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 1:26)

“Let Us” Make / “In Our” Image

The “Plural” Reference To the Making Of Man

This is probably one of the most common mistakes made when reading this passage; the words “us” and “our” as mentioned in (Genesis 1:26) did not confirm, nor does it endorse the allegation that more than one person actually had anything to do with the creation of man. The mistake that usually occurs is that many people jump to a conclusion before the outcome has actually been stated. The following is a demonstration of how erroneous conclusions are drawn:

 One day a child (Johnny) was playing in his backyard with several of his neighborhood friends. On that particular day there had been a heavy snowfall. The child came up with the idea of building a snowman. So the child made a statement to his friends “let’s go to the schoolyard and build a big snowman.”
 One of the parents who happen to be outside shoveling snow at the time overheard the conversation but thought nothing about it.
 Now if this was the only information presented to you, there remains more than one possible outcome. We are not told how many children, if any, actually went to the schoolyard; and at this point we are not provided with the names of the children (or child), who all actually participated in building the snowman. What we are provided with is the identity of who came up with the thought (Johnny) and what the child wanted to accomplish, which was building this creation that didn’t exist at that time (a snowman).

As you can see, we need more information to conclude what actually happened in the end. Who actually ened up building the snowman. We need the testimony of someone who claims to had participated in this creation (the building of a snowman). The same is true with the creation of man. The argument is usually between God alone created everything or God created everything through Jesus. Therefore we need the testimony of at least one of the individuals present at the time the creation occurred in order to make an informed decision which is necessary for us to be able to draw an accurate conclusion. So let’s get started.

Although (Genesis 1:26) does not tell us everything it does however indicate that this statement was made by God, but to whom? God is possibly making this statement to at least one other individual and the first step on our part is to determine whom? From all the information we have been given in the word of God, who else could have been present during God’s creation of man?

Who existed before man was created other than God? What is the most plausible explanation as to whom this phrase “let us” and “in our image” may be referring to in (Genesis 1:26). The best way to address what this passage is indicating is to first acknowledge that it should maintain harmony to the overall presentation of God according to the written word of God.

Who Was God Talking To?

Was God Talking To Another God?

According to Scripture there is only one God (Deuteronomy 4:35, 4:39, 6:4; Isaiah 45:5-6, 18, 22; Ephesians 4:6) therefore we can rule out God (The Father) talking to any other god or anything that went by the title of “God”, (i.e., “God the Son”, “God the..”) because that concept is not supported by scripture and that wording is not found in the Bible.

Was God Talking To One Person or A Group of Persons?

Here again we have no basis for a definitive answer to that question. We can speculate, but a wise man will remain silent when the word of God is silent, because at best any theory would be pure speculation. We have no reference to the timeline for the creation of angels or any other spiritual beings; it is simply not recorded for our knowledge. Most scholars agree, more so than not, that spirits existed prior to the creation of man, however, again this is purely speculation.

If we accept (Genesis 1:26) as God “literally” having a dialogue with someone else, most scholars would agree that God would have been speaking to someone (one or more ) that is said to be of a heavenly nature or body (a spirit being), since God himself is said to be a spirit (John 4:24).

There is nothing in the Old Testament Scriptures to support God talking to Jesus. Jesus is not recorded as being present during the Old Testament accounting of the creation. Jesus is supported by scripture to be the seed of David (part of David lineage) and as the son of Mary. David and Mary are not documented by scripture to have been present during this conversation either.

Did God Use Someone Else To Assist In His Creation?

Regardless how you interpret the language used in Genesis 1:26, when it is all said and done (Genesis 1:27) makes clear that it was God by himself (singular) who made man and that man was made in his image (singular) and not their (plural) image.
We know the Bible says God alone created everything, which means he did not have any help, there was no assistant creator recorded. (Isaiah 44:24)

“Thus saith the LORD^(H3068), thy redeemer, and he that formed thee from the womb, I am the LORD^(H3068) that maketh all things; that stretcheth forth the heavens alone; that spreadeth abroad the earth by myself;”

We know Jesus (by that name) is not mentioned in the Old Testament. However, the Messiah’s physical birth and purpose are prophesied and recorded in the Old Testament. We also know that the LORD^(H3068) (which means Jehovah) is the only person mentioned in the Old Testament as being the creator.

