Genesis 1:28
And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.
Genesis 1:28 · King James Version
Meaning
Genesis 1:28 is a crucial verse in the Bible where God blesses humankind and gives them instructions on how to steward the earth. The verse emphasizes the importance of being fruitful, multiplying, and replenishing the earth, indicating God's desire for humanity to grow and thrive. It also highlights the responsibility humans have been given to care for the earth and all its inhabitants. The command to subdue the earth and have dominion over all living creatures emphasizes the role of humans as caretakers of God's creation, with the responsibility to protect and nurture it. This verse serves as a reminder of the partnership between humans and God in the preservation and sustainability of the earth.
Theological Overview
Genesis 1:28 is a foundational verse in the Bible where God blesses humanity and charges them with a significant role in the created order. The theological interpretation of this verse emphasizes God's authority as the creator and sustainer of all things, giving humans the responsibility to be stewards of the earth. The command to "be fruitful and multiply" highlights the sanctity of life and the importance of procreation in God's plan. The phrase "replenish the earth" can also be understood as a call to responsibly fill and care for the earth's resources. Additionally, the directive to "subdue" and "have dominion over" the earth does not give humans free rein to exploit the planet, but rather emphasizes the need for wise and compassionate rule over creation. Word studies on terms like "subdue" and "dominion" reveal nuances of ancient Hebrew understanding that invite us to see our role as caretakers. Overall, Genesis 1:28 highlights the partnership between humans and God in tending to and protecting the world in which we dwell.
Genesis 1:28 in other translations
American Standard Version
And God blessed them: and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish 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 moveth upon the earth.
World English Bible
God blessed them. God said to them, “Be fruitful, multiply, fill the earth, and subdue it. Have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the sky, and over every living thing that moves on the earth.”
Douay-Rheims
And God blessed them, saying: Increase and multiply, and fill the earth, and subdue it, and rule over the fishes of the sea, and the fowls of the air, and all living creatures that move upon the earth.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And God blessed them, and God said to them, Bring forth fruite and multiplie, and fill the earth, and subdue it, and rule ouer the fish of the sea, and ouer the foule of the heauen, and ouer euery beast that moueth vpon the earth.