Genesis 1:27
Genesis 1:27 in Multiple Translations
So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.
So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.
And God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.
And God made man in his image, in the image of God he made him: male and female he made them.
So God created human beings in his own image. He created them in the image of God. He created them male and female.
Thus God created the man in his image: in the image of God created he him: he created them male and female.
And God prepareth the man in His image; in the image of God He prepared him, a male and a female He prepared them.
God created man in his own image. In God’s image he created him; male and female he created them.
So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.
And God created man to his own image: to the image of God he created him: male and female he created them.
So God created human beings that were like him in many ways. He made them to be like himself. He created some to be male and some to be female.
So God made people to be like himself. He made them man and woman.
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 1:27
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Genesis 1:27 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אֱלֹהִ֤ים׀
אֶת־
וַיִּבְרָ֨א
הָֽאָדָם֙
בְּצַלְמ֔וֹ
בְּצֶ֥לֶם
אֱלֹהִ֖ים
בָּרָ֣א
אֹת֑וֹ
זָכָ֥ר
וּנְקֵבָ֖ה
בָּרָ֥א
אֹתָֽם׃
אֱלֹהִ֤ים׀
’ĕ·lō·hîm
H430
So God
Noun - masculine plural
אֶת־
’eṯ-
H853
-
Direct object marker
וַיִּבְרָ֨א
way·yiḇ·rā
H1254
created
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
הָֽאָדָם֙
hā·’ā·ḏām
H120
man
Article | Noun - masculine singular
בְּצַלְמ֔וֹ
bə·ṣal·mōw
H6754
in His [own] image
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
בְּצֶ֥לֶם
bə·ṣe·lem
H6754
in the image
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct
אֱלֹהִ֖ים
’ĕ·lō·hîm
H430
of God
Noun - masculine plural
בָּרָ֣א
bā·rā
H1254
He created
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
אֹת֑וֹ
’ō·ṯōw
H853
him
Direct object marker | third person masculine singular
זָכָ֥ר
zā·ḵār
H2145
male
Noun - masculine singular
וּנְקֵבָ֖ה
ū·nə·qê·ḇāh
H5347
and female
Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular
בָּרָ֥א
bā·rā
H1254
He created
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
אֹתָֽם׃
’ō·ṯām
H853
them
Direct object marker | third person masculine plural
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 1:27
אֱלֹהִ֤ים׀
’ĕ·lō·hîm
H430
"So God"
Noun - masculine plural
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2247 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
אֶת־
’eṯ-
H853
"-"
Direct object marker
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6751 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
וַיִּבְרָ֨א
way·yiḇ·rā
H1254
"created"
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
This verb means to create or make something, often used to describe God's creative power. It can also mean to choose or select something. The Bible uses it to describe God's creation of the world.
Definition: 1) to create, shape, form 1a) (Qal) to shape, fashion, create (always with God as subject) 1a1) of heaven and earth 1a2) of individual man 1a3) of new conditions and circumstances 1a4) of transformations 1b) (Niphal) to be created 1b1) of heaven and earth 1b2) of birth 1b3) of something new 1b4) of miracles 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to cut down 1c2) to cut out
Usage: Occurs in 47 OT verses. KJV: choose, create (creator), cut down, dispatch, do, make (fat). See also: Genesis 1:1; Isaiah 40:26; Psalms 51:10.
הָֽאָדָם֙
hā·’ā·ḏām
H120
"man"
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Adam was the first human, created by God and mentioned in Genesis 2:19, who married Eve and had sons including Cain, Abel, and Seth.
Definition: The first named man living at the time before the Flood, first mentioned at Gen.2.19; married to Eve (H2332); father of: Cain (H7014B), Abel (H1893) and Seth (H8352); also translated "man" at Gen.2.19,21,23; 3.8,9,20; 5.2; "mankind" at Deu.32.8; "others" at Job.31.33; Another spelling of a.dam (אָדָם "Adam" H0121) man, human being
Usage: Occurs in 526 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] another, [phrase] hypocrite, [phrase] common sort, [idiom] low, man (mean, of low degree), person. See also: Genesis 1:26; Judges 18:28; Psalms 8:4.
