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what did 'dominion' mean to ancient israelites in their understanding of creation and order?

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 the book of Genesis, often attributed to the Priestly source, which describes God creating the world in six days and resting on the seventh. It outlines God's commission to humanity immediately after their creation in God's image.

What does 'having dominion' look like in a world where human impact on the natural environment is so profound?

Then — the setting

For ancient Israelites, living in an agrarian society, 'dominion' (Hebrew: radah) would have been understood in terms of responsible management of land, animals, and resources for sustenance and flourishing. It involved taming wild spaces, cultivating crops, and raising livestock, all within the perceived order established by God. This was not seen as an invitation to tyrannical exploitation, but rather a role of stewardship and governance, reflecting the divine order. The concept of 'subdue' (Hebrew: kabash) implies bringing order to the wild, making it productive and habitable, rather than wanton destruction. This command was given to the first humans as part of their identity and purpose from creation.

Across the Testaments

In the Old Testament, the theme of human responsibility for creation continues, often intertwined with laws about land use, animal care, and Sabbath rest (e.g., Leviticus 25, Deuteronomy 22:6-7). The New Testament does not explicitly re-state the Genesis 1:28 command, but it reorients human understanding of authority and power through the life and teachings of Jesus. His emphasis on servanthood (Mark 10:43-45) and the 'upside-down' nature of the Kingdom of God can be seen as profoundly re-shaping how 'dominion' is to be exercised—not as domination, but as self-giving care, reflecting God's own character. While the authority over creation is maintained, its expression shifts towards sacrificial love and responsible stewardship for the benefit of all creation.

Keep thinking

Read alongside it

Psalm 8:6-8
Echoes Genesis 1:28 by describing humanity's exalted place in creation and their rule over animals.
Genesis 2:15
Provides a related command to 'tend and keep' the garden, offering a nuance to 'dominion' as careful stewardship.
Romans 8:19-22
Connects the fate of creation to humanity's actions, suggesting a broader cosmic impact of human dominion.

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