Exegetical Study: The Image, Likeness, and Dominion of Man
(Genesis 1:26–28)
The Scriptural Text (KJV)
Genesis 1:26–28
“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.
So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.
And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion…”
This text reveals three core elements of God’s design for man:
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Image
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Likeness
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Dominion
Together they form the original blueprint of humanity.
1. The IMAGE of God (Hebrew: Tselem)
Meaning of the Word
The Hebrew word tselem (צֶלֶם) means:
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Representation
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Statue or visible manifestation
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Reflection of something
It refers to a visible representation of an invisible reality.
Theological Meaning
Man was created to be God’s visible representative on earth.
God is spirit.
Jesus confirms this:
“God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.”
— Gospel of John 4:24
Therefore, humanity was created to express the invisible God in the visible world.
Dimensions of the Image
The Image of God includes:
1. Spiritual Nature
Man is a spirit being capable of communion with God.
“The spirit of man is the candle of the Lord…”
— Book of Proverbs 20:27
2. Moral Capacity
Man can discern right and wrong.
3. Rational Intelligence
Man has creativity, language, and reasoning.
4. Relational Capacity
Man can love, relate, and build community.
5. Authority Capacity
Man was designed to govern creation.
Principle #1
Man was created to represent God on earth.
Humanity is God’s earthly expression and ambassador.
2. The LIKENESS of God (Hebrew: Demuth)
Meaning of the Word
The Hebrew word demuth (דְּמוּת) means:
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Similarity
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Pattern
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Resemblance
If Image is representation, then Likeness is similarity of nature or character.
Key Distinction
| IMAGE | LIKENESS |
|---|---|
| Representation | Resemblance |
| Position | Character |
| Function | Nature |
Man was not only meant to represent God, but also to reflect God's character.
God’s Character Qualities Reflected in Man
God designed man to reflect:
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righteousness
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holiness
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love
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creativity
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wisdom
This truth appears again in the New Testament:
“And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.”
— Epistle to the Ephesians 4:24
Principle #2
Man was created to reflect God’s character and nature.
The purpose of humanity is not only power but likeness to God.
3. DOMINION (Hebrew: Radah)
Meaning of the Word
The Hebrew word radah (רָדָה) means:
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to rule
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to govern
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to exercise authority
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to manage
It is the language of royal kingship.
Meaning in Genesis
God appointed humanity as vice-regents over the earth.
Man was given stewardship authority over creation.
Domains mentioned:
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fish of the sea
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birds of the air
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livestock
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all the earth
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creeping things
This means the earth was entrusted to mankind’s governance.
David later reflects on this:
“Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands; thou hast put all things under his feet.”
— Book of Psalms 8:6
Principle #3
Man was designed to rule under God’s authority.
Man is not meant to be ruled by creation but to govern it.
4. The Pattern of God’s Original Design
When these three elements combine, we see the divine blueprint of humanity.
Pattern 1 — Representation
Man reflects God’s presence on earth.
Heaven’s nature expressed in the earth.
Pattern 2 — Relationship
The phrase “Let us make man” implies relational context within the Godhead.
Many theologians see here a glimpse of the triune fellowship.
Human beings were therefore created for relationship with God and others.
Pattern 3 — Fruitfulness
God immediately declares:
“Be fruitful, and multiply.”
This shows God's design for expansion of His image throughout the earth.
Pattern 4 — Stewardship
Man was not owner of the earth but manager of God’s creation.
Pattern 5 — Blessing Before Assignment
Notice the order:
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God created man
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God blessed man
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God gave dominion
Blessing precedes authority.
5. The Fall and the Distortion of the Design
When sin entered in Book of Genesis 3, the design was damaged but not erased.
The image remained but became distorted.
Later scripture confirms the restoration through Christ:
“And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him.”
— Epistle to the Colossians 3:10
Jesus is described as:
“the image of the invisible God.”
— Epistle to the Colossians 1:15
Christ restores humanity to its original design.
6. Summary: God’s Original Blueprint for Man
From Genesis we discover five foundational truths:
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Identity — Man bears God's image.
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Character — Man reflects God's likeness.
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Authority — Man exercises dominion.
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Fruitfulness — Man multiplies God's presence.
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Stewardship — Man governs creation responsibly.
✅ In one sentence:
Man was created to represent God, resemble God, and rule creation under God.
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