The Meaning of the Image of God in Genesis

Genesis 1:26-27

26 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 creeps on the earth.

27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.

The word "image" in the original Hebrew of Genesis 1:26, 27 known as tselem, primarily refers to a literal physical resemblance or outward shape and form, signifying that man was created as a tangible representation of God, who is a personal being with a formHHMLD 31.1+3. While theological traditions often attempt to limit this "image" to abstract attributes like immortality or morality, the linguistic evidence from the same author shows that just as a son bears the physical shape of his father, man was created to bear the physical and moral likeness of his CreatorHHMLD 31.1+2.

The Literal and Physical Meaning

The Hebrew term tselem (image) and its counterpart demuth (likeness) are used to describe a relationship of similarity in nature and appearanceHHMLD 31.1+1.

• Physical Shape: The scriptures indicate that God is a personal being with a body and parts, and man was formed to be a finite image of that divine formSYNPT 117.1+1.

• Comparison to Human Lineage: Moses uses the exact same language in Genesis 5:3 to describe Adam begetting a son "in his own likeness, after his image," which everyone understands to include physical resemblance and similarity of natureHHMLD 31.1.

• Direct Creation: Man was formed from the dust as a physical "image" before the breath of life made him a "living soul," showing the image relates to his form Genesis 2:7MPC 24.1.

The Moral and Spiritual Dimension

Beyond physical form, the "image of God" also encompasses man’s moral nature and character, which were designed to be a sinless transcript of the Divine7BC 921.9+1.

• Original Perfection: At creation, man’s moral faculties and physical powers were holy and reflected God’s own character14LtMs, Ms 29, 1899, par. 1+1.

• The Restoration Project: Because sin marred this original design, the primary goal of the gospel and true education is the restoration of this moral image in the soul2MCP 692.2+3.

• Restoration through Christ: Jesus Christ is the "express image" of the Father’s person and came to earth to restore this lost moral image in fallen humanity through obedience and the work of the Holy Spirit Hebrews 1:37BC 921.9+3.

What the Image is Not

The Hebrew context clarifies that the "image" should not be confused with God's unique, incommunicable attributes.

• Not Immortality: The image did not consist of inherent immortality, just as it did not consist of being all-powerful or all-knowingSYNPT 117.1+1.

• Not a Mere Essence: God is presented not as a pervasive essence, but as a person with a distinct personality, and man was created to reflect that personality7BC 921.9.

The Sabbath serves as a recurring reminder of these origins, pointing back to the fact that we are descended from a "son of God" and are destined for the full restoration of His image Luke 3:38EVRR232. 🌟 By looking into the face of Jesus Christ, we are changed into that same image from glory to glory 2 Corinthians 4:4GCDB February 27, 1893, page 415.4.