Humans are special.
We know this intrinsically, perhaps due to our experience with animals and other creatures on Earth. A few animals build structures or use tools, but they are so limited and basic, incomparable to humanity’s complex and complicated technology.
Other creatures communicate using various methods, but none compared to the extensive vocabularies and diverse uses in human language.
Even evolutionists can’t deny humanity has progressed much farther in most ways than the animals and creatures around us.
The Bible begins its narrative by explaining why we are so unlike the rest of creation. Humanity has been designed by God and created in his image.
A spark of the divine was placed within humanity at the outset to fulfill the purpose set for us by the Creator — to be his representatives and bring the Earth under dominion.
While creating humanity, Genesis uses an odd phrase in Genesis 1:26, where God says, “Let us make man in our image, according to our likeness.” Why does the Bible use plural pronouns here?
What Is the Context Where God Said, 'Let Us Make Man in Our Own Image'?
Genesis 1:26 is part of the creation account in the Book of Genesis. The context surrounding this statement provides important insights into its meaning and significance.
Genesis is the first book in the Pentateuch, the first five books of the Bible. Moses is generally given authorship of these books, and he led Israel out of Egypt into the Promised Land, fulfilling the promise of God to Abraham of a people who would be given the land of Canaan.
In that context, Moses wrote the narratives of what came before, how the world came to be as it is, and the redemptive promise to Abraham, which passed through Isaac and Jacob into the 12 tribes of Israel in slavery to Egypt.
Through the first 11 chapters of Genesis, the Bible answers the universal question, how did the world come to be as it is now? This broken and divided is at war with itself. How did that come to be?
Genesis answers the question through a perfect creation, the Fall of God’s special creation (humanity), the introduction of sin and death, the Flood as a major change of environment and geography, and the Tower of Babel to reveal the division of languages and peoples.
Genesis is the Greek word for origin, and the Hebrew title of Genesis is Bereshith, which means “In the beginning.”
Again, humanity realizes how unique we are in creation, as they would have thousands of years ago, as well, but we also recognize our fallen nature and propensity to be violent and perverse and self-destructive. Central to all those questions and answers in Genesis is the creation of humanity.
For five days, God created the Earth, the day and night, the skies and seas, the plants, and animals. In each case, God is singularly responsible for what follows. God speaks as an individual (let there be light), and the result is creation of what he commands (there was light).
The sixth day is different, however. God only creates humanity on that day, separate from the other beasts, and he gives humanity special authority over the Earth. In Genesis 1:26, God says, “Let us make man in our image, according to our likeness.” For the first time, plural pronouns are used.
Interestingly, in the next verse, God is singular once again, creating humanity in his own image, male and female. Along with the special authority and dominion over the Earth, Adam and Eve were to be fruitful and multiply.
They had to procreate and be co-creators with God while they brought the chaos of Earth under God’s dominion (Genesis 1:28).
Another way humanity was different in the creation account: God fashioned and formed humanity out of the dust and dirt of the ground and personally breathed life into the man, Adam.
On the other days, he spoke, and objects appeared. He spoke the creation of humanity (Genesis 1:27-28) but also got his hands involved and breathed his own breath into Adam.
Humanity has been made in the image of God, in his likeness. What can we say, then, about the plural form of Genesis 1:26?
What Are the Main Interpretations of Genesis 1:26?
To begin with, the use of the plural form Elohim for God is significant. While the Hebrew word Elohim is grammatically plural, it is also used as a singular noun when referring to the one true God. Here, though, the plural Elohim is supported by the plural pronouns. What are some possible explanations?
One prominent interpretation sees the plural pronouns “us” and “our” as evidence of the Trinity — God's triune nature as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
According to this view, the conversation within the Godhead reflects the collaborative work of the three persons in the creation of humankind. It highlights the communal nature of God's being and the mutual participation of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit in the act of creation.
The Gospel of John chapter 1 makes clear the world was created through the Word, Jesus, the Son of God.
Some scholars suggest that the plural pronouns refer to a heavenly council or assembly of divine beings. In this view, God is seen as inviting angelic beings or heavenly hosts to participate in the creation process by observing and witnessing the formation of humankind.
However, it is important to note that this interpretation does not imply that these beings are co-creators or share the same attributes as God.
This council in heaven is seen through other passages, notably Job chapter 1, where angelic beings are giving reports to God as his representative celestial servants.
This view postulates that humanity and the Garden of Eden were patterned after the council and court of heaven, an outpost of Earth. Humanity is like angels but earthly representatives.
Another interpretation proposes that the use of plural pronouns is a form of royal or majestic language. This understanding suggests that God, as the sovereign ruler and King, speaks in majestic terms and refers to Himself in the plural form. It emphasizes God's authority and greatness as the supreme Creator.
Some scholars view the plural pronouns as an editorial or rhetorical device, highlighting the grandeur and significance of the event.
In this interpretation, the plural pronouns serve to magnify the act of creation and emphasize the divine authorship of human existence. Related to this, the plural pronouns could be a reflection of the literary style and cultural context of the ancient Near East.
In various ancient texts, including those from Mesopotamia, Egypt, and Ugarit, divine beings often speak using plural pronouns, even when referring to themselves alone. This usage is considered a form of self-reference and linguistic convention in ancient Semitic languages.
It is important to note that these interpretations are not mutually exclusive and can be understood in harmony with one another.
While the precise meaning of the plural pronouns in Genesis 1:26 remains a topic of scholarly debate, the overarching theme of the passage — that humans are created in the image of God —remains central across all interpretations.
What Is the Meaning of When God Said, 'Let Us Make Man in Our Own Image'?
The statement “Let us make man in our own image” in Genesis 1:26 is a profound declaration about the nature and significance of human beings. Understanding its meaning gives some key insights.
Being made in the image of God means that humans possess qualities that reflect aspects of God's character and nature.
While the exact nature of this image has been subject to theological debate, it encompasses attributes such as rationality, creativity, moral agency, and the capacity for relationships. Humans, in their unique way, mirror the relational, creative, and moral attributes of God.
The image of God in humans conveys their inherent dignity and worth. It establishes the foundation for recognizing and upholding the value of every human life.
Regardless of age, gender, race, or social status, every person possesses intrinsic worth because they are created in God's image. This understanding forms the basis for human rights, justice, and the call to treat others with respect and compassion.
Being created in God's image sets humans apart from the rest of creation and establishes the potential for a relationship with their Creator. Humans have the capacity to know God, to commune with Him, and to experience a spiritual connection.
This relational aspect speaks to the longing of the human soul for a deeper connection with the divine and opens the door to seeking and experiencing a personal relationship with God.
The image of God in humans entails a moral responsibility to reflect God's character in their actions and choices.
It implies the capacity to discern right from wrong, exercise moral agency, and participate in the unfolding of God's purposes on earth. Humans are called to live according to God's moral standards and to act justly, lovingly, and righteously.
Being made in the image of God also implies the responsibility to steward and care for the earth and its resources.
Humans are entrusted with the task of overseeing creation, exercising wise dominion, and cultivating its potential for the benefit of all living beings. This stewardship role involves both responsible care and accountable use of the earth's resources.
The New Testament reveals that Jesus Christ is the ultimate expression of the image of God. Colossians 1:15 describes Christ as the "image of the invisible God," indicating that He perfectly embodies and reveals the nature of God to humanity.
Through faith in Christ, believers are transformed into His likeness, enabling them to more fully reflect the image of God.
What Are Important Lessons for Us Today?
The understanding that human beings are made in the image of God carries significant lessons and implications for us today. Here are some important lessons.
1. Inherent human dignity. The truth that we are made in the image of God affirms the inherent dignity and worth of every human being.
This understanding compels us to value and respect all individuals, regardless of their differences or circumstances. It calls us to reject discrimination, prejudice, and injustice, and to champion the rights and well-being of every person.
2. Universal equality. The image of God in humanity teaches us that all individuals are equal before God and breaks down societal divisions and hierarchies based on race, gender, social status, or any other human construct. The equality of all people challenges us to treat others with fairness, equity, and impartiality.
3. Compassion and empathy. The truth of our God's image prompts us to see others as fellow bearers of the divine image, to recognize their inherent worth, and to respond with kindness, empathy, and love.
This perspective enables us to extend grace, forgiveness, and support to those in need, promoting healing and reconciliation in our relationships and communities.
4Stewardship of creation. Recognizing our role as stewards of the earth compels us to be mindful of our impact on the environment and to make choices that promote sustainable practices, conservation, and the well-being of the planet.
5. Identity and purpose. Embracing the truth that we are made in the image of God helps us understand our identity and purpose.
It affirms that we are created with intentionality and design, with unique gifts, talents, and abilities. This understanding encourages us to discover and utilize our gifts to fulfill our God-given purpose, contributing to the flourishing of others and the world around us.
Being made in the image of God holds powerful lessons for us today, calling us to treat all as equals, to love our neighbor, and seek a relationship with God that redeems and restores us to our purpose.
For further reading:
How Are We Made in the Image of God?
What Does 'Imago Dei' Mean? The Image of God in the Bible
What Happened on the 7 Days of Creation?
Photo Credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/DisobeyArt
