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Scripture Mapping

Dominion

Referenced in 11 chapter analyses

Walk these chapters over 11 days — the corpus’s own order, divided. Not a curated plan.

Overview

The concept of dominion in the Bible primarily refers to the authority and stewardship given by God to humanity over creation, as seen in Genesis. It encompasses the responsibility to govern, cultivate, and care for the earth and its creatures.

The concept of dominion originates in the creation narrative of Genesis, where God establishes the order of creation and assigns humanity a unique role. This theme is foundational to understanding humanity's relationship with God and the world.

Key themes

  • Stewardship of Creation
  • Authority and Responsibility
  • God's Sovereignty
  • Humanity's Role in Creation

Key verses

  1. Genesis 1:26This verse establishes the foundational principle of human dominion, created in God's image to rule over the earth.
  2. Genesis 2:15God places Adam in the Garden of Eden to work it and keep it, illustrating the active role humanity has in exercising dominion.

Notable passages

  1. Genesis 1:26-28God creates humanity in His image and grants them dominion over the earth, highlighting the divine intention for humans to govern creation.
  2. Psalm 8:6-8The psalmist reflects on the honor and authority given to humanity, emphasizing their role in creation and the responsibility that comes with it.
  3. Matthew 28:18-20The Great Commission, where Jesus delegates authority to His disciples to make disciples of all nations, reflecting the ongoing theme of dominion in a spiritual context.

Practical applications

  • Engage in responsible environmental stewardship and care for creation.
  • Recognize the authority given by God and exercise it in a manner that reflects His character.
  • Promote justice and care for the marginalized as part of exercising dominion in a way that honors God.

Theological significance

  • Affirms the belief that humanity is created in the image of God, which carries the responsibility of stewardship.
  • Highlights the relationship between God's sovereignty and human authority over creation.
  • Encourages a holistic view of creation care as a reflection of God's character.

Connected topics

  • Authority

    The theme of dominion connects to the broader biblical narrative of authority, both in the physical realm and in spiritual matters.

  • Stewardship

    Dominion is closely related to stewardship, as it involves the responsible management of God's creation.

Chapters that reference this

Old Testament

New Testament

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