Definition: And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: 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 earth.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Genesis 1:28 together. It's a really important passage in the Bible about creation! Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Basically, God is telling all of us – and everything around us – that we have a special role to play. It’s saying this isn't just about making things; it's about dominion - meaning having power over the world. Let’s unpack each part: “And God blessed them…” This means God gave something good and positive to those who were created. Think of it like a gift or blessing. “…and God said unto them…” God is giving instructions. He's speaking directly to humanity (and, by extension, all living things). “Be fruitful, and multiply…” This is the core of the verse – God wants more . It means we should grow in number, increase our population, and expand our influence. “…and replenish the earth…” The Earth is a whole place, and God wants to fill it with life. He’s saying that everything on Earth will grow and flourish. “And subdue it: 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 earth.” This is where it gets a little more profound. It means we’re given the power to control these creatures – not in a way that dominates them, but in a way that allows us to live alongside them and use their resources responsibly. We've been given the ability to shape the Earth and its inhabitants. The overall message is about God's love and purpose for all life. It’s a statement of responsibility – we are created to be part of this creation, and that includes caring for it in a way that honors God. It's important to note: This verse isn’t just about humans; it speaks to all living things - animals, plants, even microorganisms. It emphasizes the interconnectedness of all life on Earth. Do you want me to explain any part of this verse in more detail? For example, we could talk about: The significance of "dominion"? What does it mean to be “subdued”? How does this verse relate to the idea of a created world?