God said something unique when he made man: “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness.” Unlike any of the other creation, humanity is made like God in a special way and is called “very good.” But what does this mean? Our first clue comes immediately after those phrases, when man is given dominion over the rest of creation. Further, we know from the poetic section in v. 27 that humanity is meant to be portrayed as the height of God’s creation (note the use of the superlative, “created” 3x), by virtue of being made in his image. There is also a special blessing conferred on them, as they are told to be fruitful, multiply, fill the earth, and thereby subdue it (again, “have dominion”, v. 28). All these descriptions indicate that humanity is the pinnacle of God’s beautiful design — made in his image.

Beautiful By Design | Image | Genesis 1:26-31