The concept of dominion is central to Christian theology, reflecting God‘s sovereignty over the earth and His intention for human beings to share in that dominion. In the Bible, dominion refers not only to authority and power but also to responsibility—managing and stewarding God’s creation with wisdom, justice, and compassion. From the very beginning of Scripture, God gave humanity dominion over the earth, a charge that continues to have profound spiritual and practical implications for believers today.
In this article, we will explore 25 Bible verses on dominion, examining how the concept of dominion is portrayed in Scripture, its connection to God’s creation, and the role it plays in the life of a believer. By reflecting on these verses, we will deepen our understanding of what it means to have dominion in the kingdom of God and how we can live in harmony with His purposes.
1. Genesis 1:26
“Then God said, ‘Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.'”
This verse reveals the original mandate given to humanity—to have dominion over the earth and all living creatures. It is a reflection of God’s image, as He Himself is sovereign over all creation.
2. 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.'”
In the continuation of God’s creation narrative, He not only gives humanity dominion but also instructs them to fill the earth and subdue it. Dominion comes with the responsibility of stewardship and care.
3. Psalm 8:6
“You have made him to have dominion over the works of Your hands; You have put all things under his feet.”
This psalm celebrates God’s creation and His gift of dominion to mankind. The verse emphasizes that human dominion over the earth is a divine gift, entrusted to man by God Himself.
4. Psalm 115:16
“The heaven, even the heavens, are the Lord’s; but the earth He has given to the children of men.”
While God retains dominion over the heavens, He has entrusted the earth to human beings. This verse highlights the partnership between God and humanity in governing the world.
5. Psalm 72:8
“He shall have dominion also from sea to sea, and from the River to the ends of the earth.”
This verse is a prophetic statement about the reign of Christ. It shows that true dominion comes through the Messiah, whose kingdom will extend to all corners of the earth.
6. Psalm 145:13
“Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and Your dominion endures throughout all generations.”
God’s dominion is eternal. While human dominion over the earth is temporary, God’s rule over all creation is everlasting and unshakable.
7. Proverbs 8:15
“By me kings reign, and rulers decree justice.”
This verse shows that dominion is not simply about power, but also about justice and wisdom. Kings and rulers must acknowledge God as the ultimate source of their authority.
8. Isaiah 9:7
“Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end, upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, to order it and establish it with judgment and justice from that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.”
This prophecy about the reign of Christ assures us that His dominion will be characterized by peace, justice, and righteousness, forever establishing His kingdom on earth.
9. Daniel 7:14
“Then to Him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and His kingdom the one which shall not be destroyed.”
This prophecy of the Messiah’s eternal dominion reveals that His rule is global and everlasting. It offers hope that Christ will one day rule over all creation.
10. Micah 4:8
“And you, O tower of the flock, the stronghold of the daughter of Zion, to you shall it come, even the former dominion shall come, the kingdom of the daughter of Jerusalem.”
The restoration of God’s dominion on earth is a recurring theme in the Bible. This verse points to the time when God will restore His reign through the Messiah.
11. Matthew 28:18
“And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, ‘All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.'”
Jesus, after His resurrection, declares that all dominion in heaven and on earth has been given to Him. This establishes His supremacy over all creation and affirms His sovereign rule.
12. Matthew 6:10
“Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.”
In this prayer, Jesus teaches us to ask for God’s kingdom and dominion to be realized on earth. Dominion is not only about human authority but about God’s perfect will being done in the world.
13. Luke 10:19
“Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you.”
Jesus gives His disciples dominion over the powers of darkness, empowering them to overcome evil forces in His name.
14. Luke 22:29
“And I bestow upon you a kingdom, just as My Father bestowed one upon Me.”
Jesus speaks to His disciples about the dominion He is granting them. As followers of Christ, believers share in the authority of His kingdom.
15. John 14:12
“Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father.”
Through Christ, believers are given dominion over the powers of evil. This verse promises that those who believe in Jesus will perform even greater works, demonstrating the authority given to them in Christ.
16. Romans 5:17
“For if by the one man’s offense death reigned through the one, much more those who receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ.”
Through Christ, believers are not only forgiven but are empowered to reign in life. This reign includes exercising dominion over sin and death through the grace and righteousness of Jesus.
17. 1 Corinthians 15:25
“For He must reign till He has put all enemies under His feet.”
Christ’s dominion is not fully realized until all enemies—sin, death, and evil—are defeated. This verse points to the ultimate victory of Christ over all opposition.
18. 1 Corinthians 6:2-3
“Do you not know that the saints will judge the world? And if the world will be judged by you, are you unworthy to judge the smallest matters? Do you not know that we shall judge angels? How much more things that pertain to this life?”
Believers are called to exercise dominion not only over earthly matters but also over spiritual matters, even judging angels. This shows the extent of the dominion believers will have in Christ.
19. 2 Timothy 2:12
“If we endure, we shall also reign with Him. If we deny Him, He also will deny us.”
This verse teaches that believers are called to reign with Christ, but this reign requires endurance in faith and obedience.
20. Hebrews 2:8
“You have put all things in subjection under his feet. For in that He put all in subjection under him, He left nothing that is not put under him. But now we do not yet see all things put under him.”
While the earth is under dominion, the full realization of God’s kingdom is still unfolding. This verse points to the tension between the current reality and the ultimate fulfillment of God’s dominion.
21. Revelation 1:6
“And has made us kings and priests to His God and Father, to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.”
Christ has made believers kings and priests, giving them dominion to serve Him and reign with Him in His kingdom.
22. Revelation 5:10
“And have made us kings and priests to our God; and we shall reign on the earth.”
Believers are destined to reign on the earth, sharing in the dominion of Christ as kings and priests in His eternal kingdom.
23. Revelation 11:15
“Then the seventh angel sounded: And there were loud voices in heaven, saying, ‘The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever!'”
This verse marks the triumph of God’s dominion over the kingdoms of the world, a future event where Christ will reign over all creation.
24. Revelation 19:16
“And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.”
This declaration affirms Christ’s ultimate and eternal dominion. He is the King over all kings and the Lord over all lords.
25. Revelation 22:5
“There shall be no night there: They need no lamp nor light of the sun, for the Lord God gives them light. And they shall reign forever and ever.”
In the New Jerusalem, believers will reign with Christ forever, fully experiencing the dominion that God intended for humanity from the beginning.
Conclusion
The concept of dominion is woven throughout the entire Bible, from the creation narrative in Genesis to the promises of eternal reign in Revelation. God has granted humanity dominion over the earth, a responsibility that reflects His own sovereign rule. This dominion is not about domination or oppression, but stewardship, justice, and care for God’s creation. Through Christ, believers share in His dominion, empowered to live in victory over sin, darkness, and death. As we await the full realization of God’s eternal kingdom, we can take comfort in knowing that His dominion is unshakable, and we are called to reign with Him in righteousness. By reflecting on these 25 Bible verses on dominion, we are reminded of our purpose and authority in Christ, and our responsibility to live out His kingdom values on earth.
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