Dominion is a gift from God, but it comes with responsibility. From the very beginning, God gave humans authority over creation, with a call to steward it wisely. Today, we’ll examine what the Bible teaches about our role in exercising dominion with care and humility.
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What Does The Bible Say About Dominion
Genesis 1:26
“Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.”
This verse reveals that God created humans in His image and gave them authority to rule over His creation. It establishes the principle of human dominion over the earth, placing mankind in a position of responsibility and stewardship.
As image bearers of God, we are called to exercise wise and caring dominion, taking care of the environment and treating all living creatures with respect and compassion.
Psalm 8:6
“You made them rulers over the works of your hands; you put everything under their feet.”
This verse affirms that God has given humans dominion over His creation. It highlights the exalted position that humanity holds in God’s creation as rulers and stewards.
With dominion comes responsibility. As stewards of God’s creation, we are called to care for and manage the earth and its resources in a way that honors and reflects His character.
Genesis 9:2
“The fear and dread of you will fall on all the beasts of the earth, and all the birds in the sky, on every creature that moves along the ground, and on all the fish in the sea; they are given into your hands.”
This verse reflects God’s declaration to Noah and his sons after the flood. God establishes human dominion over all living creatures, instilling a fear and respect for humans in the animal kingdom.
While this verse speaks to the power and authority granted to humans, it also implies the responsibility to exercise dominion with wisdom, kindness, and a reverence for God’s creation.
Psalm 72:8
“May he rule from sea to sea and from the River to the ends of the earth.”
This verse is a prayer for the king of Israel, asking for his dominion to extend from sea to sea. It highlights the desire for a just and righteous ruler who governs with integrity and fairness.
As believers, we can apply this verse by praying for our leaders to exercise their authority with wisdom and justice, seeking the well-being and flourishing of all people under their dominion.
Matthew 28:18
“Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.”
This verse emphasizes that Jesus holds the ultimate authority over all creation. It establishes His dominion over both the spiritual realm and the physical world.
As followers of Christ, we recognize His lordship and submit to His authority. We are called to live under His dominion, aligning our lives with His will and purpose.
Philippians 2:9-11
“Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”
These verses proclaim the exaltation of Jesus as the highest authority. They affirm that every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, acknowledging His dominion over all.
As believers, we willingly submit to Jesus’ dominion and confess Him as Lord, honoring and glorifying Him in all areas of our lives.
1 Chronicles 29:11-12
“Yours, Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is yours. Yours, Lord, is the kingdom; you are exalted as head over all. Wealth and honor come from you; you are the ruler of all things. In your hands are strength and power to exalt and give strength to all.”
This passage acknowledges God’s ultimate dominion over all creation. It recognizes His greatness, power, and authority as the ruler of everything.
As believers, we humbly acknowledge God’s dominion and surrender to His perfect and sovereign will, recognizing that He alone is worthy of our worship and praise.
Psalm 103:19
“The Lord has established his throne in heaven, and his kingdom rules over all.”
This verse declares that God’s kingdom rules over all. It affirms His sovereignty and dominion over every aspect of creation, both seen and unseen.
As followers of God, we take comfort in knowing that His kingdom will ultimately prevail, and we can trust in His righteous rule over all things.
Colossians 1:16-17
“For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.”
These verses affirm that Jesus, as the Son of God, holds ultimate dominion over all creation. They declare that all things were created by Him, through Him, and for Him.
As believers, we recognize Jesus’ dominion as the Creator and sustainer of all things. We find our purpose and fulfillment in aligning our lives with His divine plan and surrendering to His lordship.
Exodus 9:29
“Moses replied, ‘When I have gone out of the city, I will spread out my hands in prayer to the Lord. The thunder will stop and there will be no more hail, so you may know that the earth is the Lord’s.”
Moses’ response to Pharaoh recognizes that the earth belongs to the Lord. It acknowledges God’s dominion over nature and His ability to control and intervene in the natural world.
As believers, we can find assurance and trust in God’s dominion over all creation, knowing that He is in control and that His purposes will ultimately be fulfilled.
Psalm 24:1
“The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.”
This verse declares that the earth and everything in it belongs to the Lord. It affirms His dominion over the world and all its inhabitants.
As stewards of God’s creation, we are called to recognize His ownership and exercise wise and responsible dominion, caring for both the earth and all living creatures.
