King James Bible
"And 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 fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth."
The plural pronouns ('us,' 'our') have sparked theological debate, possibly indicating divine deliberation, the Trinity, or a royal plural. The terms 'image' and 'likeness' suggest humanity uniquely reflects God's nature—bearing qualities like rationality, morality, and relational capacity that distinguish humans from other creatures. God grants humanity authority over aquatic and aerial creatures, establishing a hierarchy of creation. This dominion implies responsible stewardship rather than exploitation, as humans are to rule as God's representatives. The scope of human authority extends to domesticated animals, the earth itself, and all land creatures. This comprehensive mandate positions humanity as caretakers of the entire created order, reflecting God's own sovereign rule over creation.