thinking bible.

You asked

how did other ancient near eastern cultures describe human origins or what it means to be alive?

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

Genesis 1:26-27

God said, “Let’s make man in our image, after our likeness. 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.” God created man in his own image. In God’s image he created him; male and female he created them.

The book of Genesis begins with the creation of the world. This passage describes the pinnacle of God's creative acts: the creation of humanity on the sixth day. It sets out the unique status and purpose of human beings within the created order.

What responsibility does being created in 'God's image' place on how we live and treat the world?

Keep thinking

Read alongside it

  • Psalm 8:4-6

    This psalm echoes the idea of humanity's special place and delegated authority over creation.

  • Ecclesiastes 3:19-20

    This passage offers a contrasting view, highlighting humanity's mortality and similarity to animals in death.

  • James 3:9

    This New Testament verse connects the 'image of God' to the respect owed to all people.

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