One final point I would like to bring to light is that it is ludicrous to even think that God would have all of the patriarchs noted in the Bible; Abraham, Job, Moses, David, etc., all believing and worshiping him as the “LORD” their God and their creator, if this were not the case. And Jesus who later comes on the scene as the “Son of God” never once proclaims himself to be “God” or the “Creator” of anything.

This concept of Jesus being the creator of man is unfortunately a man-made concept. This is all because of the rendering of 2 Greek words found in only 4 verses of the New Testament (See: Frequently asked Questions About Creation; 1. Who is the Creator, God or Jesus?) and occurs due to human intervention and the publishers who control what translation is entered, printed and distributed.

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Creator or Creature?

There is one Creator and that Creator is God. Every other being comes under the category of “creature” or “creation.”

The Bible says of Jesus Christ: (Colossians 1:15) – Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:

This is one of several verses many pastors have tried to say means something it doesn’t state. It does not state, nor is it insinuating, Jesus is God. God was not “born”, nor is God the firstborn of anything. But most importantly God is never called or addressed as being a “creature.” Although God has many titles, “creature” is not one of them.

Most ministries cite (Colossians 1:15) “Who is the image of the invisible God” in an attempt to support their claim that God was incarnated as Jesus.

Several facts need to be made clear:

2. If one thing is the “image” of another thing, then the “image” and the “original” are not the same thing.

When you look at someone standing in front of a mirror you see a reflection of their image. The Father is called “God” in many verses, and that is why there is no verse that calls the Father the image of God.

Words in the Bible must be read and understood in their common or ordinary meaning unless good reason can be given to alter that meaning. In this case, the common meaning of “image” is “likeness” or “resemblance,” and it is used that way every time in the New Testament.

Just as Jesus is called the image of God, we also are called the image of God. (1 Corinthians 11:7) says, “A man ought not to cover his head, since he is the image and glory of God.”

Jesus also became God’s firstborn by his resurrection. This is confirmed in (Colossians 1:18). He is therefore “the first begotten of the dead…the beginning of the creation of God” (Revelation 1:5; 3:14). Jesus was the first of a new creation of immortal men and women (not the world), whose resurrection and full birth as the immortal sons of God has been made possible by the death and resurrection of Jesus (Ephesians 2:10; 4:23-24; 2 Corinthians 5:17). “In Christ shall all (true believers) be made alive. But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, afterward they that are Christ’s at his coming” (1 Corinthians 15:22-23). Jesus was the first person to rise from the dead and be given immortality, he was the first of the new creation, and the true believers will follow his pattern at his return.

God Had No Intermediary

One of the attributes that distinguishes God as God is the fact that he alone is the creator of all things. Not only did God alone create all things; God alone was not created.

The Bible makes it abundantly clear that God had no intermediary or co-creator along side him when he created the heavens and the earth:

(Isaiah 44:24) – Thus saith the LORD^(H3068), thy redeemer, and he that formed thee from the womb, I am the LORD^(H3068) that maketh all things; that stretcheth forth the heavens alone; that spreadeth abroad the earth by myself;

This means that nothing was created through or by God’s Son (Jesus) or through any other means other than God (Jehovah) himself. (Isaiah 45:12, 48:13; See also: The Name Of God)

This is Very Important!

1. Jesus never, not once, claimed to have created anyone or anything. This is an undisputed fact!

2. The problem however, as you will soon see, stems from the various publishers who determined how the “original” Hebrew and Greek texts would be translated, thereby controlling what wording would or would not be contained in their biblical publications; that which we call the Holy Bible. That is the major reason why various discrepancies seem to appear within the Bible as written. Scriptures should be in harmony, not contradict each other. As we noted earlier (See: What We Believe):

We believe that the original manuscripts were the dictates of “one directing Mind” (God), (2 Peter 1:21).

