Understanding the Doctrine of Dominion

What is dominion? (Theological Concept)

In biblical theology, dominion refers to the authority and responsibility God entrusts to Humanity to steward creation as His representatives.

This concept is rooted in Genesis 1:26-28, where God instructs humans to "fill the earth and subdue it," emphasizing care and cultivation rather than exploitation. The Hebrew term *radah* ("subdue") here suggests ordered governance, not domination, while the mandate to "have dominion" is paired with the command to "be fruitful and multiply," highlighting partnership with God’s creative purposes.

Dominion contrasts with control or ownership because it reflects delegated authority under God’s sovereignty. Rather than treating creation as personal property, Scripture frames dominion as a Covenantal duty to reflect God’s character through responsible care for the earth and its creatures.

This stewardship model invites reflection on how modern practices of environmental and social responsibility align with or diverge from the biblical vision of dominion, setting the stage for deeper exploration of its ethical implications.

Dominion in Genesis 1:26-28

The Genesis creation narrative establishes dominion as a divinely ordained responsibility rooted in humanity’s unique status as image-bearers of God.

In Genesis 1:26-28, God grants humans authority to "fill the earth and subdue it," pairing this mandate with the command to "have dominion over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and over every living thing that moves on the earth." The Hebrew term *radah* (translated "subdue") implies structured governance rather than ruthless conquest, while "dominion" (*kabash*) reflects a stewardship role that aligns with God’s creative intent. Psalm 8:6-8 echoes this balance, describing humans as crowned "a little lower than the Angels" with authority "over the works of [God’s] hands," including dominion over livestock and the "paths of the seas." Together, these texts frame dominion as a covenantal partnership, where humans act as God’s representatives in cultivating and maintaining creation’s order.

This model contrasts sharply with exploitative control, emphasizing that dominion operates under God’s sovereignty. The Creation mandate invites ethical reflection on how modern stewardship - whether environmental, social, or economic - might reflect this biblical vision. By grounding dominion in the Imago Dei, Scripture reorients human authority toward service and care, setting the stage for exploring its implications in later theological and ethical contexts.

Dominion and Stewardship

The biblical concept of dominion intertwines authority with accountability, emphasizing stewardship as a sacred trust.

Jesus' Parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30) illustrates this tension: the master entrusts his servants with resources, expecting them to multiply what they receive through responsible action, not passive possession. Paul similarly frames stewardship as a divine mandate in 1 Corinthians 4:1-2, where believers are called to "be faithful stewards of God’s mysteries," underscoring that dominion operates under ultimate Divine accountability. Both passages reframe authority as a charge to act ethically and purposefully.

Dominion, then, is not about unchecked power but about entrusted responsibility. The parable’s negative judgment on the unproductive servant highlights the ethical weight of stewardship - misuse of resources reflects spiritual negligence. Paul’s exhortation to "consider what it means to be a steward" (1 Corinthians 4:2) further binds dominion to fidelity, requiring humility and foresight. These teachings challenge modern notions of dominion as domination, redirecting it toward sustainable care that honors God’s sovereignty and reflects His redemptive purposes for creation.

Dominion and Human Responsibility

The concept of dominion, though divinely ordained, is greatly affected by sin. Sin perverts stewardship into exploitation.

Romans 8:19-22 illustrates this distortion, describing creation's "groaning" under the weight of human sinfulness, bound "to decay" yet "eager to be set free" from its present bondage. Paul frames this as a cosmic struggle, where humanity's fallen exercise of dominion - marked by greed, domination, and neglect - has disrupted the harmony God intended. This passage underscores that sin fractures the original covenantal relationship between humans and creation, reducing dominion to a tool of exploitation rather than a call to partnership with God's redemptive purposes.

In contrast, Colossians 3:23-24 reorients dominion toward faithful stewardship: "Work heartily as for the Lord and not for people, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward." Paul links dominion to ethical labor, framing all human activity as service to Christ. This ethic extends beyond personal gain to include care for creation, urging believers to act as stewards who honor God through responsible use of resources and just treatment of others.

Such faithful dominion today requires reconciling human authority with God's sovereignty, resisting the temptation to exploit and instead embracing the humility of service. The next section will explore how this vision of dominion intersects with contemporary challenges in environmental and social justice.

Why dominion Matters Today

The biblical vision of dominion as stewardship under God's sovereignty offers a framework for addressing contemporary ethical challenges rooted in power and responsibility.

Today, dominion calls believers to prioritize Environmental sustainability, recognizing creation as a trust from God rather than a resource for unchecked exploitation (Genesis 1:28; Psalm 8:6-8). It also demands ethical labor practices, where work is done as service to Christ (Colossians 3:23-24), and Social justice, where leadership protects the vulnerable rather than perpetuating systemic inequities. These applications reflect the covenantal nature of dominion, which balances human agency with divine accountability.

By redefining authority as delegated stewardship, Scripture challenges modern hierarchies that separate power from care. This perspective invites reflection on how dominion might reshape policies and personal choices, bridging the gap between ancient mandates and present-day responsibilities.

Going Deeper

To deepen your understanding of dominion, explore related themes such as Creation theology, the imago Dei, and Eschatological restoration.

A short commentary on Genesis 1-11, especially the creation mandate in Genesis 1:26-28 and the psalmist’s reflection in Psalm 8:6-8, provides foundational insights into humanity’s stewardship role and its ultimate fulfillment in God’s redemptive plan as seen in Romans 8:19-22.