How Did God Give Humans Dominion Over the Earth?
The concept of human dominion is rooted in the opening chapters of Genesis, where God defines humanity’s identity, purpose, and role within creation. Far from a license for exploitation, biblical dominion is a calling to steward, cultivate, and govern the earth under God’s authority. Understanding how God gave dominion reveals both human dignity and human responsibility.
1. Dominion Begins with Creation in God’s Image
Genesis 1:26–27 is the foundation:
“Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion…”
God granted dominion because humans bear His image. Being in God’s image means:
1.1. Humans Reflect God’s Character
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God is rational, moral, creative, and relational; humans reflect these traits.
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Dominion flows naturally from this reflection—humans are designed to rule like God rules: with wisdom, justice, and compassion.
1.2. Humans Represent God on Earth
In the ancient world, kings placed images of themselves in distant lands to represent their authority.
Likewise, God “places” humanity in His creation to represent His reign.
1.3. Dominion Is Derived, Not Independent
Human authority is never autonomous.
It is a delegated authority, exercised under God’s ultimate sovereignty.
Thus God, as Creator-King, shares His rule with humanity.
2. God Explicitly Commands Humans to Rule
God not only declares humanity’s dominion; He commands it in Genesis 1:28:
“Be fruitful and multiply, fill the earth, and subdue it; and have dominion…”
This mandate contains several key actions:
2.1. “Be fruitful and multiply”
Humans are given the responsibility to populate the earth.
A growing human family is essential for exercising global stewardship.
2.2. “Fill the earth”
God intended humans to spread out, explore, inhabit, and cultivate the entire world—not remain in one place.
2.3. “Subdue it” (Hebrew: kavash)
The term implies ordering, harnessing, and developing creation’s potential.
This includes:
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Farming the land
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Building societies
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Taming the environment
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Establishing culture and civilization
It does not mean destroying or abusing creation; rather, it is a call to shape it productively.
2.4. “Have dominion” (Hebrew: radah)
This refers to governing like a shepherd-king—guiding, protecting, and overseeing.
God gives humans authority over:
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animals
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land
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ecosystems
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resources
But always as caretakers, not tyrants.
3. Dominion Is Linked to Work and Responsibility
Genesis 2 gives practical detail about how dominion is lived out.
3.1. Humanity Was Placed in the Garden to Work
God puts Adam in the garden:
“to work it and take care of it” (Genesis 2:15)
This shows dominion involves:
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cultivation
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protection
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management
Work is not a result of sin—it is part of God’s original design.
3.2. Adam Names the Animals
Naming in Scripture implies authority and understanding.
When Adam names every living creature (Genesis 2:19–20), he participates in God’s rule by categorizing and organizing creation.
4. Dominion Is Balanced by Provision and Boundaries
God provides food from plants and fruit (Genesis 1:29), showing that humans are dependent on creation even as they rule over it.
Dominion is not domination; it is stewardship within God-set boundaries.
4.1. God Owns the Earth
Psalm 24:1 declares:
“The earth is the Lord’s…”
Humans are caretakers, not owners.
Dominion is therefore accountable.
4.2. Dominion Is Guided by God’s Moral Law
In Genesis 2:16–17, God gives the first command—not to eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.
This shows dominion must operate under obedience.
5. Dominion Includes Relationship and Community
God creates male and female (Genesis 1:27), emphasizing that dominion is a joint human calling, not something given to one gender or class.
5.1. Humans Rule Together
Dominion belongs to humanity collectively.
No one person is meant to rule alone.
5.2. Dominion Extends Through Generations
The command to “multiply” means dominion is ongoing—a continuing mission passed to every generation.
6. Sin Distorted Dominion, But Did Not Remove It
Though sin twisted human rule toward exploitation and selfishness (Genesis 3), God never revoked humanity’s dominion.
6.1. After the Flood, God Reaffirms Dominion
In Genesis 9:1–3, God repeats the creation mandate to Noah:
“Be fruitful and multiply… everything that lives… is given into your hands.”
This shows dominion remains a central identity of humanity.
7. Dominion Ultimately Points to Christ
The New Testament reveals that Jesus, the “last Adam,” perfectly fulfills humanity’s calling to rule.
7.1. Christ Exercises Perfect Dominion
Psalm 8 speaks of humanity’s intended glory, but Hebrews 2 explains that Jesus is the One who fully restores it.
7.2. Believers Share in Christ’s Restored Rule
Through Christ, humanity’s damaged dominion is healed and ultimately completed in the new creation.
Conclusion: Dominion as a Sacred Trust
God gave humans dominion over the earth:
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as image-bearers uniquely reflecting His character
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through explicit commands to rule, subdue, and cultivate
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by assigning work, responsibility, and stewardship
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within moral and relational boundaries
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for all humanity across generations
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and ultimately through Christ, who restores true dominion
Dominion is therefore not mere authority—it is a sacred calling:
to rule the earth as God would, for His glory and creation’s good.