We do NOT consider the various translations as the Word of God (just the original manuscripts), but that these translations from the original manuscripts have been born out of need for the Word of God to be transmitted to men of different races and languages.

We do NOT claim that these translations are without error; for the translations are the works of mortal men who have made no claims that their works are the products of the inspiration of God or the assistance of the Holy Spirit.

Who changed the truth of God into a lie,

and

Worshipped and served the Creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.

(Romans 1:25)

According to (Ephesians 2:20) the church is built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets. Their testimony is that God created the world and all that it contains.

Testimony of the Apostles:

(Acts 4:24) – And when they heard that, they lifted up their voice to God with one accord, and said, Lord, thou art God, which hast made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all that in them is:

(Acts 14:15) – And saying, Sirs, why do ye these things? We also are men of like passions with you, and preach unto you that ye should turn from these vanities unto the living God, which made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all things that are therein:

(Acts 17:24) – God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands;

Testimony of the Law & Prophets:

(Genesis 1:1) – In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.

(Exodus 20:11) – For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it.

(Nehemiah 9:6) – Thou, even thou, art LORD alone; thou hast made heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their host, the earth, and all things that are therein, the seas, and all that is therein, and thou preservest them all; and the host of heaven worshippeth thee.

(Psalms 24:1) – The earth is the LORD’S, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein. For he hath founded it upon the seas, and established it upon the floods.

The Greek Words “En” & “Dia”

Yet

Colossians 1:16 (KJV), speaking of the Son, states the following:

“For (hoti) by (en) him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by (dia) him, and for him:”

This translation all hinges on the three words underlined in the text above.

The Greek Word “Hoti”

(Ref. Strongs: ^G3754)

In (Colossians 1:16) the first Greek word which helps paint the relationship between the Son of God and the creation translated as “For” is “hoti” (Strong’s 3754).

One of the problems with the KJV Bible is its choice of words used in their transliteration. This Greek word “hoti” is often translated (173) as “because“. We will just list a few passages. (Mat 20:7, 15; Mark 1:34, 3:30, 6:34, etc..)

The Greek Word “En”

In (Colossians 1:16) the second Greek word which describes the relationship between the Son of God and the creation (KJV translated as “by”) is “En” (Strong’s 1722).

The implication of this rendering is clear- that it was Jesus who created the things listed. And it is a very comprehensive list indeed.

This rendering however is at odds with the entire scriptural record. It directly contradicts all the passages set out above.

It even contradicts Jesus himself who whenever making mention of the creation, always attributed it solely to God:

(Mark 10:6) – But from the beginning of the creation God made them male and female.

(Mark 13:19) – For in those days shall be affliction, such as was not from the beginning of the creation which God created unto this time, neither shall be.

(Matthew 11:25) – At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.

But this is not the only way the word “en” can be rendered

(Ref. Strongs: ^G1722)

As you can see, depending upon context, it can also be translated “because of”:

(Mark 14:27) – And Jesus saith unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered.

It would have been ridiculous for the translators to have interpreted Jesus as saying that all the disciples would be offended by him on the night of his betrayal!

Let’s see how this translation (because of) harmonizes with the rest of the Bible:

(Colossians 1:16) – For because of him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers…

Could it really be that God’s motive and plan for the entire creation centered around Christ?

Consider the following:

(Ephesians 3:10-11) – To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God, 11 According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord:

According to this passage of scripture, when God created “the principalities and powers in heavenly places”, he had one purpose in mind. It was to show forth his manifold wisdom to the church and through Christ.

So as God subsequently created the heavens and the earth, it was with Jesus in mind. Not just in mind- but as the very centerpiece and focal point of his plan.

In creating man and allowing him to be tempted knowing he would fall and be separated from God he also knew he would one day reveal his purpose and gather all things back together in Christ.

In allowing Adam and Eve to sin and so bring the curse of death upon the entire human race, God knew he would eventually show forth the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness towards us through Jesus Christ.

(Romans 11:32) – For God hath concluded them all in unbelief, that he might have mercy upon all. 33 O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!

