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how did ancient israelites understand 'image' and 'likeness' compared to their neighbors?

Adds the setting and its conversation across both testaments.

Genesis 1:26-27

“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.”

These verses are from the opening chapter of the Bible, Genesis, presenting an account of creation. They describe the unique creation of humanity on the sixth day, placing humans in a particular relationship with God and the rest of creation.

What does being made in God's image mean for how you view yourself and others?

Then — the setting

Genesis 1 was likely compiled and edited during or after the Babylonian exile (6th century BCE), drawing on older traditions. The audience would have been ancient Israelites grappling with their identity and faith in a world dominated by powerful empires and their own creation myths. Unlike other Near Eastern myths where humanity was often created as enslaved laborers for the gods, this passage elevates humanity, placing them as stewards of creation, reflecting God's own character and authority. The 'image' (tselem) and 'likeness' (demut) would have resonated with Mesopotamian concepts of royal statues or representatives, but here it applies to all humanity.

Across the Testaments

The Old Testament introduces the foundational concept of humanity bearing God's image, establishing inherent worth and a mandate for stewardship. The New Testament builds on this, notably through the figure of Jesus, who is described as the 'image of the invisible God' (Colossians 1:15) and the 'exact imprint of God's nature' (Hebrews 1:3). This suggests that Jesus perfectly embodies what it means to be in God's image, and that humanity's original imaging has been marred by sin but can be renewed 'into the image of its creator' (Colossians 3:10) through Christ. Thus, the New Testament deepens the concept, linking it to spiritual transformation and the ultimate destiny of humanity.

Keep thinking

Read alongside it

Psalm 8:4-6
This psalm echoes the unique position of humanity, 'crowned with glory and honor,' reminiscent of being made in God's image.
James 3:9
This New Testament verse reminds believers that people are 'made in the likeness of God' when discussing the power of the tongue.
Genesis 5:1-3
This passage reaffirms the creation of humanity in God's likeness and then notes that Adam had a son in his own likeness, after his image.

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