בְּצַלְמ֔וֹ
bə·ṣal·mōw
H6754
"in His [own] image"
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
This word means image or likeness, often referring to idols or illusions, and is used to describe the resemblance of something, as seen in the book of Genesis.
Definition: 1) image 1a) images (of tumours, mice, heathen gods) 1b) image, likeness (of resemblance) 1c) mere, empty, image, semblance (fig.) Aramaic equivalent: tse.lem (צְלֵם "image" H6755)
Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: image, vain shew. See also: Genesis 1:26; 2 Kings 11:18; Psalms 39:6.
בְּצֶ֥לֶם
bə·ṣe·lem
H6754
"in the image"
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct
This word means image or likeness, often referring to idols or illusions, and is used to describe the resemblance of something, as seen in the book of Genesis.
Definition: 1) image 1a) images (of tumours, mice, heathen gods) 1b) image, likeness (of resemblance) 1c) mere, empty, image, semblance (fig.) Aramaic equivalent: tse.lem (צְלֵם "image" H6755)
Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: image, vain shew. See also: Genesis 1:26; 2 Kings 11:18; Psalms 39:6.
אֱלֹהִ֖ים
’ĕ·lō·hîm
H430
"of God"
Noun - masculine plural
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2247 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
בָּרָ֣א
bā·rā
H1254
"He created"
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
This verb means to create or make something, often used to describe God's creative power. It can also mean to choose or select something. The Bible uses it to describe God's creation of the world.
Definition: 1) to create, shape, form 1a) (Qal) to shape, fashion, create (always with God as subject) 1a1) of heaven and earth 1a2) of individual man 1a3) of new conditions and circumstances 1a4) of transformations 1b) (Niphal) to be created 1b1) of heaven and earth 1b2) of birth 1b3) of something new 1b4) of miracles 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to cut down 1c2) to cut out
Usage: Occurs in 47 OT verses. KJV: choose, create (creator), cut down, dispatch, do, make (fat). See also: Genesis 1:1; Isaiah 40:26; Psalms 51:10.
אֹת֑וֹ
’ō·ṯōw
H853
"him"
Direct object marker | third person masculine singular
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6751 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
זָכָ֥ר
zā·ḵār
H2145
"male"
Noun - masculine singular
This word means male, referring to men or male animals, emphasizing their importance. It is used in the Bible to distinguish between males and females. The word is often translated as 'him' or 'male' in English.
Definition: 1) male (of humans and animals) adj 2) male (of humans)
Usage: Occurs in 80 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] him, male, man(child, -kind). See also: Genesis 1:27; Numbers 3:22; Isaiah 66:7.
וּנְקֵבָ֖ה
ū·nə·qê·ḇāh
H5347
"and female"
Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular
This Hebrew word means female, referring to a woman, girl, or female animal. It is used in various books, including Genesis and Leviticus, to describe the female sex.
Definition: 1) female 1a) woman, female child 1b) female animal
Usage: Occurs in 22 OT verses. KJV: female. See also: Genesis 1:27; Leviticus 12:5; Jeremiah 31:22.
בָּרָ֥א
bā·rā
H1254
"He created"
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
This verb means to create or make something, often used to describe God's creative power. It can also mean to choose or select something. The Bible uses it to describe God's creation of the world.
Definition: 1) to create, shape, form 1a) (Qal) to shape, fashion, create (always with God as subject) 1a1) of heaven and earth 1a2) of individual man 1a3) of new conditions and circumstances 1a4) of transformations 1b) (Niphal) to be created 1b1) of heaven and earth 1b2) of birth 1b3) of something new 1b4) of miracles 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to cut down 1c2) to cut out
Usage: Occurs in 47 OT verses. KJV: choose, create (creator), cut down, dispatch, do, make (fat). See also: Genesis 1:1; Isaiah 40:26; Psalms 51:10.
