What does the Bible say about purpose of man?

Bible Topic · WEB

The Bible teaches that humanity’s chief purpose is to glorify God, enjoy him, and live obediently under his gracious rule. Created in God’s image, people are called to reflect his character and exercise faithful stewardship in his world (Genesis 1:26, 1:28). Ecclesiastes 12:13 summarizes this calling: fear God and keep his commandments. Believers therefore offer their whole lives as worship (Romans 12:1), doing all things for God’s glory (1 Corinthians 10:31). God formed a people for himself to declare his praise (Isaiah 43:21), and this includes doing justice, loving mercy, and walking humbly with him (Micah 6:8). Through Christ, even ordinary service may bring praise to God (1 Peter 4:11).

Top passages, ranked by readers

Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible

  • Ecclesiastes 12:13

    This is the end of the matter. All has been heard. Fear God, and keep his commandments; for this is the whole duty of man.

  • 1 Corinthians 10:31

    Whether therefore you eat, or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.

  • Genesis 1:26

    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 birds of the sky, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth."

  • Romans 12:1

    Therefore I urge you, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service.

  • Proverbs 19:21

    There are many plans in a man's heart, But Yahweh's counsel will prevail.

  • Isaiah 43:21

    the people which I formed for myself, that they might set forth my praise.

  • Micah 6:8

    He has shown you, O man, what is good. What does Yahweh require of you, but to act justly, To love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?

  • 1 Peter 4:11

    If any man speaks, let it be as it were oracles of God. If any man serves, let it be as of the strength which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.

  • Psalms 150:6

    Let everything that has breath praise Yah! Praise Yah!

  • Genesis 1:28

    God blessed them. God said to them, "Be fruitful, multiply, fill the earth, and subdue it. Have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the sky, and over every living thing that moves on the earth."

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