Genesis 1:28
Verse
Context
The Sixth Day
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.”
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
And God blessed them - Marked them as being under his especial protection, and gave them power to propagate and multiply their own kind on the earth. A large volume would be insufficient to contain what we know of the excellence and perfection of man, even in his present degraded fallen state. Both his body and soul are adapted with astonishing wisdom to their residence and occupations; and also the place of their residence, as well as the surrounding objects, in their diversity, color, and mutual relations, to the mind and body of this lord of the creation. The contrivance, arrangement, action, and re-action of the different parts of the body, show the admirable skill of the wondrous Creator; while the various powers and faculties of the mind, acting on and by the different organs of this body, proclaim the soul's Divine origin, and demonstrate that he who was made in the image and likeness of God, was a transcript of his own excellency, destined to know, love, and dwell with his Maker throughout eternity.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Be fruitful, &c.--The human race in every country and age has been the offspring of the first pair. Amid all the varieties found among men, some black, some copper-colored, others white, the researches of modern science lead to a conclusion, fully accordant with the sacred history, that they are all of one species and of one family (Act 17:26). What power in the word of God! "He spake and it was done. He commanded and all things stood fast" [Psa 33:9]. "Great and manifold are thy works, Lord God Almighty! in wisdom hast thou made them all" [Psa 104:24]. We admire that wisdom, not only in the regular progress of creation, but in its perfect adaptation to the end. God is represented as pausing at every stage to look at His work. No wonder He contemplated it with complacency. Every object was in its right place, every vegetable process going on in season, every animal in its structure and instincts suited to its mode of life and its use in the economy of the world. He saw everything that He had made answering the plan which His eternal wisdom had conceived; and, "Behold it was very good" [Gen 1:31]. Next: Genesis Chapter 2
John Gill Bible Commentary
And God blessed them,.... The man and the woman he had made, with all the blessings of nature and Providence; with all the good things of life; with his presence, and with communion with himself in a natural way, through the creatures; and particularly with a power of procreating their species, as follows, and God said unto them, be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth: if this is not an express command, as the Jews understand it, for marriage and procreation of children, it seems to be more than a bare permission; at least it is a direction and an advice to what was proper and convenient for the increase of mankind, and for the filling of the earth with inhabitants, which was the end of its being made, Isa 45:18. This shows that marriage is an ordinance of God, instituted in paradise, and is honourable; and that procreation is a natural action, and might have been, and may be performed without sin, and subdue it; the earth; not that it was in the hands of others, who had no right to it, and to be conquered and taken out of their hands; but is to be understood of their taking possession, and making use of it; of their tilling the land, and making it subservient to their use: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the face of the earth; which was giving them an universal and unlimited dominion over all the creatures; of which see an enumeration in Psa 8:6.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
1:28 God blessed them: See study note on 1:22; see also 17:16; 48:16; Deut 7:13. • said: God’s message to humankind is direct and intimate; we are stewards of his delegated authority. • govern. . . . Reign: As God’s vice-regents, humans are entrusted with the care and management of the world God created (see also Gen 9:2; Ps 8:5-8).
Genesis 1:28
The Sixth Day
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.”
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
神造男人的目的 - the Purpose of a Man
By Paul Washer8.9K1:08:27ChineseGEN 1:28MAT 28:19In this sermon, Paul begins by explaining that in the first three chapters of the Bible, he discusses everything that God has done for us in Christ. He then transitions to chapter four, where he emphasizes that based on what God has done for us, we should live a certain way. In chapters five and six, Paul discusses the importance of family, slaves, and authority. He emphasizes that following Jesus means giving our lives to the cause of Christ and living for His glory in our respective callings.
