thinking bible.

You asked

what did 'dominion' and 'subdue' mean to ancient near eastern listeners, apart from exploitation?

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

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 creation account in the book of Genesis, describing God's blessing and instructions to the first humans immediately after their creation. It sets out humanity's initial role and relationship with the rest of creation.

How might our understanding of 'dominion' and 'subdue' shape our actions towards the natural world today?

Keep thinking

Read alongside it

  • Psalm 8:6-8

    Echoes the idea of humanity being given authority over creation.

  • Genesis 2:15

    Describes humanity's role to 'work and keep' the garden, implying care.

  • Leviticus 25:1-7

    Shows laws for land stewardship, allowing the land to rest.

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