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Authority and rule over creation — given to humanity by God in Genesis 1
In Genesis 1:28, God gives humanity 'dominion' over the earth and its creatures. This isn't a license to exploit — it's a mandate to steward creation as God's representatives. The Hebrew word implies responsible rule, like a king caring for his people. Sin corrupted this mandate, but Jesus — the 'last Adam' — restores what was lost. Psalm 8 marvels at the dignity God gave humans in entrusting them with dominion.
The Image Bearers
Genesis 1:26-28Dominion is granted to humanity immediately after the Image of God is declared, framing human authority over creation not as exploitation but as reflective stewardship of God's own caring character.
Made in His Image, Born in Ours
Genesis 5:1-5Dominion is invoked here to underscore Adam's death as a tragic reversal — the man entrusted with authority over all creation ultimately could not escape the one thing that now rules over him.
The Reset Button
Genesis 9:1-7Dominion is reissued here with a new tension — humanity's authority over animals is now marked by fear and dread, a changed dynamic absent from the original creation order.
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