Bible Dictionaries
Dominion

Holman Bible Dictionary

Either political authority (Numbers 24:19; Daniel 7:6 ,Daniel 7:6,7:12 ,Daniel 7:12,7:14 ) or the realm in which such authority is exercised (1 Kings 4:24; 1 Kings 9:19 ). Dominion may have a positive connotation as when humankind is given dominion over creation (Genesis 1:26 ,Genesis 1:26,1:28; Psalm 8:6 ) or a negative connotation that approximates the idea of domination (Genesis 37:8; Judges 14:4; Nehemiah 9:28 ). Though humans exercise dominion in the political sphere and over creation, ultimate dominion belongs to God (Psalm 72:8; Daniel 4:3 ,Daniel 4:3,4:34 ). Dominion is used figuratively for the authority of the law (Romans 7:1 ) and for the domination of sin (Psalm 119:113; Romans 6:14 ) and death (Romans 6:9 ). The dominion of Colossians 1:16 are angelic powers which are subordinated to Christ.