Meaning of Genesis 1:28

Genesis 1:28 marks the apex of God's creation narrative, presenting humanity's unique commission and blessing. Following the completion of the cosmos and the creation of humankind in the divine image (Genesis 1:26-27), this verse is God's direct decree to Adam and Eve, outlining their purpose and dominion. The blessing is not merely a wish but a divine mandate, empowering and equipping humanity to fulfill a specific role within the created order. It signifies a profound relationship between the Creator and the created, where humanity is entrusted with responsibility and authority.

Context and Background

This verse is situated at the end of the creation account in Genesis 1, immediately after God declares humanity to be made in His image and likeness. This placement highlights its foundational importance, serving as the culmination of the entire creative act. The preceding verses establish God as the sovereign Creator, and this verse introduces humanity as His co-regents, tasked with managing and multiplying His creation. The context is one of initial perfection and abundant provision, before the Fall described in Genesis 3.

Key Themes and Messages

• Divine Blessing and Mandate: The phrase "God blessed them" signifies divine favor and empowerment. This blessing is intrinsically linked to the command that follows, suggesting that the ability to fulfill the mandate is itself a gift from God.
• Fruitfulness and Multiplication: "Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth" is a call to procreation and the expansion of the human population. This is essential for humanity to fulfill its role of filling and governing the earth.
• Dominion and Stewardship: "Subdue it. Rule over..." describes humanity's appointed authority over the created world. This is not a license for exploitation but a responsibility to manage, care for, and exercise wise oversight over all living creatures and the earth itself. The Hebrew word for "subdue" (kabash) can imply bringing under control or cultivation, while "rule" (radah) suggests dominion, often in a benevolent or protective sense.

Spiritual Significance and Application

This verse establishes a foundational understanding of humanity's purpose and relationship with God and the created world.

• Purpose: It reveals that humanity was created with a purpose beyond mere existence, involving procreation, stewardship, and responsible governance.
• Relationship with Creation: It underscores humanity's unique position as God's representative on earth, entrusted with caring for His creation. This implies a reciprocal relationship where humanity's actions have significant consequences for the environment.
• Responsibility: The mandate for dominion carries with it a profound ethical responsibility to act justly and wisely, reflecting God's own character in its exercise. This is often referred to as the "cultural mandate" or "creation mandate."

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

Genesis 1:28 sets the stage for the entirety of biblical history.

• The Fall: The subsequent disobedience of humanity (Genesis 3) corrupts this mandate, introducing sin and its consequences, including hardship in labor and strained relationships with creation.
• Redemption: The redemptive plan of God, initiated through Israel and culminating in Christ, is ultimately aimed at restoring humanity to its intended purpose and relationship with God and creation.
• New Creation: The concept of a renewed heaven and earth in Revelation points to the ultimate fulfillment of God's original design, where humanity's dominion will be fully restored and perfected.

Analogies

• A Gardener and His Garden: God, as the ultimate Gardener, planted a magnificent garden (the earth) and entrusted its care and cultivation to Adam and Eve, His appointed gardeners. They were meant to tend it, help it flourish, and expand its beauty and productivity.
• A King and His Viceroys: God is the King of all creation, and He appointed humanity as His viceroys or representatives on earth, granting them authority to govern and manage His kingdom according to His will.

Relation to Other Verses

• Genesis 2:15: "The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it." This verse complements 1:28 by emphasizing the active, diligent nature of stewardship.
• Psalm 8:4-8: This psalm reflects on God's glory and humanity's exalted position, directly referencing humanity's dominion over creation: "What is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him? You made him ruler over the works of your hands; you put everything under his feet."
• Colossians 1:15-17: This passage speaks of Christ as the image of the invisible God, through whom all things were created and in whom all things hold together, highlighting Christ's ultimate authority over creation.
• Matthew 28:18-20 (The Great Commission): While a later commission, it shares the theme of divine mandate and expansion, but now focused on spiritual dominion through the spread of the Gospel, indicating a reorientation and expansion of humanity's God-given purpose in light of Christ's redemptive work.