Does "image of God" mean we look like God physically?

No. God is Spirit (John 4:24) and does not have a physical body like humans. The "image of God" refers to spiritual, relational, moral, and intellectual capacities that reflect God's nature, not a physical resemblance. It speaks to our unique ability to relate to God, exercise moral choice, reason, and create.

What specific aspects of God's nature are reflected in the _Imago Dei_?

The Imago Dei encompasses our capacity for rational thought, moral discernment, volitional choice, creativity, self-awareness, and most importantly, our ability to enter into a relationship with God and with one another. It also includes our delegated authority and responsibility as stewards over creation, reflecting God's own dominion and care for His world.

Are women less in the image of God than men?

Absolutely not. Genesis 1:27 explicitly states, "male and female created he them," affirming that the Imago Dei is equally and fully borne by both genders. Men and women equally share in the dignity and responsibilities of being image-bearers, reflecting God's multifaceted nature in distinct yet complementary ways.

How is the image of God affected by sin?

While the Imago Dei is marred and distorted by sin, it is not utterly lost. Humanity still retains its unique status and dignity (Genesis 9:6; James 3:9). However, sin has corrupted our ability to perfectly reflect God's character, broken our relationship with Him, and distorted our relationships with one another and creation, necessitating redemption.

What does it mean for the image of God to be "restored" in believers?

Through salvation in Christ, believers begin a process of sanctification where the Holy Spirit renews them into the likeness of Christ, who is the perfect image of God (Colossians 3:10; Ephesians 4:24). This restoration involves growing in knowledge, righteousness, and true holiness, progressively reflecting God's character more accurately, culminating in glorification when we will be fully conformed to His image.

1:26 1:26

Genesis 1:27

1:28 1:28

Bible Versions

So God created man in his [own] image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.

So God {H430} created {H1254} man {H120} in his own image {H6754}, in the image {H6754} of God {H430} created {H1254} he him; male {H2145} and female {H5347} created {H1254} he them.

So God created humankind in his own image;
in the image of God he created him:
male and female he created them.

So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.

And God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.

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.

Verse Lookup

Cross-References

Matthew 19:4

And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made [them] at the beginning made them male and female,
Ephesians 2:10

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
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;
Genesis 5:2

Male and female created he them; and blessed them, and called their name Adam, in the day when they were created.
Mark 10:6

But from the beginning of the creation God made them male and female.
Genesis 2:21

¶ And the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, and he slept: and he took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh instead thereof;
Genesis 2:25

And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed.

Bible Versions

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