You asked

what did 'dominion' and 'subdue' mean for early agricultural societies versus modern industrial ones?

Adds the setting and its conversation across both testaments.

Genesis 1:28

“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, over the birds of the sky, and over every living thing that moves on the earth."”

This verse is part of the first creation account in Genesis, which describes God creating the world and all its inhabitants. It comes immediately after the creation of humanity (male and female) and sets out their initial role and relationship with the created order.

What does it mean to exercise responsible care and influence over the world and its creatures in a way that respects both human needs and the flourishing of all life?

Then — the setting

The book of Genesis was likely compiled and written over centuries, with its final form taking shape during or after the Babylonian exile (6th-5th centuries BCE). The command to 'subdue' and 'have dominion' would have been heard by early agricultural societies as a mandate to harness natural forces for survival and flourishing: clearing land for crops, domesticating animals, building shelters, and developing communities. This was about imposing order on what was often perceived as wild and unpredictable, enabling human life to thrive. It wasn't about limitless exploitation, but about making the earth habitable and productive within the bounds of pre-industrial technologies.

Across the Testaments

In the Old Testament, this passage establishes humanity's unique role as God's representatives in creation. While 'dominion' implies authority, other texts like Genesis 2:15 (to 'work and keep' the Garden) and the wisdom literature (e.g., Proverbs, Job) suggest a responsibility for careful stewardship and living in harmony with the natural world. The New Testament, particularly through the teachings of Jesus and Pauline letters, reframes this dominion within the context of servant leadership. Christ, as the 'new Adam,' demonstrates true dominion not through domination, but through self-giving love and restoration (Philippians 2:5-11). The dominion given to humanity is thus reinterpreted as a reflection of divine love and care for all creation, anticipating a redeemed cosmos (Romans 8).

Keep thinking

Read alongside it

Psalm 8:6-8
This psalm echoes the theme of human dominion, praising God for entrusting creation to humanity's care.
Genesis 2:15
This verse from the second creation account describes humanity's role as 'to work it and to keep it,' introducing a nuance of stewardship and care.
Romans 8:19-22
Paul speaks of creation groaning and longing for liberation, suggesting that humanity's actions have had a profound impact on the natural world.

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