(Romans 5:8) – But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

It was not just the prophets of the Old Covenant that ached with curiosity and desired to see the mysterious plan of God revealed:

(1 Peter 1:10) – Of which salvation the prophets have enquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you: 11 Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow. 12 Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into.

(Ephesians 2:7) – That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.

The creation of all things “because of” Jesus Christ also harmonizes with scripture. All glory should go to God our Creator through Christ Jesus our Lord.

In view of all this, for Jesus to say: Before Abraham was, I am (John 8:58) becomes more harmonious when those scriptures that indicate Jesus was also slain from the foundation of the world.

(Revelation 13:8) – And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.

The Greek Word “Dia”

(Ref. Strongs: ^G1223)

We have a similar issue found in the second clause of (Colossians 1:16) “…….. all things were created by (dia) him, and for him”

In this case, the word rendered “by” is “Dia” in the Greek. “Dia” can also be rendered as “because of” or “for”

If we applied this translation to Colossians 1 it would be rendered as “…….. all things were created dia (because of ) him, and for him”

The meaning of “dia” is very flexible, it can mean (for whom / for the sake of / on account of, etc.)

Examples where this is found:

• The scripture were written dia “for our sake” – not by us (1 Corinthians 9:10)
• Cold and wet people made a fire dia, “for the sake of” (or because of), the rain and cold (Acts 28:2). They didn’t make a fire ‘by’ the rain and cold.

Other examples of where “Dia” is rendered differently are:

(Mark 2:27) – And he said unto them, The sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath:

(Matthew 27:19) – When he was set down on the judgment seat, his wife sent unto him, saying, Have thou nothing to do with that just man: for I have suffered many things this day in a dream because of him.

(John 12:11) – Because that by reason of him many of the Jews went away, and believed on Jesus.

Unfortunately, this same conflicting translation problem (by – dia) is reflected in 3 other New Testament scriptures, instead of the more correct and harmonious choice of wording – “because of” or “for”.

(Ephesians 3:9) – And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by (because of) Jesus Christ:

(1 Corinthians 8:6) – But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by (for) whom are all things, and we by (because of) him.
(Hebrews 1:2) – Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by (for) whom also he made the worlds;

Note: This correct understanding is furthermore supported and made more evident in the next chapter of Hebrews;

(Hebrews 2:7) Thou [God] madest him [Jesus] a little lower than the angels; thou crownedst him with glory and honour, and didst set him [Jesus] over the works of thy hands [God’s creation]:

The creation is more harmonious and better rendered as saying:

1 Jesus was the reason God created (“because of” as explained above)

or

2 The creation was made for Jesus, in the sense that a parent may prepare a room for a baby in anticipation of its birth

Worded either way would be appropriate and in line with the Old Testament accounting of the creation.

NOTE: This is the very reason why various translations (as written) at times appear to stand in direct opposition to the testimony of Jesus, the Apostles and the Prophets – primarily because of the rendering of 2 Greek words found in only 4 verses of the New Testament.

This is why:

We do NOT consider the various translations as the Word of God (just the original manuscripts), but that these translations from the original manuscripts have been born out of need for the Word of God to be transmitted to men of different races and languages.

We do NOT claim that these translations are without error; for the translations are the works of mortal men who have made no claims that their works are the products of the inspiration of God or the assistance of the Holy Spirit.

NOTE:  The best transliteration of this particular passage (Colossians chp1) that I have been able to find most in-line and in harmony with that of the apostles belief, teachings and understanding as contained in their “original writings” is given in:

The Book of Yahweh (pg.925) which reads as follows:

16  Because ^{(hoti- G3754)} before ^{(en- G1722)} Him  all  things  were created  that  are  in  heaven,  and  that  are  in  earth, visible  and  invisible,  whether  thrones,  or  rulerships,  or  principalities,  or powers;  all  things were  created  on  account  of ^{(dia- G1223)} Him,  and  for  Him.

17  And  He  is  over  all  things,  and  all  things have  been  placed  together  under  Him.

18  For  He  is  the  Head  of the  body,  the  called out  ones,  Who  is  the  beginning  of  the  firstborn from  the  dead,  so  that  in  all  things  He  may  have the  preeminence.