אֹתָֽם׃
’ō·ṯām
H853
"them"
Direct object marker | third person masculine plural
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6751 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
Study Notes — Genesis 1:27
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 1:27 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 1:27
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 1:27
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 1:27
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 1:27
- Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 1:27
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 1:27
- Sermons on Genesis 1:27
Context — The Sixth Day
25God made the beasts of the earth according to their kinds, the livestock according to their kinds, and everything that crawls upon the earth according to its kind. And God saw that it was good.
26Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, after Our likeness, to rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, and over all the earth itself and every creature that crawls upon it.”
27So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.
28God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth and subdue it; rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and every creature that crawls upon the earth.” 29Then God said, “Behold, I have given you every seed-bearing plant on the face of all the earth, and every tree whose fruit contains seed. They will be yours for food.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Matthew 19:4 | Jesus answered, “Have you not read that from the beginning the Creator ‘made them male and female,’ |
| 2 | Ephesians 2:10 | For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance as our way of life. |
| 3 | Genesis 5:1–2 | This is the book of the generations of Adam. In the day that God created man, He made him in His own likeness. Male and female He created them, and He blessed them. And in the day they were created, He called them “man.” |
| 4 | Mark 10:6 | However, from the beginning of creation, ‘God made them male and female.’ |
| 5 | Genesis 2:21–25 | So the LORD God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep, and while he slept, He took one of the man’s ribs and closed up the area with flesh. And from the rib that the LORD God had taken from the man, He made a woman and brought her to him. And the man said: “This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called ‘woman,’ for out of man she was taken.” For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh. And the man and his wife were both naked, and they were not ashamed. |
| 6 | Ephesians 4:24 | and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. |
| 7 | Psalms 139:14 | I praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Marvelous are Your works, and I know this very well. |
| 8 | Isaiah 43:7 | everyone called by My name and created for My glory, whom I have indeed formed and made.” |
| 9 | Colossians 1:15 | The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. |
| 10 | 1 Corinthians 11:7–9 | A man ought not to cover his head, since he is the image and glory of God; but the woman is the glory of man. For man did not come from woman, but woman from man. Neither was man created for woman, but woman for man. |
Genesis 1:27 Summary
[Genesis 1:27 tells us that God created humans in His own image, which means we have a special connection to Him and are meant to reflect His character and nature. This is a beautiful truth that gives our lives meaning and purpose, as seen in Psalm 139:14, which says we are fearfully and wonderfully made. As we reflect on this verse, we can ask ourselves how we can live out this truth in our daily lives, and how we can use our unique gifts and talents to serve others and bring glory to God. By looking to other verses, such as Matthew 5:48, which commands us to be perfect as our heavenly Father is perfect, we can gain a deeper understanding of what it means to be created in God's image and how we can grow in our reflection of His character.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to be created in God's image?
Being created in God's image, as stated in Genesis 1:27, means that humans have a unique capacity to reflect God's character and nature, as seen in His wisdom, love, and justice, and this is reinforced in Psalm 8:5, which says God made humans a little lower than the angels.
Why does the verse mention both male and female?
The mention of both male and female in Genesis 1:27 highlights the equality and complementarity of men and women, as they were both created in God's image, and this is further emphasized in Galatians 3:28, which says there is no distinction between male and female in Christ.
How does being created in God's image affect our purpose?
Being created in God's image gives humans a sense of purpose and responsibility, as seen in Genesis 1:28, where God commands humans to be fruitful, multiply, and have dominion over the earth, which reflects God's own creative and sovereign nature.
What implications does this verse have for human relationships?
The fact that humans are created in God's image, as stated in Genesis 1:27, implies that all people have inherent value and worth, and should be treated with dignity and respect, as seen in Matthew 22:39, which commands us to love our neighbors as ourselves.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can reflect God's image in my daily life, and how can I use my unique gifts and talents to serve others?
