The Meaning of the Command to 'Have Dominion'

What is the command to 'have dominion'?

The command to 'have dominion' originates in Genesis 1:28, where God instructs humanity to steward and care for creation as His representatives.

In the creation narrative, God declares, 'Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves along the ground' (Genesis 1:28). This directive positions humans as caretakers entrusted with the responsibility to reflect God’s creative and sustaining authority over the natural world. While the language of 'subdue' and 'rule' might imply dominion in a hierarchical sense, many scholars emphasize that the command is rooted in stewardship rather than exploitation, aligning with the broader biblical emphasis on care for creation.

This command establishes a foundational theological framework for understanding humanity’s role in the cosmos, balancing authority with accountability. It invites further exploration of how this mandate intersects with ethical and environmental responsibilities in later biblical teachings.

Stewardship and Dominion in Genesis 2:15

Genesis 2:15 expands the dominion mandate by emphasizing humanity’s role as caretakers entrusted with the Garden of Eden.

While Genesis 1:28 uses the language of 'subduing' and 'ruling,' Genesis 2:15 shifts focus to 'working' and 'taking care of' creation, highlighting a balance between authority and responsibility. The Hebrew term *abad* ('work') and *shamar* ('take care of') imply both cultivation and preservation, suggesting stewardship as a relational duty rather than exploitation. This contrasts with the more assertive verbs in Genesis 1:28, where 'subdue' (*kabash*) and 'rule' (*radah*) might imply dominance. Together, these passages frame dominion as a God-ordained mandate to care for creation while reflecting divine sovereignty.

The interplay between these texts reveals stewardship as a core theological principle. Humans are not owners but custodians, entrusted with a task that mirrors God’s own care for the world (cf. Genesis 2:4-25). This balance of authority and accountability resists interpretations of dominion as unrestrained control, instead grounding human responsibility in faithful representation of God’s character.

This nuanced understanding of dominion sets the stage for later biblical reflections on humanity’s ethical obligations to creation, a theme deepened in covenantal and prophetic teachings.

Ethical Implications in Later Scripture

Later biblical texts reframe the command to 'have dominion' through ethical and theological lenses that emphasize humility, cosmic redemption, and service.

Psalm 8 reflects on human authority by declaring, 'You have made them a little lower than the angels... You gave them dominion over works of your hands; you put all things under their feet' (Psalm 8:5-6). This psalm elevates humanity’s role but situates it within God’s sovereign order, suggesting dominion is not arbitrary but purposeful. The psalmist’s awe at human responsibility hints at stewardship as a sacred trust rather than a license for exploitation.

Romans 8:19-22 expands dominion into a cosmic framework, describing creation itself as 'subjected to frustration' and awaiting redemption. Paul writes, 'The creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed... to be set free from its bondage to decay' (Romans 8:19, 21). Here, dominion is reimagined as participation in a broader redemptive narrative, where human responsibility is tied to the ultimate renewal of all things. This passage shifts focus from human control to collaborative restoration under divine authority.

Jesus’ teaching in Mark 10:45 - 'For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many' - radically reorients dominion. By modeling servanthood, Jesus contrasts with exploitative power, suggesting true dominion involves self-giving love. This redefinition challenges interpretations of dominion as domination, aligning human authority with Christ’s sacrificial example.

Why the Command to 'Have Dominion' Matters Today

The command to 'have dominion' remains a vital framework for understanding humanity's role in caring for creation, especially amid ecological challenges.

This mandate calls for responsible stewardship, not exploitation. Genesis 2:15’s charge to 'work and take care of' the earth underscores that labor and care are inseparable from dominion, giving dignity to human effort while requiring ecological balance. Romans 8:19-22 further reframes dominion as participation in creation’s redemption, urging humans to act as co-workers in its renewal rather than masters of its resources. climate crises highlight the urgency of this ethic, warning against treating nature as disposable.

However, misusing dominion risks exploitation. Psalm 8:5-6’s celebration of human authority must be tempered by Mark 10:45’s teaching that true leadership is service, not domination. These texts challenge us to reject exploitative models of power and instead steward creation with humility, reflecting God’s redemptive care.

This vision of dominion invites a future where human responsibility aligns with divine justice, preparing the way for the broader biblical themes of cosmic restoration and ethical accountability.

Going Deeper

Further study on the fall’s impact on dominion (Genesis 3), eschatological restoration (Revelation 21 - 22), and debates over anthropocentrism versus biocentrism deepens our understanding of this mandate.

Genesis 3 illustrates how sin distorted humanity’s stewardship, introducing brokenness that complicates the dominion task, while Revelation 21 - 22 envisions a future where creation is fully reconciled to God. These themes invite reflection on how biblical principles might balance human needs with ecological responsibility in modern contexts.