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Genesis 1:28 serves as a foundational verse in Scripture, articulating Jehovah’s original purpose for humanity and the earth. It provides insight into the Creator’s intentions for mankind, their relationship with creation, and their responsibility toward the natural world. This verse is integral to understanding biblical themes of stewardship, dominion, and the unchanging nature of Jehovah’s plans.

Jehovah’s Blessing and Command: A Divine Mandate

The verse reads: “God blessed them, and God said to them, ‘Be fruitful and multiply, fill the earth and subdue it, and have dominion over the fish of the sea, the birds of the sky, and every living thing that moves on the earth.’” Jehovah’s pronouncement is both a blessing and a command, highlighting His purpose for mankind. He endowed Adam and Eve with the ability to reproduce and tasked them with filling the earth with their descendants, reflecting their own perfection and obedience.

The Hebrew term for “blessed” (בָּרַךְ, barak) signifies empowerment and divine favor. Adam and Eve were created in Jehovah’s image (Genesis 1:26-27), uniquely designed to reflect His attributes of love, wisdom, and justice. This blessing ensured their capacity to fulfill the command. Jehovah’s provision encompassed all their spiritual and material needs, as evidenced by His creation of a paradise home in Eden (Genesis 2:8-9).

“Be Fruitful and Multiply”: The Expansion of Human Life

The directive to “be fruitful and multiply” underscores the sanctity and purpose of human life. Jehovah intended for Adam and Eve to populate the earth with righteous offspring who would live forever in harmony with Him (Isaiah 46:10-11). This is consistent with Jehovah’s unchanging purpose, as affirmed in Revelation 21:3-4, which envisions a restored paradise where death and sorrow are eliminated.

Adam and Eve’s failure to obey does not negate this divine intention. Isaiah 55:11 states, “My word that goes out from my mouth will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.” Thus, Jehovah’s purpose for obedient humans to inhabit a paradise earth remains certain.

“Subdue It”: Managing Creation for Jehovah’s Glory

The term “subdue” (כָּבַשׁ, kabash) implies bringing something under control or harnessing its potential. This is not a mandate for exploitation but for stewardship. Jehovah entrusted Adam and Eve with the responsibility of caring for the earth, ensuring its continued beauty and productivity. As caretakers, they were to extend the boundaries of Eden, transforming the rest of the planet into a global paradise.

Genesis 2:15 elaborates on this role, stating, “Jehovah God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.” This demonstrates that labor and responsibility were part of Jehovah’s design for human fulfillment. By managing creation in accordance with divine principles, Adam and Eve would glorify their Creator.

“Have Dominion Over”: Authority and Responsibility

The command to “have dominion” (רָדָה, radah) over all living creatures signifies mankind’s authority over the animal kingdom. However, this dominion is not one of tyranny but of care and responsibility. Proverbs 12:10 reflects this principle, stating, “The righteous care for the needs of their animals.” Mankind’s role was to mirror Jehovah’s loving care for His creation.

The Hebrew term radah conveys the idea of governing with justice and wisdom. In perfect harmony with Jehovah’s purpose, Adam and Eve would have exercised their dominion to maintain balance and order among the animals. The harmony that existed between humans and animals in the garden (Genesis 2:19-20) reflects the Creator’s intent for a peaceful relationship between all living beings.

The Role of Animals in Creation

Animals were an integral part of Jehovah’s design. Genesis 1:24-25 describes their creation, categorizing them as wild animals, domestic animals, and creatures that creep. The Hebrew word remes (רֶמֶשׂ) is used to describe creatures that move or creep, emphasizing their mobility and variety. Psalm 104:24-25 highlights the diversity of Jehovah’s creative works, stating, “How many are your works, Jehovah! In wisdom you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures.”

Animals were created for mankind’s benefit, not only as companions but also as a resource for food, clothing, and labor (Genesis 9:3). However, this use was always intended to be governed by principles of respect and care, as illustrated by Noah’s post-Flood covenant, in which Jehovah instilled a healthy fear of humans into animals to ensure their survival (Genesis 9:2).

The Impact of Sin on Jehovah’s Original Purpose

Adam and Eve’s rebellion in Eden disrupted Jehovah’s original purpose. Genesis 3:17-19 describes the consequences of their sin, including increased toil in cultivating the ground and the introduction of thorns and thistles. Despite these challenges, Jehovah’s command to fill the earth and subdue it remained. This is evident in His blessing upon Noah and his family after the Flood, where He reiterated the command to “be fruitful and multiply” (Genesis 9:1).

However, the absence of the directive to “subdue the earth” in this post-Flood command (Genesis 9:1-2) reflects the limitations of imperfect humans. Without divine guidance, mankind has struggled to manage the earth responsibly. Environmental degradation and the misuse of resources are stark reminders of humanity’s failure to fulfill Jehovah’s original mandate.

Future Fulfillment of Jehovah’s Purpose

Jehovah’s purpose for the earth will ultimately be fulfilled through His Kingdom. Isaiah 65:17 promises, “I will create new heavens and a new earth, and the former things will not be remembered.” Under the rule of Jesus Christ, obedient mankind will inherit the earth and participate in restoring it to its original paradise condition (Matthew 5:5; Revelation 21:5). In this future state, the harmony between humans, animals, and the environment will be fully realized (Isaiah 11:6-9).

Jehovah’s unchanging purpose is a testament to His sovereignty and faithfulness. Despite human failure, His will is certain to prevail, bringing eternal blessings to those who align themselves with His righteous standards.

Conclusion

Genesis 1:28 encapsulates Jehovah’s original purpose for humanity and the earth. It outlines mankind’s responsibilities to procreate, manage creation, and exercise dominion over animals in harmony with divine principles. While sin disrupted this purpose, Jehovah’s ultimate plan remains unchanged. Through His Kingdom, He will restore the earth to a paradise and bring obedient humans into perfect harmony with Him and His creation. This verse, therefore, stands as a cornerstone of biblical teaching, offering profound insights into Jehovah’s intentions and the future He has promised.

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About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220+ books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).