In Genesis 1:26, we read these words: “Then God said, ‘Let us make humankind in our image, according to our likeness . . . .” Three times in this verse, God uses a plural while speaking. Who is the “us” referring to?
To answer this question, it is helpful to consider two complementary approaches. First, we can use exegesis, which is the attempt to understand the original intent of the ancient human biblical author. Second, we use theological interpretation of scripture (TIS), which is the attempt to understand a portion of scripture in light of the full revelation of God in Jesus Christ.
On an exegetical level, the original human author of Genesis was most likely thinking that when God said “us,” he was referring to the heavenly council, a well-known concept in the ancient Near East and one that is often referred to in the Old Testament (e.g., Genesis 6:1-4; Deuteronomy 32:8; Job 1-2; Isaiah 6). The heavenly council refers to the biblical image of the heavenly throne-room of God, where God is seated as the King and Judge surrounded by his council of angels. This angelic council serves as both God’s dialogue partners with whom God discusses his cosmic plans, and as his servants and messengers who carry out his will in the world. From an ancient Jewish perspective, the “us” in Gen 1:26 would most naturally call to mind God speaking to his heavenly angelic council.
With a TIS approach, we can add another level of consideration that takes into account the revelation of the Triune God as revealed by Jesus. From this perspective, we can see in the “us” language of Gen 1:26 a reflection of the inner dialogue within God’s Triune Being of Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
And so, BOTH answers can be correct, depending on whether we consider the question from a pre-Jesus Jewish perspective or a post-Jesus Christian perspective.
