thinking bible.

You asked

how did ancient near eastern cultures understand humanity's place in creation compared to genesis?

The passage, plainly, with room to sit with it.

Genesis 1:26-28

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 and multiply, fill the earth, and subdue it. Have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the birds of the sky, and over every living thing that moves on the earth.”

The book of Genesis begins by describing God's creation of the cosmos. This passage comes at the climax of the creation week, focusing on the unique creation of humanity on the sixth day.

What does being made in 'God's image' suggest about humanity's purpose and responsibility in the world today?

Keep thinking

Read alongside it

  • Psalm 8:4-8

    This psalm marvels at humanity's elevated position and dominion within creation, echoing Genesis 1.

  • Colossians 3:9-10

    Paul speaks of putting on the 'new man, who is being renewed in knowledge after the image of his Creator,' connecting the image of God to moral renewal.

  • Romans 1:20-23

    This passage describes how humanity, despite being able to perceive God's attributes in creation, exchanged God's glory for idols, losing sight of the Creator.

Ask your own follow-up