You asked

what did 'image' and 'likeness' signify in ancient near eastern creation accounts?

Adds the setting and its conversation across both testaments.

Genesis 1:26-27

“26 God said, "Let us 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." 27 God created man in his own image. In God's image he created him; male and female he created them.”

This passage is from the opening chapter of Genesis, describing God's creation of the world. After creating light, sky, land, plants, and celestial bodies, the narrative culminates in the creation of humanity, setting them apart with a unique status.

In what ways do our actions and roles in the world reflect or distort the 'image' and 'likeness' described here?

Then — the setting

In the ancient Near East (ANE), 'image' (often statues or stelai) and 'likeness' were terms frequently associated with kings and deities. Kings would erect images of themselves in conquered territories or temples to signify their presence, authority, and delegated rule. These images were not merely representations but were thought to embody the essence and power of the one they depicted. When Genesis states that humanity is made in God's 'image' and 'likeness', it grants an unprecedented dignity, assigning to all humanity, not just kings, a royal and priestly role as representatives of God on Earth, tasked with ruling and caring for creation.

Across the Testaments

In the Old Testament, being made in God's image establishes humanity's unique dignity and role as stewards. The New Testament affirms this foundational concept, but often focuses on how this image has been marred by sin and is being restored through Christ. Jesus himself is presented as the perfect 'image of the invisible God' (Colossians 1:15), and believers are called to be conformed to his image (Romans 8:29), suggesting a renewed understanding of what it means to truly bear God's likeness, especially in moral and spiritual character. This creates a theological trajectory from creation to recreation in Christ.

Keep thinking

Read alongside it

Psalm 8:4-6
This psalm echoes the idea of humanity's exalted status and dominion over creation.
Colossians 3:9-10
Paul speaks of 'putting on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator'.
James 3:9
This verse warns against cursing people 'who have been made in the likeness of God'.

Ask your own follow-up