- How can I balance the equality and complementarity of men and women in my relationships, and what are some practical ways to show respect and dignity to those around me?
- What are some ways I can exercise my God-given dominion over the earth, and how can I be a good steward of the resources God has given me?
- How can I deepen my understanding of God's nature and character, and what are some ways I can grow in my reflection of His image?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 1:27
So God created man in his own image,.... Which consisted both in the form of his body, and the erect stature of it, different from all other creatures; in agreement with the idea of that body,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 1:27
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
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 1:27
Not both together, as some of the Jews have fabled, but successively, the woman after and out of the man, as is more particularly related, , &c., which is here mentioned by anticipation. Albeit the woman also seems to have been made upon the sixth day, as is here related, and as the following blessing showeth, which is common to both of them, though the particular history of it is brought in afterwards, , by way of recapitulation or repetition.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 1:27
Genesis 1:27 So God created man in his [own] image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.Ver. 27. So God created man in his own image.] There is a double image of God in the soul. One in the substance of it, whereof I have spoken in the former verse. The other in the qualities and supernatural graces, of knowledge in the understanding, rightness or straitness in the will, and holiness in the affections. In all these, man, when he came first out of God’ s mint, shone most gloriously. But now, Oh, think of this burnt temple, and mourn, as they in Ezra
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 1:27
(27) Created.—This significant verb is thrice repeated with reference to man. It indicates, first, that man has that in him which was not a development or evolution, but something new. He is, in fact, the most perfect work of the creative energy, and differs from the animals not only in degree, but in kind, though possessing, in common with them, an organised body. And next, it indicates the rejoicing of the Deity at the completion of His purpose.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 1:27
27. The reiteration of the principal words in the clauses of this verse has something of the rhythm of poetry. Repetition and love of detail are characteristics of the Priestly Code. “Created,” cf. Genesis 1:1; Genesis 1:21 (see notes). male and female] The distinction of the sexes, which is here given, has been omitted, probably for brevity’s sake, in the mention of the animals. When, in view of the discoveries of the science of Anthropology, the question is asked whether there was one original pair of human beings, or whether each of the different races, Caucasian, Mongolian, Negro, Red Indian, Australian, &c., originated from one pair, or from groups of pairs, we must answer that such questions do not come within the horizon of thought in our passage. They are to be solved not by Revelation in Holy Scripture, but by the exercise of the gifts of patient enquiry, accurate observation, and sound reasoning. The Hebrew writer has in view a population drawn from a single stock. His account of the origin of Man, applicable to one race, is symbolical of all, if a plurality of origin is to be assumed.
Sermons on Genesis 1:27
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Testimony - Part 1 by Gladys Aylward | In this sermon transcript, the speaker shares their experience of being the only missionary in a heathen government and their journey of spreading the Gospel in South Shansey. Desp |
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Are You Well by Major Ian Thomas | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of believers being a true representation of God in every aspect of their lives. He uses the example of Jesus, who was sinless |
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God Uses Foolish Things - Part 2 by Jackie Pullinger | In the sermon transcript, the speaker expresses gratitude and thanks to the audience for their presence and support. They mention the importance of attending church and encourage t |
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(The Chief End of Man - Part 5): Come and Consecrate by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of worshiping God with adoration and love. He shares the story of a renowned philosopher and mathematician who had a profound |
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So Great Salvation by Martyn-Lloyd Jones | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the first four verses of Hebrews chapter 2. He emphasizes the importance of paying close attention to the word of God and not letting it sli |
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(The Chief End of Man - Part 2): A Mirror of the Almighty by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the tragic nature of the world we live in. He mentions a recent tragic incident where five children drowned in a car accident, highlighting t |
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Five Rules for Holy Living by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of praising and blessing the Lord. He highlights various elements of creation such as water, sun, moon, stars, wind, heat, fi |