Genesis 1:26 is studied here as a Biblical passage first: in its immediate King James context, through its recurring metaphysical themes, and through source-grounded readings preserved in Neville Goddard's lectures and books.
And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.
Read the Passage in Context
- Genesis 1:25 And God made the beast of the earth after his kind, and cattle after their kind, and every thing that creepeth upon the earth after his kind: and God saw that it was good.
- Genesis 1:26 And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.
- Genesis 1:27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.
Open Genesis 1:26 in the YHWSA Bible workspace for the complete chapter, word tools, notes, and comparisons.
Key Metaphysical Themes
- God'S Wish
- Image Of God
- Creation
- God And Man Are One
- Dominion
- I Amness
- Self-Concept
- Hope
- Faith
- Love
- God'S Image
- Christ Born In You
Neville’s Reading in Be Imitators Of God
This verse is interpreted as God's initial wish or dream, setting the blueprint for humanity to become perfect as God is perfect.
God started with a wish, saying; "Let us make man in our image."
Source: Be Imitators Of God
Neville’s Reading in Consciousness Is The Only Reality
This verse lays the foundation that God and man are one, and that man possesses dominion over his entire world, implying that man's consciousness is God.
"And God said, Let us make man in our image, and after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him" Gen. 1:26, 27.
Neville’s Reading in Faith Hope And Love
This verse represents God's initial hope, demonstrating that creation is born from hope, faith, and love. It signifies the divine intention for humanity to embody the image of God.
His initial hope was “Let us make man in our image.” Having the faith that it could be done, it took love to do it.
Source: Faith Hope And Love
Neville’s Reading in Follow Me
Neville interprets this verse to mean that God placed His image within humanity, and the birth of Christ within the individual is the awakening to this divine image, leading to entry into the Kingdom.
When God said: "Let us make man in our image," He placed that image in you. And when Christ is born in you, you - the express image of the invisible God - enter the kingdom, radiating and reflecting God's glory.
Source: Follow Me
Neville’s Reading in God Only Acts
The word 'Elohim' becomes plural in Genesis 1:26, signifying the compound unity of God, which includes humanity.
The word “Elohim” is a plural word meaning “God”. It first appears in Genesis in its singular form “In the beginning God” then, in the 26th verse the word becomes plural when God says, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness.”
Source: God Only Acts
Neville’s Reading in His Purpose
Man was created in God's image, and the divine purpose is for this 'Original' image of God the Father to be fully reproduced and awakened within each individual.
As we are told: “Let us make man in our image.” Now, there is an image. That Original must be reproduced in you.
Source: His Purpose
Practical Reflection
- Man, as God's image, has inherent dominion and can bring circumstances to pass by his attitudes and concept of himself.
- Recognizing that the creative process begins with a hopeful vision, sustained by faith, and driven by love.
- Recognize that your current human experience is part of God's dream, and your imagination is the very place where this divine dream unfolds.
- Understanding that man is God's image and destined to become a life-giving spirit empowers one to consciously create their world, knowing their inherent divine creative power.
Authoritative Neville Sources
YHWSA provides the Biblical workspace. MyNevilleGoddard.com preserves the complete source works behind the Neville-specific readings.
- Be Imitators Of God (lecture)
- Consciousness Is The Only Reality (lecture)
- Faith Hope And Love (lecture)
- Follow Me (lecture)
- God Only Acts (lecture)
- His Purpose (lecture)
Questions about Genesis 1:26
What is the metaphysical meaning of Genesis 1:26?
YHWSA reads Genesis 1:26 in its Biblical context while examining the states of consciousness and spiritual themes expressed by the passage.
Where can I read Genesis 1:26 in context?
Open the linked YHWSA Bible workspace to read the complete chapter and use its language, note, and comparison tools.
Where did Neville Goddard discuss Genesis 1:26?
The source list links to the complete lectures and books on MyNevilleGoddard.com rather than reproducing those works as a competing article.