(Basics) 51. Bringing Up Godly Children
By Zac Poonen2.9K13:01GEN 1:28DEU 6:6PRO 22:6MAL 2:14MAL 3:14MAT 6:33EPH 6:4In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of teaching children to be honest and responsible. He uses the example of a child stealing a pencil and explains how ignoring such behavior can lead to more serious wrongdoing in the future. The responsibility of raising godly children primarily falls on fathers, as stated in Ephesians 6:4. The speaker also highlights the significance of discipline and instruction in shaping children's character. He concludes by discussing the role of the Christian home in countering the attacks of Satan and God's plan for raising children.
Worship
By Manley Beasley2.5K52:35WorshipGEN 1:28MAT 6:33JHN 4:24ROM 8:28HEB 11:8JAS 2:171PE 2:2In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of worshiping God in spirit and truth. He shares a personal experience of surrendering his life to God and the profound impact it had on his relationship with Him. The speaker encourages listeners to prioritize knowing and walking with God above all else, even in their pursuit of becoming great preachers. He warns against allowing emotions to dictate one's spiritual journey and emphasizes the need for theological correctness in order to grow in grace and maturity as a child of God.
The New Creation and the New Fall
By Bill Randles2.3K43:02New CreationGEN 1:28GEN 8:1GEN 8:8GEN 8:20GEN 9:8ACT 9:1ROM 13:1In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of two different kinds of people in the new world. He emphasizes that while some can thrive in corruption and feed off it, others, like the dove, cannot rest until they find something clean and holy. The preacher also addresses inappropriate questions about God's presence during tragic events, suggesting that the real question should be why there aren't more tragedies given the sinful nature of the world. The sermon concludes with a discussion of the rainbow as a symbol of God's covenant with humanity and the victory of divine love over sin and God's wrath.
The Sermon on the Mount - Part 6
By Leonard Ravenhill1.7K56:56Sermon on the MountGEN 1:28GEN 9:1GEN 12:2PSA 1:1PSA 84:4MAT 28:18ACT 19:15In this sermon, the preacher talks about the challenges and struggles faced by believers in the world. He emphasizes the importance of being anointed by the Holy Spirit and refers to the story of Samson as a type of the spirit anointed man. The preacher also mentions an incident from the eighth and ninth chapters of Acts where preachers were beaten up by demons after trying to cast them out. He criticizes the practice of begging for funds and highlights the need for Christians to live holy lives in an unholy world. The preacher expresses his frustration with boring church services and calls for the Holy Spirit to bring life and excitement to meetings.
(Genesis #9) God in Covenant
By J. Glyn Owen1.6K45:21CovenantGEN 1:28GEN 8:21GEN 9:1GEN 9:11GEN 9:15In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that God wants to communicate His word to us and desires our comfort and service. The preacher highlights the covenant God made with all creation, which remains intact. However, the covenant God has made with His own people is even more precious and meaningful. The sermon then focuses on the story of Noah and how God reassured him after the devastating flood by promising that the seasons would continue as normal. The preacher concludes by emphasizing that God wants us to have peace and hope, and He wants His word to be deeply ingrained in our hearts and minds.
(Pdf Book) Fullness of God
By Bakht Singh1.4K00:00EbooksGod's FullnessSpiritual GrowthGEN 1:28PSA 16:11JER 31:3JHN 10:10ROM 8:11EPH 3:16EPH 3:19PHP 4:6COL 2:9HEB 12:10Bakht Singh emphasizes that God's ultimate purpose in saving humanity is to fill us with His fullness, as stated in Ephesians 3:19. He explains that despite our sinful nature, through the sacrifice of Jesus, we can be transformed and experience God's abundant life, joy, and peace. Singh illustrates that just as Adam was given everything in the Garden of Eden, we too are offered fullness in Christ, but we must actively seek and obey God's will to experience it. He encourages believers to rely on God's grace and power to overcome life's challenges and to grow spiritually through trials, ultimately leading to a deeper understanding of God's love and purpose. The sermon concludes with a call to embrace our identity as God's children and to live in the fullness He desires for us.
