What Is The Difference Between Image And Likeness Of God?
Understanding "Image" and "Likeness" of God: A Biblical Study
Few subjects have generated as much thoughtful reflection as the biblical teaching that humankind was made in the "image" and "likeness" of God. This foundational concept appears in the opening chapter of Genesis and serves as a cornerstone for understanding human dignity, purpose, and destiny. But what is the difference—if any—between "image" and "likeness"? Let's explore the biblical text, theological insights, and practical implications.
1. The Key Text: Genesis 1:26-27
And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness... And God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. - Genesis 1:26 ASV; Genesis 1:27 ASV
Here, both terms—"image" (Hebrew: tselem) and "likeness" (Hebrew: demuth)—are used. The repetition underscores the importance of this truth but raises the question: are they synonyms, or do they point to different aspects of human nature?
2. Defining "Image" (Tselem)
"Image" is often understood as a representation or reflection. In the ancient Near East, the term was used of statues or representations of kings, signifying authority and presence. Biblically, being made in God's image means humanity is created to reflect God's character, exercise stewardship, and bear authority over creation:
And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the birds of the heavens, and over the cattle, and over all the earth... - Genesis 1:26 ASV
Thus, the "image" of God is closely associated with our unique role and capacity as stewards, moral agents, and relational beings.
3. Understanding "Likeness" (Demuth)
"Likeness" conveys the idea of resemblance or similarity. Some theologians have suggested that "likeness" refers to the moral or spiritual qualities that mirror God's holiness and righteousness, whereas "image" refers more to function or status. However, many biblical scholars see the two words as closely related, with "likeness" serving to clarify and reinforce "image" rather than introduce a separate concept.
For instance, Genesis 5:1-3 uses both terms interchangeably:
In the day that God created man, in the likeness of God made he him... and begat a son in his own likeness, after his image... - Genesis 5:1 ASV; Genesis 5:3 ASV
Here, "image" and "likeness" are used almost synonymously, suggesting that the distinction is not sharply drawn in the biblical text.
4. Theological Perspectives
- Historical View: Many early church fathers proposed that "image" refers to humanity's rationality or ability to reason, while "likeness" refers to moral or spiritual resemblance to God. However, this view is not explicit in the text itself.
- Modern View: Most evangelical scholars today see the terms as overlapping, with both emphasizing the unique value, dignity, and calling of humanity to reflect God in character, relationships, and stewardship.
- Biblical Emphasis: The New Testament affirms that sin marred but did not erase the image of God in humanity (James 3:9 ASV), and that believers are being renewed in the image of Christ (Colossians 3:10 ASV).
5. The Image of God and the Work of Christ
The ultimate expression of God's image is found in Jesus Christ:
Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. - Colossians 1:15 ASV
Through faith in Christ, believers are restored to reflect the image and likeness of God as God intended from the beginning:
But we all, with unveiled face beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are transformed into the same image from glory to glory... - 2 Corinthians 3:18 ASV
6. Practical Implications
- Human Dignity: Every person has intrinsic worth, regardless of status, ability, or background (James 3:9 ASV).
- Purpose: We are called to reflect God's character and steward His creation (Genesis 1:28 ASV).
- Redemption: Through Christ, God restores us to His image, enabling us to grow in Christlikeness (Romans 8:29 ASV).
Conclusion
While "image" and "likeness" may have nuanced meanings, the Bible uses them together to emphasize the profound reality that humans are created to reflect God in every aspect of life. The hope of the gospel is that, through Christ, we are being renewed to fully display His image and likeness.