Bible Strands
Genesis 1:27
So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — The narrator records God’s creative act immediately after His deliberation in Genesis 1:26 and before His blessing and command in Genesis 1:28.
The words — The first phrase בְּצַלְמ֔וֹ (bəṣalmô, "in his image") carries a possessive suffix, while the second phrase בְּצֶ֥לֶם אֱלֹהִ֖ים (bəṣelem ʾĕlōhîm, "in the image of God") stands without one. The verb וַיִּבְרָ֨א (wayyivRā', "and He created") and its counterpart בָּרָ֣א (bārā', "He created") frame the statement of divine action.
The thread — The declaration that God made humanity male and female is echoed in Matthew 19:4 and Mark 10:6, while the broader theme of being made in God’s likeness continues in Genesis 5:1.
Why it lands — The text states that God formed humanity as male and female in His image before issuing the command to multiply and rule. This establishes human identity and purpose as the direct foundation for the mandate that follows.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.
Cross-references
- Matthew 19:4 Jesus answered, “Have you not read that from the beginning the Creator ‘made them male and female,’
- Genesis 5:1 This is the book of the generations of Adam. In the day that God created man, He made him in His own likeness.
- Mark 10:6 However, from the beginning of creation, ‘God made them male and female.’
- 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.
- Genesis 2:21 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.
- Ephesians 4:24 and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.
- Psalms 139:14 I praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Marvelous are Your works, and I know this very well.
- Isaiah 43:7 everyone called by My name and created for My glory, whom I have indeed formed and made.”
- Colossians 1:15 The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.
- 1 Corinthians 11:7 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.