So God created man in His own image;This phrase emphasizes the unique status of humanity in creation. Unlike other creatures, humans are made in the "image" of God, suggesting a special relationship and responsibility. The concept of being made in God's image implies attributes such as rationality, morality, and the ability to have a relationship with God. This sets the foundation for the inherent dignity and worth of every human being. Theologically, this reflects the idea of humans as representatives of God's authority on earth, tasked with stewardship over creation (
Genesis 1:28). The phrase also connects to the New Testament, where believers are called to be conformed to the image of Christ (
Romans 8:29), indicating a restoration of this original image marred by sin.
in the image of God He created him;
Repetition here underscores the importance of the concept. The singular "him" can be seen as a collective noun, representing humanity as a whole. This phrase reinforces the idea that every individual bears God's image, regardless of gender, race, or status. Historically, this understanding has been foundational for concepts of human rights and equality. Theologically, it points to the relational aspect of God, as humans are created to live in community, reflecting the relational nature of the Trinity. This also prefigures the incarnation of Christ, who is described as the "image of the invisible God" (Colossians 1:15), perfectly embodying what it means to be made in God's image.
male and female He created them.
This phrase highlights the intentional creation of gender, affirming both male and female as integral to God's design. It establishes the equality and complementarity of the sexes, each reflecting God's image in unique ways. Culturally, this was a radical affirmation in ancient times, where women often had lesser status. Theologically, it underscores the importance of relationships and community, as seen in the subsequent narrative of Adam and Eve (Genesis 2:18-24). This also foreshadows the unity and diversity within the body of Christ, where there is neither male nor female, but all are one in Christ Jesus (Galatians 3:28). The creation of male and female also points to the future union of Christ and the Church, as described inEphesians 5:31-32.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
GodThe Creator, who is sovereign and omnipotent, responsible for the creation of humanity.
2.
Man (Humanity)Refers to both male and female, created in the image of God, signifying the unique and special place of humans in creation.
3.
CreationThe act of God bringing the universe and all life into existence, with humanity as the pinnacle of His creative work.
Teaching Points
The Imago Dei (Image of God)Humanity's creation in God's image signifies inherent dignity and worth.
This concept calls for respect and honor towards all people, regardless of differences.
Gender and EqualityThe creation of both male and female in God's image establishes the foundation for gender equality.
It challenges cultural norms that devalue or discriminate based on gender.
Purpose and ResponsibilityBeing made in God's image implies a purpose to reflect His character and attributes.
It includes a responsibility to steward creation and live in a way that honors God.
Identity and ValueOur identity is rooted in being God's image-bearers, not in societal status or achievements.
This truth provides a foundation for self-worth and combats feelings of inadequacy.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Genesis 1:27?
2.How does Genesis 1:27 shape our understanding of human identity and purpose?
3.What does "created in His own image" imply about our relationship with God?
4.How can we reflect God's image in our daily interactions with others?
5.How does Genesis 1:27 connect with the concept of stewardship in Genesis 2?
6.In what ways can we honor God's creation of "male and female" today?
7.How does Genesis 1:27 define the concept of being made in God's image?
8.What implications does Genesis 1:27 have for understanding human dignity and worth?
9.How does Genesis 1:27 influence the Christian view on gender and identity?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Genesis 1?
11.Are genders equal in rights and opportunities?
12.Are humans inherently good at birth?
13.Are white supremacists considered Christian?
14.Were you assigned the wrong gender at birth?What Does Genesis 1:27 Mean
So God created man• The verse opens with a clear, matter-of-fact statement: “So God created man.” Creation is not random or evolutionary happenstance; it is a deliberate act of the sovereign Creator (Genesis 2:7;Psalm 100:3).
• Only God has the authority and power to bring life from nothing (Acts 17:24-26;Colossians 1:16).
• Because we are created, we are accountable to the One who formed us (Psalm 95:6-7).
in His own image• Being fashioned “in His own image” means humanity uniquely reflects God’s character and moral nature (Genesis 1:26).
