How Is the Priestly Version Different From the Yahwist Version of the Creation Story?

The difference between the Priestly version and the Yahwist version of the creation story lies in different cosmology. Another difference is how human roles are defined for life on Earth.

The Priestly version stresses on God as transcendent and humanity’s authority. In contrast, the Yahwist version stresses on God as immanent and humanity’s free will. In relation to animals and plants, the Priestly version says that all plants are meant to be eaten, and animals have a different purpose than humans. The Yahwist version states that some plants should not be eaten and animals are men’s companions. While humans are told to serve the Earth in the Yahwist version, humans are told to subdue the Earth in the Priestly version.