Why Study the Image of God?
Few biblical phrases carry the theological and ethical weight of the Image of God. For millennia, this concept has defined human dignity, shaped social ethics, and anchored theological reflection on who we are and why we exist.
Unlike the surrounding Ancient Near Eastern cultures, which limited "image-bearing" to kings or statues, Genesis presents a radical vision: every human being is God's living image, entrusted with divine vocation.
This study integrates substantive, relational, and functional perspectives, but places emphasis on the vocational and functional aspect of the image. The Bible's story presents humans as partners with God: to cultivate, steward, and extend His life-giving order—not as passive bystanders, but as active co-creators in expanding the garden project.
Psalm 8: Humanity's Astonishing Dignity
Psalm 8 echoes Genesis 1 but with heightened awe. The psalmist marvels that dirt-creatures, fragile and small, are entrusted with glory and royal stewardship. This text anchors the Image of God theme by reminding us that our task is not passive worship or bystanding, but active participation in God's project of ruling and cultivating creation.
Reception History
Core Theological Concepts
Contemporary Perspectives
Beyond the Bystander Narrative
The Image of God isn't about passive worship but active partnership. Glorifying God is the result of imaging, not the purpose. As discussed in recent theological explorations, humans aren't meant to be mere bystanders praising God, but co-creators participating in the expansion of God's good creation.
Work as Sacred Vocation
Every human activity—from business to gardening—falls under the divine mandate to image God. This transforms mundane work into sacred participation in God's ongoing creative project. "Whether you eat or drink, whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God" (1 Cor 10:31).
Explore the Study
Biblical Anchor Texts
Several passages anchor the study of the image across Scripture:
- Genesis 1:26–28 — Humanity created as God's image, commissioned with fivefold mandate.
- Genesis 2:7, 15 — Humanity formed from dust, animated by divine breath, placed in Eden to "serve and guard."
- Psalm 8:4–6 — Humans crowned with glory and honor, ruling over creation.
- Genesis 9:6 — Violence against the image desecrates tselem; grounds prohibition of murder.
- Exodus 19:5–6 — Israel called to be a kingdom of priests.
- 1 Corinthians 10:31 — "Whether you eat or drink, do it all for the glory of God."
- Colossians 1:15 — Christ as the true Image, firstborn over all creation.
- 2 Corinthians 3:18; Ephesians 4:24; Colossians 3:10 — The Image restored and renewed in Christ's followers.
Ancient Near Eastern Context (Preview)
In Surrounding Cultures:
- Kings were images of the gods—rulers alone mediated divine authority.
- Statues functioned as images, embodying deity's presence in temples.
- Hierarchy excluded ordinary people from divine likeness.
- Humans as slaves created to serve gods (Enuma Elish: "Let them bear the toil of the gods!")
Genesis Transforms:
- Every person is God's image, not just kings.
- Living humans are God's representatives; no need for statues.
- Male and female together share equally in identity and vocation.
- Humans as partners commissioned to co-rule with God.
The result is a democratized theology of image-bearing, grounding human worth, equality, and responsibility in God's design. Violence against humans becomes violence against God's image (Gen 9:6).
Addressing Common Misconceptions
Misconception
- The garden was perfect; we ruined it
- Our purpose is primarily to worship God
- Work is a result of the curse
- Heaven is the ultimate goal
- The chief end is to glorify God (as purpose)
Biblical Reality
- The garden had potential to be developed
- Our purpose is to rule and cultivate as God's representatives
- Work is part of the original divine mandate
- New creation (renewed earth) is the biblical vision
- Glorifying God is the result of faithful imaging, not the ultimate purpose
Theological Framework
The "image of God" is best understood as a vocation—what humans are for:
- King — exercising wise dominion through work and creativity
- Priest — serving and guarding sacred space, mediating God's presence
- Prophet — speaking truth and representing God's character
This isn't about humans as passive observers but active participants. The Westminster Catechism's "glorify God and enjoy Him forever" finds its fullest expression not in endless worship services but in the daily work of cultivation, creation, and community-building. Glorifying God is the result of faithful imaging, not the driving purpose.
"Whether you eat or drink, whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God" (1 Cor 10:31) — Paul connects everyday activities to the divine mandate of imaging God.