Image

Archimandrite Nikifor’s Biblical Encyclopedia

(Gen. 1:26-27)—a likeness or representation. Humanity is created in the image and likeness of God, a dignity expressed in rational and moral capacity, personal communion, stewardship of creation, freedom, and a vocation to holiness. Sin wounds and obscures the image but does not erase the human person’s God-given worth. Renewal in Christ restores humanity toward “righteousness and holiness of truth” (Eph. 4:24; Col. 3:10).

Scripture cited

Genesis 1:26 Ephesians 4:24 Colossians 3:10

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Created in the image of God. Humanity was created in God’s image and likeness (Gen. 1:27; Jas. 3:9). The source associates this image with…
Darkness (Gen. 1:2)—the absence of visible light and, in Scripture, a powerful image of chaos, ignorance, sorrow,…
Earth, land (Gen. 1:1; Ps. 24:1 [23:1]) — in Hebrew called eretz. The Hebrews, however, had other various names for…
Fish (Gen. 1:21; John 21:6 and elsewhere)—a principal food in Egypt. Fish were caught in great numbers, especially…
Food —the food first appointed for humanity consisted of plants and their fruit (Gen. 1:29). After the Flood, the…
God — the Creator of heaven and earth and Provider for the universe (Gen. 1:1; John 1:1) has in Holy Scripture…
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