Chosen and Loved
By Jim Cymbala1.3K34:58God's FamilyGEN 1:28GEN 12:1MAT 7:13ROM 8:30EPH 1:41TH 1:41PE 1:2In this sermon, the preacher addresses born-again believers who may be struggling with doubts and difficult circumstances. He emphasizes that despite any challenges they may face, God's love for them remains unwavering. The preacher highlights the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross as evidence of God's love and encourages the congregation to hold onto this truth. He also emphasizes the importance of free will in conjunction with God's election, rejecting the notion that God's love is limited to a select few. The sermon concludes with a call to praise and a reminder to always remember God's love.
Moral Excellency - Appendix - Dominion Over Creatures
By John Murray1.2K48:47MoralityGEN 1:26GEN 1:28MAT 6:33EPH 4:24HEB 4:16HEB 7:25The sermon transcript begins with a prayer, emphasizing the importance of approaching God with humility, contrition, and confidence. The speaker then mentions the need to study the first five chapters of a textbook, particularly focusing on Chapter 3, which discusses the origin of the soul. The sermon then delves into the Roman Catholic view of man's primitive condition, highlighting the belief that man was created with dignity and dominion over all things. The speaker also mentions that the Roman Catholic Church teaches about the state of pure nature and the conflict within human nature.
The Calling of a Mother
By Zac Poonen63124:41GEN 1:28PRO 22:6MAL 2:141TI 2:12This sermon emphasizes the importance of marriage, raising godly children, and the role of humility in parenting. It highlights God's design for marriage, the responsibility of parents to bring up children in a godly way, and the significance of humility in receiving grace from God. The speaker addresses the need for parents to instill biblical principles in their children, focusing on humility, faith, love, holiness, and self-control.
God's Purpose for Man
By Zac Poonen53924:46GEN 1:26GEN 1:28JHN 15:5ROM 8:142CO 5:20GAL 5:16EPH 1:4COL 3:101TH 5:23JAS 4:7This sermon delves into God's original purpose for creating man, emphasizing the unique creation of humans with a spirit that distinguishes them from animals. It explores the consequences of sin on man's spirit, the restoration through Christ, and the call for believers to reflect God's image and rule over their earthly desires. The message highlights the importance of fellowship with God, the role of the Holy Spirit in empowering believers, and the need to align with God's purpose to fulfill His original design for humanity.
Husband and Wife - Like Christ and the Church
By Zac Poonen51258:04GEN 1:28PRO 14:1MAT 8:81CO 11:3EPH 5:22EPH 5:251PE 3:7This sermon emphasizes the importance of husband-wife relationships in the New Testament, highlighting the need for love, humility, and mutual respect within families. It contrasts the true strength of a church, which lies in strong family units, with the superficial emphasis on numbers and external activities. The message underscores the significance of humility, submission, and building godly homes as foundational aspects of Christian life and leadership.
Asking the Right Question
By Stewart Ruch35711:21Christian LifeGEN 1:28MAT 7:11LUK 11:13JHN 14:26ACT 1:8ROM 8:26GAL 5:22In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being fruitful and becoming spiritual mothers and fathers. He encourages both celibate and married individuals to bear fruit in the Lord and embrace their role as spiritual parents. The speaker highlights the privilege and uniqueness of receiving the ministry of the Holy Spirit and integrating it with the teaching of the word. He urges the audience to share their testimony and the work of the Holy Spirit in their lives with others, especially those who may not have had the opportunity to experience it. The sermon concludes with the reminder to ask the Father for more of the Holy Spirit, regardless of one's feelings or experiences.
The Greatest Event in All of History
By Peter Hammond20740:29HistoryGEN 1:28MAT 6:33MAT 28:19MRK 12:31LUK 2:8LUK 10:30ACT 1:8In this sermon, the preacher begins by reading from Luke chapter 10, verses 8 to 14, which describes the angelic announcement of the birth of Jesus to the shepherds. The preacher emphasizes that this event is one of the greatest in all of history and brings great joy to all people. He then discusses the responsibilities and purpose that God has given to humanity, including loving God and others, caring for creation, and fulfilling the great commission to spread the message of salvation to all nations. The preacher warns against distractions and escapism, urging Christians to face the reality of a world in rebellion to God and to fulfill their responsibilities on earth.
