Dominion

In Genesis 1:28, God gives humanity 'dominion' over the earth and its creatures. This isn't a license to exploit — it's a mandate to steward creation as God's representatives. The Hebrew word implies responsible rule, like a king caring for his people. Sin corrupted this mandate, but Jesus — the 'last Adam' — restores what was lost. Psalm 8 marvels at the dignity God gave humans in entrusting them with dominion.