Why Is Humanity Called “Very Good”?
In the creation account of Genesis, after God creates humans, He declares:
“And God saw everything that He had made, and behold, it was very good.” (Genesis 1:31)
This declaration is the culmination of the six-day creation, and it is especially significant for humanity. Being called “very good” highlights the special nature of humans, their unique role in creation, and God’s intentions for them. It is not merely aesthetic praise but a theological statement about human nature, purpose, and relationship with God.
1. Humanity Is Made in God’s Image
Genesis 1:26–27 emphasizes:
“Then God said, ‘Let Us make man in Our image, after Our likeness…’”
Implications:
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Humans reflect God’s character, including rationality, creativity, morality, and relationality.
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Being made in God’s image distinguishes humanity from all other creatures, making them inherently valuable and good.
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This image-bearing capacity is part of why humanity is declared “very good”—they can reflect God’s glory in ways no other creation can.
The “very good” designation affirms human dignity and divine purpose.
2. Humanity Is the Pinnacle of Creation
Genesis 1 shows a deliberate sequence:
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God forms environments (light/dark, sky, land).
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God fills those environments (sun, moon, plants, animals).
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God creates humans to rule over and care for creation.
Humans are called “very good” because they are the climax of creation, entrusted with stewardship over the earth. Their goodness is relational and functional:
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They have authority over animals (Genesis 1:28).
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They are caretakers of creation, reflecting God’s order.
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Their intellect, creativity, and moral capacity allow them to fulfill God’s purposes fully.
3. Humanity Is Designed for Relationship
God’s goodness is revealed in the relational design of humans:
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Humans are made male and female, for companionship (Genesis 1:27; 2:18–25).
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They are designed to relate to God, communicate with Him, and live in fellowship.
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They can participate in God’s creative work, such as cultivating the earth.
The relational aspect underscores why humanity is “very good”: humans are created for community, partnership, and divine fellowship.
4. Humanity’s Moral and Spiritual Capacity
Humans possess moral discernment, creativity, and the capacity for worship:
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They can choose obedience or disobedience (Genesis 2:16–17).
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They can exercise stewardship responsibly.
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They are capable of reflecting God’s holiness in thought, word, and action.
This moral and spiritual dimension elevates humans above other creatures and contributes to the “very good” assessment.
5. Humanity Integrates and Completes Creation
The phrase “very good” (Hebrew: tov me’od) is used at the end of the sixth day, signaling completion and harmony:
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Humans complete the created order by bridging the natural and spiritual realms.
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Their existence brings balance, order, and purpose to creation.
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They embody the relationship between Creator and creation, connecting life, purpose, and divine intention.
Without humans, creation is ordered but lacks relational and moral reflection of God’s image.
6. Humanity Reflects God’s Intentionality
Genesis repeatedly emphasizes that God’s creation is intentional and purposeful. Declaring humans “very good” signals that:
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God’s design for humanity is complete and successful.
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Humans fulfill the intended purpose of creation: to reflect God, govern creation wisely, and thrive.
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The declaration contrasts with the neutral goodness of other creatures, highlighting the unique role of humanity in creation.
7. Humanity’s Goodness Is Not Dependent on Perfection
Being called “very good” does not mean humans are flawless or immune to sin. At creation:
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Humans were innocent, morally capable, and aligned with God’s design.
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Their goodness lies in potential and purpose, not in achievements or moral perfection.
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God’s assessment emphasizes God’s delight in humanity and their intended role, rather than human performance.
8. Theological Implications
Declaring humanity “very good” teaches several key lessons:
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Dignity: Every person has intrinsic value because they bear God’s image.
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Purpose: Humans are created to exercise stewardship, creativity, and relationality.
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Responsibility: Being very good implies accountability in living according to God’s design.
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Relationship: Humans are called to fellowship with God and with each other.
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Redemption: The “very good” status foreshadows the restoration of humanity through Christ after the fall (Romans 8:29).
Conclusion: Humanity Is “Very Good” Because of God’s Design and Purpose
Genesis teaches that humanity is called “very good” because:
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Humans are made in the image of God, reflecting His character.
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They are the culmination of creation, entrusted with dominion and stewardship.
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Humans are relational beings, designed for fellowship with God and each other.
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Their moral and spiritual capacity allows them to participate in God’s creative and redemptive work.
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Their existence integrates, completes, and glorifies creation, fulfilling God’s intentional design.
The declaration affirms that human life is inherently valuable, purposeful, and designed to reflect God’s glory, setting humanity apart in creation and providing the foundation for the biblical understanding of dignity, responsibility, and vocation.