Jesus Disrupts the Disciples' Expectations
By Stewart Ruch14822:51DiscipleshipGEN 1:28GEN 12:1JOS 1:1MAT 6:33MRK 1:35In this sermon, the preacher discusses the pressure and expectations that come with success. He shares his own experience as a young preacher, feeling the need to constantly deliver great sermons and meet the expectations of others. The preacher then turns to the Gospel of Mark, specifically focusing on verses 35-39. He highlights the human condition of living with great expectations and the pressure it can create. The sermon concludes by exploring how Jesus handles these expectations and offers a way to live by greater expectations.
Romans 9:12 Your Vocation
By Ernest O'Neill0GEN 1:28JOB 31:15PRO 21:1ECC 9:10MAT 5:3MRK 16:15LUK 22:24JHN 19:10ROM 1:9ROM 9:12Ernest O'Neill delivers a sermon on the importance of understanding God's role in determining our vocation, emphasizing that our job is not our choice but God's, as seen in the example of Jacob and Esau. He encourages listeners to trust in God's plan for their lives, as He has uniquely created each individual with specific abilities and qualities for a particular job. O'Neill highlights the significance of serving God through our work, focusing on bringing order to His world and transmitting Jesus' love and peace to others, rather than seeking approval or status from society.
Reproduction Is Fruitfulness
By G.W. North0Spiritual ReproductionFruitfulnessGEN 1:28MAT 13:8LUK 8:8JHN 2:1JHN 3:29JHN 15:1ACT 2:41ROM 7:4GAL 5:22EPH 5:31G.W. North emphasizes the biblical principle of fruitfulness, illustrating how Jesus, as the Vine, desires His followers to bear fruit in abundance. He draws parallels between the teachings in John 15 and the parable of the Sower in Matthew 13, highlighting God's expectation for His people to reproduce spiritually. North explains that true fruitfulness involves not only personal growth in virtues but also the multiplication of believers, as exemplified by the events of Pentecost. He underscores the significance of the relationship between Christ and the Church, portraying the Church as the Bride and Christ as the Bridegroom, culminating in the miraculous transformation at the wedding in Cana. Ultimately, North conveys that God's intention is for His children to flourish and multiply in faith, reflecting the divine life within them.
The Signs of the Times
By Jane Lead0GEN 1:28MAT 24:37REV 20:6REV 21:2REV 22:17Jane Lead preaches about the signs of the approaching Kingdom of Christ, emphasizing the need for spiritual awakening, unity, and preparation for the manifestation of Christ's reign on Earth. She describes the importance of being chosen and elected to partake in the blessings of the new Kingdom, highlighting the role of spiritual leaders in guiding and feeding the flock under the overshadowing power of God. Lead urges believers to rise above earthly divisions, embrace a child-like spirit of humility and obedience, and prepare for a new creation where the Kingdom of Heaven will be established both internally and externally.
Discipleship and Marriage
By William MacDonald0MarriageDiscipleshipGEN 1:28GEN 2:18PRO 18:22ECC 4:9MAT 5:13MAT 19:12LUK 14:281CO 7:21CO 7:32HEB 13:4William MacDonald addresses the complex relationship between discipleship and marriage, emphasizing that while marriage is a divine institution meant for companionship, procreation, and purity, it is not a universal calling for every disciple. He highlights that some may choose celibacy to serve Christ more fully, underscoring the importance of individual guidance from God in this decision. MacDonald warns against the distractions that marriage can bring, urging believers to prioritize their commitment to Christ above all else. He encourages counting the cost of discipleship, reminding that true followers must be willing to forsake everything for the sake of the Gospel. Ultimately, he calls for a life dedicated to glorifying God, free from the entanglements of worldly desires.
