What Command Did God Give Adam and Eve Regarding the Earth?
In the creation accounts recorded in Genesis 1 and 2, God not only creates the first humans—Adam and Eve—but also gives them specific responsibilities concerning the earth. These commands define humanity’s purpose, authority, and relationship with the natural world. They remain some of the most foundational teachings about human duty in the Bible.
1. The Command in Genesis 1:28 – A Blessing and a Responsibility
After creating human beings, the Bible says:
“God blessed them and said to them, ‘Be fruitful and multiply, fill the earth and subdue it; and have dominion over the fish of the sea, the birds of the sky, and every living creature.’”
— Genesis 1:28
This verse contains four major commands:
✔ 1. Be fruitful
God commanded Adam and Eve to have children and continue human life.
✔ 2. Multiply
They were to grow the human family, increasing the number of people on earth.
✔ 3. Fill the earth
Human beings were meant to spread across the whole planet, not remain in one place.
✔ 4. Subdue it and have dominion
This refers to managing, guiding, and governing creation—not in a destructive way, but as responsible caretakers.
These commands form what many scholars call “The Cultural Mandate”—God’s instructions for human life and society.
2. Understanding “Subdue” and “Have Dominion”
These two words are often misunderstood. They do not mean humans should destroy or exploit nature. Instead, they describe:
• Stewardship
Humans act as managers, caring for earth’s resources wisely.
• Order and responsibility
Adam and Eve were expected to bring structure, cultivate the land, and use creation for good purposes.
• Leadership
Dominion means authority, but authority mixed with care—just as God rules creation with wisdom and compassion.
God gave humans the highest role within creation, but not the freedom to misuse it.
3. The Command in Genesis 2:15 – Care for the Garden
Another command appears in the second creation account:
“The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.”
— Genesis 2:15
This adds two more responsibilities:
✔ Work the garden
Adam was to cultivate, plant, grow, and develop the land.
✔ Take care of it
He was to protect, maintain, and preserve its beauty and productivity.
This shows that work is not a punishment—it is part of God’s plan for human purpose and fulfillment.
4. Together, Adam and Eve Were to Be Earth’s First Caretakers
When we combine Genesis 1 and 2, we see a full picture of humanity’s role:
What God Commanded Them to Do
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Multiply and build families
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Spread across the world
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Govern creation responsibly
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Cultivate the land
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Protect the environment
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Use nature for good, not for harm
In other words, they were to be God’s representatives on earth.
5. Why God Gave These Commands
These commands show that God intended humans to:
• Participate in His creation
God did not leave the world static—He called humans to develop it.
• Build culture and society
Family, farming, cities, learning, art, and civilization all begin with this command.
• Reflect His character
Just as God orders and cares for creation, humans were to do the same.
• Live in harmony with nature
Humans were meant to rule with wisdom, not destruction.
6. These Commands Apply to All Humanity
Although Adam and Eve were the first recipients, this calling extends to all people:
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Every person has value and purpose
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Every person contributes to caring for the world
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Every generation carries the responsibility of stewardship
This is why Christians view caring for the earth—preventing harm, nurturing life, protecting animals, and using resources responsibly—as part of God’s original plan.
7. A Summary of the Command God Gave Adam and Eve
God commanded them to:
✔ Be fruitful
✔ Multiply
✔ Fill the earth
✔ Subdue the earth
✔ Rule over living creatures
✔ Work the garden
✔ Take care of the environment
Together, these commands describe humanity’s God-given mission:
to live, grow, create, and care for the world that God made.
Conclusion
The command God gave Adam and Eve was both a blessing and a responsibility. He entrusted the earth to human hands. They were to develop the world and care for it, reflecting God’s wisdom and goodness. These responsibilities still guide how people think about work, family, leadership, and stewardship today.