• This likeness sets people apart from animals and angels, granting inherent worth and purpose (Psalm 8:4-6;James 3:9).
• It includes capacities such as rational thought, creativity, stewardship, and the ability to relate personally to God and one another (Ephesians 4:24).
in the image of God He created him• The phrase is repeated for emphasis, underscoring that every individual bears God’s imprint (Genesis 5:1-2).
• Because each person is stamped with divine dignity, human life must be protected and valued (Genesis 9:6;Proverbs 14:31).
• Our identity and destiny flow from this truth, calling us to mirror God’s holiness and love (1 Peter 1:15-16).
male and female He created them• God intentionally designed two complementary sexes, both fully bearing His image (Matthew 19:4-6).
• Gender is not a social accident but a purposeful gift, forming the foundation for marriage and family (Genesis 2:18, 22-24;Mark 10:6-9).
• Male and female together portray aspects of God’s relational nature, working in partnership to steward creation (Ephesians 5:31-33).
summaryGenesis 1:27 declares that every human being is a direct, intentional creation of God, uniquely bearing His image and endowed with dignity, purpose, and responsibility. The verse affirms the equal worth of both sexes and establishes the divine pattern for human identity, relationships, and stewardship under our Creator’s loving authority.
(27)
Created.--This significant verb is thrice repeated with reference to man. It indicates, first, that man has that in him which was not a development or evolution, but something new. He is, in fact, the most perfect work of the creative energy, and differs from the animals not only in degree, but in kind, though possessing, in common with them, an organised body. And next, it indicates the rejoicing of the Deity at the completion of His purpose.
Verse 27. -
So (or and)
God created (
bars, as in vers. 1, 21, q.v.)
man (literally; the Adam referred to in ver. 26)
in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. The threefold repetition of the term "created" should be observed as a significant negation of modern evolution theories as to the descent of man, and an emphatic proclamation of his Divine
original. The threefold parallelism of the members of this verse is likewise suggestive, as Umbreit, Ewald, and Delitzsch remark, of the jubilation with which the writer contemplates the crowning work of Elohim's creative word. Murphy notices two stages in man's creation, the general fact being stated in the first clause of this triumphal song, and the two particulars - first his relation to his Maker, and second his sexual distinction - in its other members. In the third clause Luther sees an intimation "that the woman also was created by God, and made a partaker of the Divine image, and of dominion over all."
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
So Godאֱלֹהִ֤ים ׀(’ĕ·lō·hîm)Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 430:gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlativecreatedוַיִּבְרָ֨א(way·yiḇ·rā)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1254:To create, to cut down, select, feedmanהָֽאָדָם֙(hā·’ā·ḏām)Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 120:Ruddy, a human beingin His [own] image;בְּצַלְמ֔וֹ(bə·ṣal·mōw)Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 6754:A phantom, illusion, resemblance, a representative figure, an idolin the imageבְּצֶ֥לֶם(bə·ṣe·lem)Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 6754:A phantom, illusion, resemblance, a representative figure, an idolof Godאֱלֹהִ֖ים(’ĕ·lō·hîm)Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 430:gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlativeHe createdבָּרָ֣א(bā·rā)Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1254:To create, to cut down, select, feedhim;אֹת֑וֹ(’ō·ṯōw)Direct object marker | third person masculine singular
Strong's 853:Untranslatable mark of the accusative casemaleזָכָ֥ר(zā·ḵār)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2145:Remembered, a maleand femaleוּנְקֵבָ֖ה(ū·nə·qê·ḇāh)Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 5347:A femaleHe createdבָּרָ֥א(bā·rā)Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1254:To create, to cut down, select, feedthem.אֹתָֽם׃(’ō·ṯām)Direct object marker | third person masculine plural
Strong's 853:Untranslatable mark of the accusative case
Links
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OT Law: Genesis 1:27 God created man in his own image (Gen. Ge Gn) 
