Genesis 1:26-28a in Hebrew - "Let US make man in OUR image..." - Print

The interpretation of Genesis 1:26 has been a topic of extensive theological debate. In this verse, God uses plural pronouns when He says “Let US make man in OUR own image, after OUR own likeness…”

My own view is leaning towards the view that God is speaking to His heavenly court or divine council of angels, and while these angels do not assist in creation, their presence underscores the significant importance of the creation of humanity. I also view this verse as a hint to God’s complex unity of ONE.

There is no single consensus on Genesis 1:26, as interpretations vary widely based on theological, linguistic, and historical considerations. Each interpretation seeks to address the complexity and richness of the biblical text, but the consensus among biblical scholars, both Christian and Jewish, is that humans are created by God in the image and likeness of God. This creation in God’s image is central to understanding human nature, purpose, and destiny.

The important takeaway from Genesis 1:26-28a is that it is only when we fulfill the creative purpose of God (the reason for which He created us), only then are we going to be reflecting the image of God and manifest His glory.

The word “כדמותנו” in Hebrew, kee-d/moo/TEH/noo, “in our LIKENESS” is a behavior word, which means that by being created after the likeness of God, we are to behave or act like Him according to His purpose.

The word “Adam” “אדם” here, ah/DA-M, is plural for both male & female, or in other words it means “humanity”. God gives humanity authority and power over the animals and the earth, but this authority can only apply when we reflect and act in God’s likeness.

If we do not fulfill our creative purpose, we lack this power and authority, and therefore allow the enemy to come in and cause chaos and destruction in the world.

Verse 28 begins with “And God BLESSED them…” This tells us that right from the beginning, God’s intention for humanity was to bless us. This is the first of many verses throughout the Bible, when God repeatedly tells us that it is only when we act and behave in fulfillment of His creative purpose for us, according to His likeness, that we can receive His blessings.

“And God said, ‘Let Us make man in OUR own image, after Our own likeness! And let them rule over the fish of the sea, and over the birds of the sky, and over the livestock, and over the earth, and over all the crawling creatures that crawl over the earth.’ So, God created humankind in His own image, in the image of God He created him, male and female He created them. And God blessed them…”
- Genesis 1:26-28a, TLV/ESV