Verse Smart · Commentary comparison
What do the great Christian commentators say about Genesis 1:27? Below is a side-by-side look at how Matthew Henry, John Calvin, Charles Spurgeon, Albert Barnes, and John Wesley read this passage — where they agree, where they diverge.
Genesis 1:27 · WEB
“And God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.”
Emphasizes rational and moral qualities.
Highlights original holiness and righteousness, which was lost.
Focuses on intellectual and moral likeness.
Summaries are AI-rendered overviews of public-domain commentaries (Henry, Calvin, Spurgeon, Barnes, Wesley). Always consult primary sources for study.
Late 17th - Early 18th Century
Henry emphasizes that humanity's creation in God's image highlights our superiority over other creatures and our calling to reflect God's nature. He notes the distinct creation of male and female, showing God's intention for complementarity and unity within humanity.
“Humanity's creation in God's image is the basis for our dignity and our relational nature.”
16th Century
Calvin connects the image of God to the rational and moral qualities of humanity, which sets us apart. He sees the creation of man and woman as a foundational structure for human society and procreation, reflecting God's order.
“The image of God is most clearly seen in humanity's capacity for reason, will, and righteousness.”
19th Century
Spurgeon highlights the immense honor God bestowed upon humanity by creating us in His image, calling it a profound dignity. He views the creation of male and female as God's perfect design for companionship and the continuation of the human race.
“Being made in God's image is the ultimate source of human value and purpose.”
19th Century
Barnes explains that the image of God refers to the intellectual and moral likeness, making humans akin to God in their nature. He sees the creation of both man and woman as essential for society and the propagation of the species, reflecting God's wisdom.
“The divine image in humans implies qualities like reason, moral understanding, and dominion.”
18th Century
Wesley stresses that the image of God is seen in humanity's original holiness and righteousness, which was tragically marred by the fall. He interprets the creation of male and female as God's establishment of distinct but complementary roles within His creation.
“The original image of God in humanity included righteousness and true holiness.”