Psalm 115:16
“The highest heavens belong to the Lord, but the earth he has given to mankind.”
This verse acknowledges that while the highest heavens belong to the Lord, He has entrusted the earth to humanity. It highlights the unique dominion and responsibility given to mankind over the earthly realm.
As stewards of the earth, we have a role to play in honoring God’s dominion by caring for and nurturing His creation.
Psalm 145:13
“Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures through all generations. The Lord is trustworthy in all he promises and faithful in all he does.”
This verse exalts the eternal and enduring nature of God’s dominion and kingdom. It reinforces the trustworthiness and faithfulness of the Lord in His reign over all generations.
As believers, we find solace and confidence in God’s unchanging dominion, knowing that He is steadfast and will fulfill His promises to His people.
1 Timothy 6:15
“…which God will bring about in his own time—God, the blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings and Lord of lords.”
This verse emphasizes God’s sole dominion as the blessed and only Ruler. It magnifies Him as the King of kings and Lord of lords.
As followers of Christ, we acknowledge and submit to the authority and dominion of God, recognizing His supreme and unrivaled reign over all creation.
Psalm 19:1
“The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.”
This verse acknowledges that God’s dominion is visibly displayed in His creation. It highlights the majesty and splendor of God’s handiwork.
As we observe the wonders of the natural world, we are reminded of God’s dominion and are called to worship and honor Him as the Creator of all things.
Psalm 103:22
“Praise the Lord, all his works everywhere in his dominion. Praise the Lord, my soul.”
This verse calls for all of creation to praise the Lord for His works within His dominion. It encourages believers to join in worship and praise, offering adoration and gratitude to God.
As part of God’s creation, we are invited to participate in worship, recognizing His dominion and giving Him the praise and honor He deserves.
Psalm 136:3-4
“Give thanks to the Lord of lords: His love endures forever. To him who alone does great wonders, His love endures forever.”
These verses exalt the Lord as the one who does great wonders and emphasize His enduring love. They acknowledge His dominion over all other rulers and authorities.
As believers, we are called to give thanks and praise to the Lord of lords, rejoicing in His mighty works and steadfast love that endure forever.
Ephesians 1:20-21
“He exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come.”
These verses speak of Christ’s exaltation to the highest position of authority and dominion. They emphasize His superiority over all other rule, authority, and power.
As followers of Christ, we find hope and assurance in His victorious dominion, knowing that He rules over all things and has triumphed over sin and death.
Revelation 19:16
“On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written: king of kings and lord of lords.”
This verse depicts Jesus as the King of kings and Lord of lords, highlighting His ultimate dominion and reign over all creation.
As believers, we proclaim and acknowledge Jesus’ dominion and surrender our lives to His authority, recognizing Him as our King and Lord.
Psalm 47:7-8
“For God is the King of all the earth; sing to him a psalm of praise. God reigns over the nations; God is seated on his holy throne.”
These verses celebrate God’s kingship and dominion over the entire earth and all nations. They exhort believers to sing praises to Him and acknowledge His sovereign reign.
As we sing praises to God, we affirm His dominion and recognize His rightful place as the ruler of all nations and the earth.
1 Chronicles 16:31
“Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad; let them say among the nations, ‘The Lord reigns!'”
This verse calls for all creation, including the heavens and the earth, to rejoice and declare that the Lord reigns. It highlights His dominion and sovereignty over all nations.
As believers, we can join in the chorus of creation, proclaiming that the Lord reigns and celebrating His unwavering dominion and rule.
Psalm 96:10
“Say among the nations, ‘The Lord reigns.'”
This verse encourages believers to declare among the nations that the Lord reigns. It emphasizes the need to proclaim God’s dominion and sovereignty to all people.
As witnesses of God’s dominion, we are called to share the good news of His reign, inviting others to acknowledge and submit to His lordship.
Psalm 2:8
“Ask me, and I will make the nations your inheritance, the ends of the earth your possession.”
This verse reveals God’s promise to the Messiah, granting Him dominion over the nations and the ends of the earth. It highlights His authority and ownership over all people and territories.
As followers of Christ, we find hope and assurance in Jesus’ dominion and the fulfillment of God’s promise, knowing that ultimately all things will be subjected to Him.