1:26e) “Human beings” is the right translation for mankind ( ‘adam); for the accompanying verb “rule” in Genesis l:26h is plural in number. Here this Hebrew word ‘adam is used generically, referring to mankind (Genesis 1:26-28). Later (in Genesis 2:7-24) it is used to refer to the first human male known as “Adam.”
1:26f) “As Our image.” Man is neither an animal nor an angel. He is a much higher kind of creature than either. For he is a human creature; a human being; the very image of God! Yet man is not God; is not descended from God; is not akin to God; and is not a particle of God. Man is merely the image of God. Man’s soul and spirit are not in any way divine or superhuman: as if man’s body could perhaps be subhuman or not fully a co-equal aspect of God’s image!