Biblical dominion refers to the authority and responsibility given by God to humanity to govern and steward creation, as outlined in Genesis 1:26-28, where humans are instructed to “have dominion” over the earth and its creatures. It emphasizes a role of stewardship rather than exploitation, reflecting God’s sovereignty and intention for a harmonious relationship with the created world.
Scripture
26 Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.”
27 So God created man in his own image,
in the image of God he created him;
male and female he created them.
28 And God blessed them. And God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it, and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth.”
Biblical Definition of Dominion
The concept of biblical dominion encompasses the God-given authority and responsibility humanity has over the earth and its inhabitants, as established in Genesis 1:26-28. In this foundational passage, God creates humankind in His image and commands them to “be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it,” indicating that dominion is not merely about power but entails stewardship. This notion of rulership aligns with a biblical understanding of authority, which is rooted in service and care rather than domination or exploitation. As seen in Psalm 8:6, where it states, “You have given them dominion over the works of your hands; you have put all things under their feet,” the scriptural portrayal of dominion also reflects a divine trust placed in humanity to act as caretakers of creation.
Furthermore, this stewardship role carries ethical implications, resonating throughout other biblical texts, such as Leviticus 25:23-24, which emphasizes God’s ownership of the land and the call for justice and care for the vulnerable among creation. The command in Genesis is not only about exercising authority but also about fostering a harmonious relationship with nature, reflecting God’s intentions for creation to flourish in balance. The New Testament, particularly in Matthew 25:14-30 (the Parable of the Talents), reinforces this idea by encouraging responsible use of entrusted resources, suggesting that dominion includes cultivating what God has provided. Thus, biblical dominion invites humanity into a collaborative partnership with God, urging us to promote the well-being of all creation—an extension of God’s own nature, characterized by love, justice, and stewardship.
The theme of biblical dominion is further echoed in the New Testament, particularly through the teachings of Jesus and the principles found in His parables. The narrative of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) illustrates the call to love and care for our neighbors, reinforcing the idea that dominion is not a solitary exercise of authority but a communal responsibility. This parable exemplifies how dominion encompasses the concept of mercy and compassion, urging believers to connect their stewardship to ethical action—caring for others as an essential component of exercising authority over creation.
In addition, the Acts of the Apostles offer insight into community life among early believers, where the practice of sharing resources highlights another dimension of biblical dominion. Believers came together, sharing their possessions and ensuring that none among them were in need (Acts 2:44-47). This collective stewardship reinforces a vision of dominion that aims at equity and care, suggesting that authority in God’s creation should manifest as an expression of love towards one another. Altogether, these scriptural examples reveal that true dominion, as understood within the biblical framework, transcends mere control over the earth intricacies; it is a call to cultivate a thriving, just, and interconnected community reflective of God’s character throughout creation.
Stewardship and Responsibility
Biblical dominion emphasizes the concept of stewardship, where humans are entrusted with the care and management of creation. This responsibility involves not only the use of resources but also the protection and preservation of the environment and all living beings. It reflects a divine mandate to nurture and sustain the world, recognizing that humans are accountable to God for how they exercise this dominion.
Authority and Leadership
Another broader meaning of biblical dominion relates to the authority and leadership that individuals are called to exercise within their spheres of influence. This includes guiding others, making wise decisions, and fostering a community that reflects God’s values. It underscores the idea that dominion is not about domination or exploitation, but rather about serving others and leading with integrity and compassion.
Relationship with Creation
Biblical dominion also highlights the intrinsic relationship between humanity and creation. It suggests that dominion is not a unilateral exercise of power but a relational dynamic that acknowledges the interconnectedness of all life. This perspective encourages a harmonious existence with nature, promoting a sense of respect and reverence for the created order, and recognizing that all creation is ultimately under God’s authority.
