What Does the Bible Say About Caring for the Environment — In Biblical Context
God gave humanity stewardship over creation, commanding us to tend and keep the earth — a responsibility that reflects His care for all He has made.
God gave humanity stewardship over creation, commanding us to tend and keep the earth — a responsibility that reflects His care for all He has made.
"And the LORD God took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it." — Genesis 2:15 (KJV)
The Biblical Context
The Bible establishes environmental stewardship from its opening chapters. God placed Adam in the Garden of Eden 'to dress it and to keep it' (Genesis 2:15). 'Dominion' over creation (Genesis 1:28) means responsible rule, not exploitation. Psalm 24:1 declares, 'The earth is the LORD's, and the fulness thereof' — we are caretakers, not owners. Proverbs 12:10 says, 'A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast.' God's law included provisions for land rest (Leviticus 25:4) and protection of fruit trees even during warfare (Deuteronomy 20:19). Romans 8:19-22 describes creation 'groaning' under the effects of sin, awaiting redemption. Caring for the environment is an expression of honoring the Creator and loving our neighbors.
Where It Sits in Scripture
The core passage for this question, Genesis 2:15, sits inside Genesis 2. To grasp the full meaning, read the surrounding paragraph — the verses before set up the thought, the verses after carry it forward.
"And the LORD God took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it."
Supporting Passages
"The earth is the LORD's, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein."
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