Genesis 1:26-27 is often cited by the World Mission Society Church of God (WMSCOG) to support their doctrine of "God the Mother." They claim that since male and female were created in God’s image, God must therefore be both male and female. However, this interpretation misrepresents the Hebrew language, biblical theology, and context of Genesis 1:26-27. In this article, we will examine the meaning of the word “image” in its biblical context and explain why the creation of male and female does not imply a male-and-female deity but reflects the spiritual and relational attributes of God.

1. Tselem: The Hebrew Word for "Image"

The key word in Genesis 1:26 is “tselem” (צֶלֶם), which is translated as “image.” This word does not refer to a physical, exact replica or copy, but rather a representation, likeness, or symbolic reflection of something. The word “tselem” is used in several other contexts in the Old Testament that demonstrate it refers to a spiritual or functional likeness, rather than a physical form.

In both of these cases, tselem is used to indicate a symbolic likeness or representation—not a direct, physical copy. This understanding fits perfectly with the idea that humankind was made in the image of God, as humans reflect God’s spiritual attributes (such as rationality, morality, creativity, and relationality) rather than a physical form.

2. Why “Image” Does Not Imply a Male-and-Female God

The WMSCOG argues that because both male and female are created in God’s image, this means that God must be both male and female—i.e., “God the Father” and “God the Mother.” However, this interpretation overlooks the context of the passage and fails to understand the Trinitarian nature of God.

In Genesis 1:26, God says, “Let us make mankind in our image.” The use of plural pronouns (“us” and “our”) points to a plurality within God. However, the passage transitions to say that God created mankind in his own image, using singular male pronouns (“his,” “he”).

This singular pronoun switch is significant. If the passage were referring to two gods (God the Father and God the Mother), it would be logically inconsistent to switch from plural to singular pronouns. Instead, the use of plural pronouns points to the Trinitarian nature of God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—distinct persons but one divine essence. The "us" refers to the Triune God speaking as a unified being, while the "he" refers to God acting singularly as the one Creator who created humanity in His image.

The Trinity—the belief that God exists as one being in three persons—makes sense of the plural pronouns (“Let us”) and the singular pronouns (“he created”). The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are distinct persons but share the same divine essence. Therefore, God can say “Let us” in the plural and then act as a singular God who creates mankind in His image. This interpretation aligns with orthodox Christian theology and refutes the WMSCOG’s claim of a male and female deity.

Furthermore, the plurality in Genesis 1:26 and the subsequent singular reference to God as creator implies a Trinitarian framework—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—not a dual-gendered God.

3. The Creation of Male and Female Reflects God’s Image:

Male and female are both created in the image of God, but each reflects different aspects of God’s nature. Male and female together, in unity, reflect the fullness of God’s image, but neither gender fully reflects God’s image alone. This reflects the diversity within the unity of the Godhead—the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are distinct persons but one in essence. Similarly, male and female are distinct but share in the same image of God.