Genesis 1:26-28 teaches that God created human beings in his own image, male and female, and gave them a shared calling to care for and rule over the created world on his behalf. The passage answers a basic question about who we are and why we exist, and it does so before any story of failure or fall appears in Genesis.
These verses close the account of the sixth day of creation, the day land animals were made. They come right after God has filled the earth with living creatures and right before God gives humans food and sees that everything is very good. The setting is the opening of the Bible’s story of the world.
26 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 sky, and over the livestock, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” 27 God created man in his own image. In God’s image he created him; male and female he created them. 28 God blessed them. God said to them, “Be fruitful, multiply, fill the earth, and subdue it. Have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the sky, and over every living thing that moves on the earth.”
Genesis 1:26-28 (WEB)
Genesis 1:26-28 Summary
God announces a decision: he will make humans in his image and likeness, and give them authority over the fish, birds, livestock, and every creeping thing on the earth. The narrative then reports that God did exactly this, creating humanity as male and female, both bearing his image.
Next God blesses the humans, tells them to be fruitful, multiply, fill the earth, and subdue it, and repeats that they are to have dominion over the animal world. The passage moves from purpose, to creation, to commission, and each step builds on the one before.
Context of Genesis 1:26-28
Genesis is the first book of the Torah, the opening section of the Hebrew Scriptures, traditionally attributed to Moses. Its earliest readers were the people of Israel, and Christians have long read it as the foundation of the whole biblical story. The book opens with creation and moves toward the calling of Abraham and his descendants.
The verses just before this passage, 23 to 25, describe God bringing forth living creatures according to their kinds, and the verses just after, 29 to 31, describe God giving plants as food and pronouncing the whole creation very good. Verses 26-28 sit at the peak of this sequence, marking humanity as the unique climax of God’s work.
Genesis 1:26-28 Verse by Verse
Psalm 8:4-6
4 What is man, that you think of him? What is the son of man, that you care for him? 5 For you have made him a little lower than the angels, and crowned him with glory and honor. 6 You make him ruler over the works of your hands. You have put all things under his feet…
(WEB)
The psalmist marvels that God cares for mortal humans and has crowned them with glory and honor, giving them rule over his works. It echoes the dominion theme of Genesis 1 with the same sense of awe.
James 3:9
With it we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men, who are made in the image of God.
(WEB)
James points out that the same tongue can bless God and curse people who are made in God’s likeness. The verse shows how the teaching about the image of God shapes everyday ethics.
A Prayer Based on Genesis 1:26-28
Lord, thank you for making me in your image and for choosing me as someone who reflects your character. When I forget my worth, remind me that you formed me on purpose and called me good. Help me to see the people around me the way you see them, as bearers of your image who deserve kindness and honest care. Teach me to care for the world you have given into my hands with patience and wisdom. Shape my work and my days so that they reflect your love. Amen.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that humans are made in God’s image?
It means that human beings reflect something of God’s character, including reason, relationship, creativity, and moral responsibility. This image belongs to every person, male and female, and is the basis for human dignity. Christians across history have understood it this way.
Does dominion over the earth give humans permission to exploit nature?
Most readers see dominion as faithful stewardship rather than exploitation. The surrounding chapters portray humans as caretakers of a garden God planted and values creation as good. Caring for the earth is therefore an expression of obedience to God.
Why does Genesis 1 say God created male and female together?
The verse highlights that both man and woman are equally created in God’s image and share the same blessing and commission. This points to a basic equality of dignity and calling between the sexes. It also shows that humanity is meant to live in community.
