Genesis 9:13

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

I do set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be for a token of a covenant between me and the earth.

Complete Jewish Bible:

I am putting my rainbow in the cloud — it will be there as a sign of the covenant between myself and the earth.

Berean Standard Bible:

I have set My rainbow in the clouds, and it will be a sign of the covenant between Me and the earth.

American Standard Version:

I do set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be for a token of a covenant between me and the earth.

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

I do set^{H5414} my bow^{H7198} in the cloud^{H6051}, and it shall be for a token^{H226} of a covenant^{H1285} between me and the earth^{H776}.

Cross-References (KJV):

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Commentary for Genesis 9:13

Genesis 9:13 is part of the narrative following the Great Flood, a story found in the early chapters of the Book of Genesis. The verse is a declaration by God to Noah after the floodwaters have receded, in which God promises never to destroy all life on Earth with a flood again.

**Themes:**
1. **Covenant:** The primary theme is the establishment of a covenant, a solemn promise, between God and all living creatures on Earth. This is an unconditional divine promise, emphasizing God's faithfulness and commitment to creation.
2. **Divine Mercy:** The verse reflects God's mercy and compassion, as He chooses to limit His own power to destroy and offers a sign of hope and renewal.
3. **Symbolism of the Bow:** The "bow" in the cloud is a symbol of warfare turned upside down, signifying peace. In this context, it represents God's weapon of judgment laid aside, transforming into a sign of reconciliation and promise.
4. **Natural Phenomenon as a Sign:** The rainbow, a natural occurrence after rain, is used as a divine sign, bridging the natural world with the spiritual covenant, making the abstract promise tangible and visible.

**Historical Context:**
The historical context of Genesis 9:13 is rooted in the ancient Near Eastern flood accounts, which were common in various cultures. These stories often included a deity or deities who send a flood to punish humanity but spare a righteous individual and make a promise for the future. The account in Genesis reflects the Israelite understanding of their God, who is sovereign over creation and enters into a personal relationship with humanity.

This verse is part of the Primeval History in Genesis, which sets the stage for the stories of the patriarchs and the formation of the Israelite people. It serves as a foundational narrative that establishes key theological concepts such as divine judgment, grace, and covenant faithfulness, which are central to the biblical narrative. The promise made to Noah and all creation underscores the universality of God's concern and the stability of the natural order, themes that would resonate with the Israelites as they understood their own covenant relationship with God.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: H5414
   There are 1816 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: נָתַן
   Transliteration: nâthan
   Pronunciation: naw-than'
   Description: a primitive root; to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.); add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield.
   
2. Strong's Number: H7198
   There are 74 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: קֶשֶׁת
   Transliteration: qesheth
   Pronunciation: keh'-sheth
   Description: from קָשָׁה in the original sense (of קוֹשׁ) of bending; a bow, forshooting (hence, figuratively, strength) or the iris; [idiom] arch(-er), [phrase] arrow, bow(-man, -shot).
   
3. Strong's Number: H6051
   There are 80 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: עָנָן
   Transliteration: ʻânân
   Pronunciation: aw-nawn'
   Description: from עָנַן; a cloud (as covering the sky), i.e. the nimbus or thunder-cloud; cloud(-y).
   
4. Strong's Number: H226
   There are 140 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: אוֹת
   Transliteration: ʼôwth
   Pronunciation: oth
   Description: probably from אוּת (in the sense of appearing); a signal (literally or figuratively), as aflag, beacon, monument, omen, prodigy, evidence, etc.; mark, miracle, (en-) sign, token.
   
5. Strong's Number: H1285
   There are 264 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: בְּרִית
   Transliteration: bᵉrîyth
   Pronunciation: ber-eeth'
   Description: from בָּרָה (in the sense of cutting (like בָּרָא)); a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh); confederacy, (con-) feder(-ate), covenant, league.
   
6. Strong's Number: H776
   There are 2739 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: אֶרֶץ
   Transliteration: ʼerets
   Pronunciation: eh'-rets
   Description: from an unused root probably meaning to be firm; the earth (at large, or partitively a land); [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world.