Genesis clearly establishes humanity’s role as caretakers of God’s creation. After creating man and woman, God gave them a specific mandate in Genesis 1:28:
“Then God blessed them, and God said to them, ‘Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth.’”
This passage, often called the Cultural Mandate, shows that humanity was entrusted with stewardship, not exploitation. To “subdue” the earth and “have dominion” does not mean abuse or destruction but responsible management under God’s authority. It reflects a call to order, cultivate, and care for creation as representatives of the Creator.
Genesis 2:15 adds further clarity:
“Then the Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to tend and keep it.”
The words “tend” and “keep” indicate active care and preservation. Humanity’s role is to work and guard the environment, ensuring it flourishes according to God’s design. This responsibility involves using natural resources wisely, maintaining balance, and respecting life.
Scripture teaches that the earth belongs to the Lord (Psalm 24:1), and our role as caretakers reflects His ownership. Genesis lays the foundation for the biblical principle of stewardship: everything we manage (land, animals, and resources) must be handled in a way that honors God and serves future generations.
