Primary Study
Grafted Bible Dictionary
Definition
The Image of God describes humanity's unique earth, life, humanity, and ordered world into existence.">creation to represent God within the created world.
Genesis 1:26–27 applies this identity to both male and female.
Genesis 1:26–27 applies this identity to both male and female.
Creation
God declares:
"Let Us make man in Our image, after Our likeness."
Humanity is then commissioned to exercise dominion over earth, life, humanity, and ordered world into existence.">creation.
"Let Us make man in Our image, after Our likeness."
Humanity is then commissioned to exercise dominion over earth, life, humanity, and ordered world into existence.">creation.
Ancient Context
In ancient cultures, an image could represent the authority or presence of a king or deity.
Genesis radically applies royal image-bearing language to humanity broadly rather than merely to kings.
Genesis radically applies royal image-bearing language to humanity broadly rather than merely to kings.
Human Dignity
The image of God provides an important basis for human value.
Genesis 9:6 appeals to God's image in connection with the prohibition against murder.
Genesis 9:6 appeals to God's image in connection with the prohibition against murder.
Sin
The fall damages humanity's vocation but does not erase the basic image-bearing status.
Messiah
New Creation
Restoration includes renewed human image-bearing under Messiah.