Genesis 1:27

Old Testament Law (Torah) ASV (1901)

What does Genesis 1:27 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.
Genesis 1:27 — American Standard Version

Context — Genesis 1

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
27And God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“So God created man in his own image, etc.] Which consisted both in the form of his body, and the erect stature of it, different from all other creatures; in agreement with the idea of that body, prepared in covenant for the Son of God, and which it was therein agreed he should assume in the fulness of time; and in the immortality of his soul, and in his intellectual powers, and in that purity, holiness, and righteousness in which he was created; as well as in his dominion, power, and authority over the creatures, in which he was as God’s viceregent, and resembled him. The Jerusalem Targum is, “the Word of the Lord created man in his likeness;” even that Word that was in the beginning with…”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“- VIII. The Sixth Day 24. בהמה behēmâh, “cattle; dumb, tame beasts.” רמשׂ remeś, “creeping (small or low) animals.” חוּה chayâh, “living thing; animal.” חוּת־חארץ chayatô-chā'ārets, “wild beast.” 26. אדם 'ādām, “man, mankind;” “be red.” A collective noun, having no plural number, and therefore denoting either an individual of the kind, or the kind or race itself. It is connected in etymology with אדמה 'ădāmâh, “the red soil,” from which the human body was formed Genesis 2:7. It therefore marks the earthly aspect of man. צלם tselem, “shade, image,” in visible outline. דמוּת demût, “likeness,” in any quality. רדה rādâh “tread, rule.” This day corresponds with the third. In both…”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“1:27 The first poetry of Genesis reflectively celebrates God’s climactic feat in creating humankind. • human beings: This term (Hebrew ha-’adam, “the man”) is often used to denote humanity collectively (see 6:1, 5-7; 9:5-6). Though traditionally translated “man,” gender is not at issue here; both male and female are included.”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification