Health and Stewardship

What Does the Bible Say About Caring for the Environment?

God gave humanity the responsibility to care for and wisely manage creation as stewards rather than owners, meaning environmental responsibility flows from honoring God's world rather than treating it carelessly.

Published 2026-09-13 · Updated 2026-09-27

Written and reviewed by the Word Oasis Editorial Team. Read our editorial policy.

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StewardshipCreation

Biblical explanation

At creation, God placed the first humans in the garden “to dress it and to keep it” (), establishing a pattern of responsible cultivation and care rather than exploitation. declares that “the earth is the LORD's, and the fulness thereof,” reminding believers that creation belongs to God, and humans function as stewards accountable to Him for how it is treated. Scripture also envisions the created world as groaning under the effects of sin, awaiting future restoration (), which does not diminish present responsibility but places it within a larger redemptive story. Practically, this calls believers toward reasonable conservation, avoiding waste, and respecting the created order as something entrusted to their care rather than something to be exploited without regard for consequences.

In brief

At creation, God placed the first humans in the garden “to dress it and to keep it” (), establishing a pattern of responsible cultivation and care rather than exploitation.

Bible references

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Editorial note

This answer is written and reviewed by the Word Oasis Editorial Team, and is presented with supporting references so you can examine each passage in context. If you notice an error or unclear statement, please suggest a correction.