Practice of Good Works
By Clement of Rome0GEN 1:26GEN 1:28EPH 2:10COL 3:23Clement of Rome urges believers not to grow lazy in doing good and showing love, emphasizing the importance of actively engaging in good works. He highlights how God Himself delights in His creations, from the heavens to the earth, animals, and ultimately, mankind made in His image. By following God's example of creating and rejoicing in His works, believers are encouraged to wholeheartedly fulfill His will and pursue righteousness with all their might.
Rev 12:10. the Heavenly Song of Victory
By Horatius Bonar0The Kingdom of GodVictory in ChristGEN 1:28PSA 8:6MAT 28:18ROM 16:201CO 15:25PHP 2:92TI 4:18HEB 2:8REV 11:15REV 12:10Horatius Bonar expounds on Revelation 12:10, celebrating the heavenly song of victory that proclaims the arrival of salvation, strength, and the kingdom of God, as the accuser is cast down. This song signifies progress in the ongoing battle against evil, marking each victory as a step closer to the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises. Bonar emphasizes that while the dragon is temporarily cast down, the work of salvation unfolds progressively through history, culminating in the final victory at Christ's return. Each note of the song—salvation, power, kingdom, and authority—reflects the ongoing revelation of God's glory and the establishment of His reign. The sermon encourages believers to anticipate the complete realization of God's kingdom and the authority of Christ over all creation.
The Criteria of Livingness - Reproduction
By T. Austin-Sparks0The Danger of ExclusivismReproduction in FaithGEN 1:28MAT 28:19JHN 15:8T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the law of reproduction as essential evidence of life, highlighting that God's command to 'be fruitful and multiply' reflects the organic relatedness of life. He warns against exclusivism, which leads to death and disintegration, and stresses that true livingness involves transmitting life to others rather than hoarding it. The sermon illustrates the importance of being a vessel for God's blessings to the nations, contrasting the barren fig tree with the fruitful vine. Sparks calls for a spirit of sacrifice and travail in reproduction, urging Christians to focus on what they can give to the world rather than becoming self-centered. Ultimately, the vitality of any Christian community is measured by its ability to produce life beyond itself.
The Cross Brings Victory
By Zac Poonen0GEN 1:281SA 2:30PSA 124:7MAT 16:212CO 3:17HEB 2:14HEB 12:2JAS 4:7REV 12:11Zac Poonen preaches about the positive side of the message of the cross, emphasizing that it is a pathway to resurrection life and joy for those who accept its working. Through the example of Joseph, he illustrates how embracing the cross leads to vindication and fruitfulness, even in the face of suffering and injustice. Poonen highlights that victory over Satan and true freedom come only through embracing the way of the cross, as seen in the life of Jesus and the importance of surrendering our rights and self to experience divine liberty.
Fruit Unto God
By G.W. North0FruitfulnessSpiritual ParenthoodGEN 1:28MAT 28:19JHN 15:5ROM 9:3ROM 12:11CO 4:15GAL 4:191TH 2:19HEB 2:131PE 2:2G.W. North emphasizes the divine mandate of fruitfulness and multiplication in both the physical and spiritual realms, asserting that this principle is essential for the Church. He draws parallels between the apostle Paul's deep longing for spiritual offspring and the sacrificial love of Christ, highlighting that true ministry involves a passionate desire to bear God's children. North illustrates how early Church leaders like Paul, John, and Peter viewed their relationships with believers not merely as converts but as spiritual children, born out of love and commitment to Christ. He stresses that being a servant is commendable, but the ultimate calling is to be the Bride of Christ, which entails a fruitful union that produces spiritual offspring. The sermon concludes with a call for believers to embrace their identity as the Bride, yielding to God’s desire for fruitfulness in their lives.
