Image of God

The idea that every human reflects God's nature — creativity, relationship, moral awareness

Definition

Genesis 1:27 says God created humans 'in His image.' This doesn't mean physical appearance — it means humans uniquely reflect God's character: creativity, rationality, moral conscience, relational capacity, and the ability to love. It's the foundation of human dignity and worth. Every person, regardless of status or ability, carries this image. It's why murder is condemned (Genesis 9:6), why Jesus could say 'whatever you did for the least of these, you did for me' (Matthew 25:40), and why human value can never be reduced to productivity or usefulness.

Used In19 mentions across 11 books

deuteronomy

Don't Take What Keeps Someone Alive

Deuteronomy 24:6-7

The Image of God grounds the anti-trafficking law: because every person reflects God's nature, treating a human being as inventory for sale is a direct assault on that divine worth.

Why You Can't Build a God

Deuteronomy 4:15-24

The concept is inverted here — Moses argues against making an image OF God, because God deliberately withheld any visible form at Horeb, communicating through words and voice alone rather than something touchable or controllable.

exodus

One Piece, Hammered into Beauty

Exodus 37:17-24

The image of God concept surfaces here in the lampstand's almond-tree form — always blooming, always alight, it functions as a living emblem of God's wakeful, creative presence in the Holy Place.