You asked

what does it mean to 'subdue' and 'rule' in an age of climate change and biodiversity loss?

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. Rule 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 Genesis, the first book of the Bible, written centuries ago. It describes God's blessing and instruction to the first human beings immediately after their creation.

What does 'ruling' and 'subduing' the earth mean when we recognize our profound impact on its delicate balance?

Keep thinking

Read alongside it

Psalm 8:6-8
Describes humanity's honored position and responsibility over creation.
Leviticus 25:1-7
Outlines practices for allowing the land to rest and recover.
Romans 8:19-22
Suggests that creation itself groans for liberation and restoration.

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