hebrew words _tselem_ (image) and _demuth_ (likeness) are often used synonymously in the Old Testament, functioning as a hendiadys (two words expressing a single idea) to emphasize the concept. They highlight that humanity is created as God's earthly representative, not merely resembling Him physically, but reflecting His nature in qualitative, functional, and relational ways. This includes capacities for rationality, moral discernment, relationality, creativity, and spiritual awareness, making humanity a unique mirror of the Creator's character and authority.

**Does "dominion" give humanity permission to exploit the earth?**

Answer: No. The Hebrew word _râdâh_ implies a kingly rule or governmental authority, but it is a delegated authority, not an inherent right to exploit. Humanity is appointed as God's vice-regent, called to manage and care for God's creation in a way that reflects His own benevolent and wise sovereignty. This mandate is one of responsible stewardship, cultivating and protecting the earth, not plundering it. It aligns with God's own character as a loving and orderly Creator, as seen in [Psalm 24:1](/psalms/24-1 "The earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Genesis 1:26 finds its ultimate fulfillment and restoration in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Humanity, though created in God's image, tragically marred that image through the Fall, distorting its capacities and failing in its mandate of righteous dominion. Christ, however, is revealed as the perfect and true "image of the invisible God" ([Colossians 1:15](/colossians/1-15 "Christ is the image of the invisible God")), the "radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of His being" ([Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "Christ is the radiance of God's glory")). As the New Adam, Christ perfectly embodies the _Imago Dei_, living a life of perfect obedience and exercising righteous dominion over creation, even calming storms ([Mark 4:39](/mark/4-39 "Jesus calms the storm")). Through His redemptive work on the cross and His resurrection, Christ begins the process of restoring fallen humanity to its original design and purpose. In Him, believers are renewed in the image of their Creator, being transformed "into the same image from glory to glory" ([2 Corinthians 3:18](/2_corinthians/3-18 "Transformed into the same image from glory to glory")), empowered by the Spirit to truly exercise righteous dominion and reflect God's benevolent character to the world, anticipating the full restoration of all things in the new heavens and new earth ([Revelation 21:1](/revelation/21-1 "New Heaven and New Earth")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Colossians 3:10

And have put on the new [man], which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:

Ephesians 4:24

And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.

Psalms 8:4

What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him?

Psalms 8:8

The fowl of the air, and the fish of the sea, [and whatsoever] passeth through the paths of the seas.

Genesis 3:22

¶ And the LORD God said, Behold, the man is become as one of us, to know good and evil: and now, lest he put forth his hand, and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live for ever:

Genesis 5:1

¶ This [is] the book of the generations of Adam. In the day that God created man, in the likeness of God made he him;

Psalms 100:3

Know ye that the LORD he [is] God: [it is] he [that] hath made us, and not we ourselves; [we are] his people, and the sheep of his pasture.