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what might 'in our image, after our likeness' have meant to an ancient israelite audience?

Adds the setting and its conversation across both testaments.

Genesis 1:26-27

“26 God said, “Let’s 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 comes from the first creation account in Genesis, a foundational text for ancient Israel. It describes God creating the world and all living things, culminating in the creation of humanity on the sixth day. This account sets the stage for understanding humanity's place in the world and its relationship with the Creator.

What does it mean for us, personally and collectively, to bear a divine image in a world where human dignity is often challenged?

Then — the setting

For an ancient Israelite audience, hearing that humanity was made 'in our image, after our likeness' would have set them apart from surrounding cultures. While other ancient Near Eastern texts might describe kings or rulers as divine images, this text democratizes the concept, extending it to all humanity. It would have conveyed inherent dignity and a unique, privileged status compared to the rest of creation, distinguishing them from animals. The 'dominion' granted immediately after suggests this image-bearing is tied to humanity's role as God's representatives or stewards on earth, reflecting God's sovereignty. It would have also implied a relational capacity with God, distinct from other creatures.

Across the Testaments

The main passage is in the Old Testament, establishing a foundational understanding of human nature. The New Testament develops this theme by identifying Jesus Christ as the perfect 'image of the invisible God' (Colossians 1:15), the one who perfectly embodies God's character and intention for humanity. Humanity's original image was marred by sin, and the New Testament presents Christ as the means by which humanity can be 'renewed in knowledge after the image of him who created him' (Colossians 3:10), or 'conformed to the image of his Son' (Romans 8:29). This suggests a restoration and transformation of the divine image through Christ, moving from an inherent status to a renewed spiritual likeness.

Keep thinking

Read alongside it

Psalm 8:4-6
Echoes the idea of humanity's exalted, yet subordinate, position in creation.
Genesis 9:6
Connects the sacredness of human life to being made in God's image, prohibiting murder.
James 3:9
Applies the concept of being made in God's likeness to the ethical use of speech.

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