Barrenness Is Fruitlessness
By G.W. North0Union with ChristSpiritual FruitfulnessGEN 1:28GEN 30:11SA 1:102KI 4:14LUK 1:25LUK 13:6JHN 15:5ROM 7:4GAL 5:22HEB 2:13G.W. North emphasizes the significance of spiritual fruitfulness in the life of believers, drawing parallels between marriage and the union with Christ as essential for producing fruit unto God. He highlights that just as childlessness was seen as a reproach in ancient times, a lack of spiritual fruit is a serious concern for the Church, which is called to be united with Christ and fulfill God's desire for many children in faith. North illustrates this through the stories of barren women in the Bible, such as Sarah, Rachel, and Hannah, who exemplified deep longing for fruitfulness, reflecting God's heart for His people. Ultimately, he asserts that true life in Christ is marked by the bearing of spiritual fruit, which is the evidence of a vibrant relationship with God.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
And God blessed them - Marked them as being under his especial protection, and gave them power to propagate and multiply their own kind on the earth. A large volume would be insufficient to contain what we know of the excellence and perfection of man, even in his present degraded fallen state. Both his body and soul are adapted with astonishing wisdom to their residence and occupations; and also the place of their residence, as well as the surrounding objects, in their diversity, color, and mutual relations, to the mind and body of this lord of the creation. The contrivance, arrangement, action, and re-action of the different parts of the body, show the admirable skill of the wondrous Creator; while the various powers and faculties of the mind, acting on and by the different organs of this body, proclaim the soul's Divine origin, and demonstrate that he who was made in the image and likeness of God, was a transcript of his own excellency, destined to know, love, and dwell with his Maker throughout eternity.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Be fruitful, &c.--The human race in every country and age has been the offspring of the first pair. Amid all the varieties found among men, some black, some copper-colored, others white, the researches of modern science lead to a conclusion, fully accordant with the sacred history, that they are all of one species and of one family (Act 17:26). What power in the word of God! "He spake and it was done. He commanded and all things stood fast" [Psa 33:9]. "Great and manifold are thy works, Lord God Almighty! in wisdom hast thou made them all" [Psa 104:24]. We admire that wisdom, not only in the regular progress of creation, but in its perfect adaptation to the end. God is represented as pausing at every stage to look at His work. No wonder He contemplated it with complacency. Every object was in its right place, every vegetable process going on in season, every animal in its structure and instincts suited to its mode of life and its use in the economy of the world. He saw everything that He had made answering the plan which His eternal wisdom had conceived; and, "Behold it was very good" [Gen 1:31]. Next: Genesis Chapter 2
John Gill Bible Commentary
And God blessed them,.... The man and the woman he had made, with all the blessings of nature and Providence; with all the good things of life; with his presence, and with communion with himself in a natural way, through the creatures; and particularly with a power of procreating their species, as follows, and God said unto them, be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth: if this is not an express command, as the Jews understand it, for marriage and procreation of children, it seems to be more than a bare permission; at least it is a direction and an advice to what was proper and convenient for the increase of mankind, and for the filling of the earth with inhabitants, which was the end of its being made, Isa 45:18. This shows that marriage is an ordinance of God, instituted in paradise, and is honourable; and that procreation is a natural action, and might have been, and may be performed without sin, and subdue it; the earth; not that it was in the hands of others, who had no right to it, and to be conquered and taken out of their hands; but is to be understood of their taking possession, and making use of it; of their tilling the land, and making it subservient to their use: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the face of the earth; which was giving them an universal and unlimited dominion over all the creatures; of which see an enumeration in Psa 8:6.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
1:28 God blessed them: See study note on 1:22; see also 17:16; 48:16; Deut 7:13. • said: God’s message to humankind is direct and intimate; we are stewards of his delegated authority. • govern. . . . Reign: As God’s vice-regents, humans are entrusted with the care and management of the world God created (see also Gen 9:2; Ps 8:5-8).