How to Embrace Stewardship and Authority in Faith
Embracing stewardship and authority in your faith journey is about recognizing the profound responsibility we have as caretakers of God’s creation and His teachings. It starts with understanding that everything we have—our time, talents, and resources—are gifts from God, meant to be used for His glory and the betterment of others. As you cultivate a heart of stewardship, consider how you can serve your community, whether through volunteering, sharing your skills, or simply being a source of encouragement to those around you. Authority in faith doesn’t mean wielding power over others; rather, it’s about leading by example, embodying Christ’s love and humility in your actions. Pray for wisdom and guidance, and seek opportunities to mentor or support others in their spiritual growth. Remember, true authority comes from a place of service, and as you embrace this dual calling, you’ll find a deeper connection to your faith and a more profound impact on the world around you.
Bible References to Biblical Dominion:
Psalm 8:4-8: 4 what is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him?
5 Yet you have made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor.
6 You have given him dominion over the works of your hands; you have put all things under his feet.
7 You have given him dominion over the works of your hands; you have put all things under his feet.
8 the birds of the heavens, and the fish of the sea, whatever passes along the paths of the seas.
Genesis 9:1-3: 1 And God blessed Noah and his sons and said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth.
2 The fear of you and the dread of you shall be upon every beast of the earth and upon every bird of the heavens, upon everything that creeps on the ground and all the fish of the sea. Into your hand they are delivered.
3 Every moving thing that lives shall be food for you. And as I gave you the green plants, I give you everything.
Psalm 115:16: 16 The heavens are the Lord’s heavens, but the earth he has given to the children of man.
Daniel 7:13-14: 13 I saw in the night visions, and behold, with the clouds of heaven there came one like a son of man, and he came to the Ancient of Days and was presented before him.
14 And to him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve him; his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom one that shall not be destroyed.
Matthew 28:18-20: 18 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.
19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.
Romans 6:12-14: 12 Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, to make you obey its passions.
13 Do not present your members to sin as instruments for unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and your members to God as instruments for righteousness.
14 For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace.
1 Corinthians 15:24-28: 24 Then comes the end, when he delivers the kingdom to God the Father after destroying every rule and every authority and power.
25 For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet.
26 The last enemy to be destroyed is death.
27 For “God has put all things in subjection under his feet.” But when it says, “all things are put in subjection,” it is plain that he is excepted who put all things in subjection under him.
28 When all things are subjected to him, then the Son himself will also be subjected to him who put all things in subjection under him, that God may be all in all.
Ephesians 1:19-23: 19 and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might
20 that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places,
21 far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come.
22 And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church,
23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.
Colossians 1:15-20: 15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation.
16 For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him.
17 And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.
18 And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent.
19 For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell,
20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.
Hebrews 2:5-9: 5 For it was not to angels that God subjected the world to come, of which we are speaking.
6 It has been testified somewhere, “What is man, that you are mindful of him, or the son of man, that you care for him?
7 You made him for a little while lower than the angels; you have crowned him with glory and honor,
5 For it was not to angels that God subjected the world to come, of which we are speaking.
9 But we see him who for a little while was made lower than the angels, namely Jesus, crowned with glory and honor because of the suffering of death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone.
Revelation 5:9-10: 9 And they sang a new song, saying, “Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation,
10 and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on the earth.”
Revelation 20:4-6: 4 Then I saw thrones, and seated on them were those to whom the authority to judge was committed. Also I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for the testimony of Jesus and for the word of God, and those who had not worshiped the beast or its image and had not received its mark on their foreheads or their hands. They came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years.
5 The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were ended. This is the first resurrection.
6 Blessed and holy is the one who shares in the first resurrection! Over such the second death has no power, but they will be priests of God and of Christ, and they will reign with him for a thousand years.
Rev. François Dupont is a dedicated church minister with a wealth of experience in serving spiritual communities. With a calm and serene demeanor, he has been devoted to sharing the message of love, compassion, and tolerance for over two decades. Through his thoughtful sermons, compassionate counseling, and unwavering support, Rev. Dupont has touched the lives of countless individuals, allowing them to find solace and strength during difficult times. His serene presence and deep understanding of the human condition make him a trusted guide for those seeking spiritual nourishment and guidance.