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Christ Is “Heir Of All Things” Given Him From God

Heir: Strong’s Number: G2818 Greek: kleronomos

lit. denotes “one who obtains a lot or portion” (kleros, “a lot,” nemomai, “to possess”), especially of an inheritance.

Christ is the “heir of all things” (Heb 1:2, 4). Believers are heirs of the “promise,” “of righteousness,” “of the kingdom,” “of the world,” “of God,” “joint heirs” with Christ (Gal 3:29; Heb 6:17; 11:7; James 2:5; Rom 4:13; 8:17).

Heb 1:1-14 (KJV)

Chapter 1

God has spoken to us through Christ, His Son

1 God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, 2 Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by (for) whom also he made the worlds^{<1>See: FAQ/Creation/Who Is The Creator, God Or Jesus}; 3 Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person^{<2>Everything God wanted man to see (to witness, to understand…) of his essence was made manifest in Christ. Ref Link: Incarnation vs Omnipresence}, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty (God) on high;

who is superior to the angels, as shown by seven passages of Scripture

4 Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they. 5 For unto which of the angels said he [God] at any time, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee? And again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son? 6 And again, when he bringeth in the firstbegotten into the world, he saith, And let all the angels of God worship him. 7 And of the angels he saith, Who maketh his angels spirits, and his ministers a flame of fire. 8 But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom. 9 Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows. 10 And, Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of thine hands: 11 They shall perish; but thou remainest; and they all shall wax old as doth a garment; 12 And as a vesture shalt thou fold them up, and they shall be changed: but thou art the same, and thy years shall not fail. 13 But to which of the angels said he at any time, Sit on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool? 14 Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?

NOTE:

There are several very important key words (phrases) made in verses 2 and 4; Christ was “appointed” , “Being made” , “heir” , “by inheritance” all which indicate everything that Christ ever had and has rule over (the world, powers) was “given” to him from God. (Ref.  Heb 2:8-9; Mt 21:38, 28:18; John 13:3, 16:15, 17:2; Ro 8:17; Eph 1:20-23; Php 2:9-11)

NOTE:  The best transliteration of this particular passage (Hebrews chp1) that I have been able to find most in-line and in harmony with that of the apostles belief, teachings and understanding as contained in their “original writings” is given in:

The Book of Yahweh which reads as follows:

Yahweh, Who  at various  times  and  in  different ways  spoke  in  times  past  to  our  fathers  through the  prophets,

2  Has  in  these  last  days  spoken  to  us  through His  Son,  Whom  He  has  appointed  heir  of  all things,  for  Whom  He  also  made  the  world;

(Ref. #1 footnote link below – the same Greek word “Dia” G1223 is used for both English words “by” & “for” but the choice KJV uses creates confusion and contradiction)

3  Who,  being  the  reflection  of  the  perfection  of  Yahweh,  and  the  representation  of Yahweh’s  plan,  by  upholding  all  things  concerning  that  which  was  spoken  by  Yahweh through  the  Law  and  the  Prophets,  when  He  had purged  sins,  sat  down  on  the  right  hand  of Yahweh  on  high,

Paul Clarifies Any Misconceptions

1 Cor 15:24-28 (KJV)

Then cometh the end, when he (Jesus) shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power.
25 For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet.
26 The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.
27 For he (Jesus) hath put all things under his feet. But when he (Jesus) saith all things are put under him, it is manifest that he (God) is excepted, which did put all things under him.
28 And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him (God) that put all things under him, that God may be all in all.

1 Cor 15:24-28 (NIV)

²⁴ Then the end will come, when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father after he has destroyed all dominion, authority and power. ²⁵ For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. ²⁶ The last enemy to be destroyed is death. ²⁷ For he “has put everything under his feet.”^[a] Now when it says that “everything” has been put under him, it is clear that this does not include God himself, who put everything under Christ. ²⁸ When he has done this, then the Son himself will be made subject to him who put everything under him, so that God may be all in all.

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See: (New Testament: Misinterpreted Scriptures)