Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Scope Dominion, in a biblical context, refers to the authority and responsibility given by God to humans to govern, manage, and steward His creation. This concept is rooted in the idea of stewardship, where humans are seen as caretakers of the earth, accountable to God for their management of His creation. Biblical Foundation The concept of dominion is first introduced in the Book of Genesis. In Genesis 1:26-28 , God declares His intention to create humanity in His image and grants them dominion over the earth: "Then God said, 'Let Us make man in Our image, after Our likeness, to rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, and over all the earth itself and every creature that crawls upon it.' So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. God blessed them and said to them, 'Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth and subdue it; rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and every creature that crawls upon the earth.'" Theological Implications Dominion implies a God-given authority that is both a privilege and a responsibility. It is not a license for exploitation or abuse but a call to stewardship and care. The biblical mandate for dominion is closely tied to the concept of being made in the image of God, which suggests that humans are to reflect God's character in their rule over creation. This includes exercising justice, mercy, and wisdom. Humanity's Role The role of humanity in exercising dominion is further elaborated in Psalm 8:6-8 : "You made him ruler of the works of Your hands; You have placed everything under his feet: all sheep and oxen, and even the beasts of the field, the birds of the air and the fish of the sea, all that swim the paths of the seas." This passage underscores the comprehensive nature of human dominion, extending to all living creatures and the environment. New Testament Perspective In the New Testament, the concept of dominion is expanded to include spiritual authority. Jesus Christ, as the second Adam, exemplifies perfect dominion through His life, death, and resurrection. Believers are called to share in this dominion, not only over creation but also in spiritual realms. Ephesians 1:22-23 states, "And God put everything under His feet and made Him head over everything for the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all." Ethical Considerations The exercise of dominion carries ethical implications. It calls for a balance between use and preservation, ensuring that the needs of the present do not compromise the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. This stewardship ethic is reflected in the biblical principle of Sabbath rest for the land (Leviticus 25:4-5) and the call to care for the poor and marginalized, who are often most affected by environmental degradation. Conclusion While dominion grants authority, it also demands accountability. Humans are to exercise their dominion in a way that honors God, respects His creation, and serves the common good. This biblical understanding of dominion challenges believers to reflect God's character in their interactions with the world, promoting a vision of stewardship that is both responsible and redemptive. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) Sovereign or supreme authority; the power of governing and controlling; independent right of possession, use, and control; sovereignty; supremacy.2. (n.) Superior prominence; predominance; ascendency. 3. (n.) That which is governed; territory over which authority is exercised; the tract, district, or county, considered as subject; as, the dominions of a king. Also used figuratively; as, the dominion of the passions. 4. (n.) A supposed high order of angels; dominations. See Domination, 3. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia DOMINIONdo-min'-yun: In Ephesians 1:21 Colossians 1:16 the word so translated (kuriotes) appears to denote a rank or order of angels. The same word is probably to be so interpreted in Jude 1:8 (the King James Version and the Revised Version (British and American) "dominion"), and in 2 Peter 2:10 (the King James Version "government," the Revised Version (British and American) "dominion"). See ANGEL. Greek 2634b. katakurieuo -- to exercise dominion over ... 2634a, 2634b. katakurieuo. 2635 . to exercise dominion over. Transliteration: katakurieuo Short Definition: dominion. Word Origin ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2634b.htm - 5k 2904. kratos -- strength, might 2963. kuriotes -- lordship 2961. kurieuo -- to be lord of, rule 2634. katakurieuo -- to bend down 3841. pantokrator -- almighty 936. basileuo -- to be king, reign 1466. egkrateia -- mastery, self-control 2909. kreitton -- better 2900. krataios -- strong Strong's Hebrew 7985. sholtan -- dominion... 7984, 7985. sholtan. 7986 . dominion. Transliteration: sholtan Phonetic Spelling: (shol-tawn') Short Definition: dominion. Word ... /hebrew/7985.htm - 6k 4475. memshalah -- rule, dominion, realm 4910. mashal -- to rule, have dominion, reign 4467. mamlakah -- kingdom, sovereignty, dominion, reign 7287a. radah -- to have dominion, rule, dominate 4474. mimshal -- dominion, ruler 4915. moshel -- dominion 7287. radah -- to have dominion, rule, dominate 4915a. moshel -- dominion 4468. mamlakuth -- kingdom, dominion, reign Library Dominion. On the Dominion of God Over the Creatures, and Chiefly Over Man On the Lordship or Dominion of God This was the Dominion He had Over all the Creatures on the Earth.. ... God's Dominion Over the Sea, Psalm 107 23 &C. God's Eternal Dominion. Whether Paternal Right and Right of Dominion Should be ... Whether Unbelievers May have Authority or Dominion Over the ... That the Roman Dominion was Granted by Him from whom is all Power ... Whether a Prince Forfeits his Dominion Over his Subjects, on ... Thesaurus Dominion (72 Occurrences)... Also used figuratively; as, the dominion of the passions. 4. (n.) A supposed high order of angels; dominations. ... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. DOMINION. ... /d/dominion.htm - 30k Domain (5 Occurrences) Sovereignty (14 Occurrences) Reign (468 Occurrences) Realm (23 Occurrences) Dominions (3 Occurrences) Province (66 Occurrences) Crown (94 Occurrences) Ascendancy (1 Occurrence) Euphra'tes (33 Occurrences) Resources What does it mean that God gave humanity dominion over the animals? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is dominion theology / theonomy / Christian reconstructionism? | GotQuestions.org What is Christian dominionism? | GotQuestions.org Dominion: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Dominion (72 Occurrences)Matthew 20:25 Acts 26:18 Romans 6:9 Romans 6:14 Romans 7:1 1 Corinthians 15:24 2 Corinthians 1:24 Ephesians 1:21 Colossians 1:13 1 Timothy 2:12 1 Timothy 6:16 1 Peter 4:11 1 Peter 5:11 2 Peter 2:10 Jude 1:8 Jude 1:25 Revelation 1:6 Revelation 5:13 Revelation 13:2 Revelation 13:4 Revelation 17:18 Genesis 1:26 Genesis 1:28 Genesis 27:40 Genesis 37:8 Leviticus 26:17 Numbers 24:19 Judges 5:13 Judges 14:4 2 Samuel 8:3 1 Kings 4:24 1 Kings 9:19 2 Kings 20:13 1 Chronicles 4:22 1 Chronicles 18:3 1 Chronicles 29:11 2 Chronicles 21:8 Nehemiah 9:28 Nehemiah 9:37 Job 25:2 Job 38:33 Psalms 8:6 Psalms 19:13 Psalms 22:28 Psalms 49:14 Psalms 72:8 Psalms 103:22 Psalms 114:2 Psalms 119:133 Psalms 145:13 Isaiah 26:13 Isaiah 39:2 Isaiah 41:2 Jeremiah 2:31 Jeremiah 34:1 Jeremiah 51:28 Ezekiel 30:18 Daniel 2:37 Daniel 4:3 Daniel 4:22 Daniel 4:34 Daniel 6:26 Daniel 7:6 Daniel 7:12 Daniel 7:14 Daniel 7:26 Daniel 7:27 Daniel 11:3 Daniel 11:4 Daniel 11:5 Micah 4:8 Zechariah 9:10 Subtopics Related Terms |
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