“Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.” – Genesis 1:26
Bible Verses About Dominion
The Authority Granted to Us
When we reflect on the Bible, we see that God has entrusted us with dominion over the earth. This means we have a significant responsibility. We are called not just to rule, but to steward and care for the creation around us. God’s intention was for us to exercise our dominion with wisdom and love, reflecting His character. As we embrace the authority given to us, we recognize that it isn’t just for our benefit, but for the well-being of all creation. This authority invites us to act justly, serve selflessly, and lead with grace. We must always remember that true dominion is not about power over others, but a leadership defined by humility and compassion.
Genesis 1:26
“Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.” – Genesis 1:26
Psalms 8:6
“You made them rulers over the works of your hands; you put everything under their feet.” – Psalms 8:6
Luke 10:19
“I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.” – Luke 10:19
Romans 5:17
“For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God’s abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ!” – Romans 5:17
Ephesians 1:22
“And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church.” – Ephesians 1:22
Stewardship of Creation
The concept of dominion extends beyond asserting power; it invites us to be active stewards of God’s creation. As we care for the environment and those around us, we reflect God’s love and purpose. This stewardship includes recognizing the natural world’s beauty and importance. We have been called to nurture the earth and all its inhabitants, ensuring that they thrive. With this kind of responsibility, we find joy in seeing nature flourish and humanity grow. Caring for what God has made is a reflection of His character, and by being good stewards, we illustrate how we, too, can nurture relationships, communities, and the environment in a way that honors Him.
Genesis 2:15
“The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.” – Genesis 2:15
Psalms 24:1
“The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.” – Psalms 24:1
Proverbs 12:10
“The righteous care for the needs of their animals, but the kindest acts of the wicked are cruel.” – Proverbs 12:10
Matthew 25:14-30
“Again, it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted his wealth to them.” – Matthew 25:14
Colossians 1:16
“For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him.” – Colossians 1:16
God’s Sovereignty and Dominion
God’s sovereignty is a key aspect of our understanding of dominion. When we recognize that God is ultimately in control, we can confidently exercise the authority He has given us. Our dominion is not independent but rather aligned with God’s will, allowing us to live in peace and purpose. Understanding His sovereignty reassures us that even in difficult situations, He remains in control. We can trust that our efforts to do good and exercise dominion will ultimately be fruitful, as they are rooted in God’s guidance and direction. We find strength in knowing that our lives are part of a greater plan established by God’s divine hand.
Psalms 103:19
“The Lord has established his throne in heaven, and his kingdom rules over all.” – Psalms 103:19
Isaiah 46:10
“I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come.” – Isaiah 46:10
Revelation 11:15
“The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Messiah, and he will reign for ever and ever.” – Revelation 11:15
Matthew 28:18
“Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.” – Matthew 28:18
Proverbs 21:1
“The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord; he directs it like a watercourse wherever he pleases.” – Proverbs 21:1
Living in Dominion with Faith
Having dominion also requires faith. We often encounter challenges that seem bigger than us. However, as we trust in God’s promises and His power, we can rise above these obstacles. Our faith empowers us to act with courage and integrity, ensuring that our dominion reflects His character. When we embody faith in our everyday lives, we become vessels of His love and grace. Even when the path seems unclear, our faith invites us to lean on God, knowing He guides us with purpose. The more we live out our faith, the more we see His work through us, transforming not just our lives but also the lives of those around us.
Hebrews 11:1
“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” – Hebrews 11:1
Mark 11:24
“Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.” – Mark 11:24
Philippians 4:13
“I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” – Philippians 4:13
2 Corinthians 5:7
“For we live by faith, not by sight.” – 2 Corinthians 5:7
James 1:6
“But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.” – James 1:6
Exercising Dominion in Love
Our exercise of dominion should always be rooted in love. Anything done without love carries little weight in God’s eyes. As we engage in our daily lives, we find opportunities to show love to others, and this should guide our authority. We have the power to uplift and encourage, to make choices that reflect compassion rather than cruelty. By choosing to act in love, we embody Christ’s message, showing the world His nature through our actions. Therefore, dominion ought to lead us into deeper relationships, not walls or divisions. Love is the ultimate dominion, enabling us to demonstrate Christ’s character fully.
1 Corinthians 16:14
“Do everything in love.” – 1 Corinthians 16:14
Galatians 5:13
“You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.” – Galatians 5:13
1 John 4:19
“We love because he first loved us.” – 1 John 4:19
Ephesians 5:2
“And walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” – Ephesians 5:2
Colossians 3:14
“And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” – Colossians 3:14
Dominion in Our Relationships
Our dominion also extends to the relationships around us. We have the capacity to influence, inspire, and lead through our interactions with family, friends, and even strangers. This total impact forms the tapestry of our lives, allowing us to contribute positively to the community. We must approach our relationships with care and respect, choosing to be peacemakers and sources of joy. By nurturing healthy relationships, we demonstrate God’s glory and shine His light in the lives of others. When we act with dominion in our relationships, we further the mission of love, showing others the way to Christ and what it means to live fully in His grace.
Proverbs 18:21
“The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” – Proverbs 18:21
Ephesians 4:2
“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.” – Ephesians 4:2
Philippians 2:3
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.” – Philippians 2:3
1 Peter 4:8
“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.” – 1 Peter 4:8
Romans 14:19
“Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.” – Romans 14:19
Final Thoughts
In reflecting on the concept of dominion, we become more aware of our role as caretakers of creation. We realize it’s a divine responsibility filled with purpose and love. As we exercise our authority wisely, we can build a legacy that glorifies God. Through love, faith, and compassion, we can transform our lives and the lives of those around us. With God’s guidance, our dominion becomes a holistic expression of caring for our relationships, environment, and each other.
Let us choose to embrace our God-given dominion with responsibility and integrity. In each facet of our lives, from stewardship of the earth to nurturing our relationships, we have the opportunity to reflect His grace and character. Let us commit ourselves to live out our dominion daily, showing love to one another and serving our communities.
We encourage you to explore more about what the Bible says on this topic by visiting names that mean dominant and view insightful verses such as Psalms 2:9 to deepen your understanding of our responsibility in exercising dominion.