Genesis 9:14

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

And it shall come to pass, when I bring a cloud over the earth, that the bow shall be seen in the cloud:

Complete Jewish Bible:

Whenever I bring clouds over the earth, and the rainbow is seen in the cloud;

Berean Standard Bible:

Whenever I form clouds over the earth and the rainbow appears in the clouds,

American Standard Version:

And it shall come to pass, when I bring a cloud over the earth, that the bow shall be seen in the cloud,

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

And it shall come to pass, when I bring^{H6049} a cloud^{H6051} over the earth^{H776}, that the bow^{H7198} shall be seen^{H7200} in the cloud^{H6051}:

Cross-References (KJV):

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Commentary for Genesis 9:14

**Themes:**
- **Covenant and Promise:** Genesis 9:14 is part of the narrative following the Great Flood, where God makes a covenant with Noah and all living creatures that He will never again destroy the earth with a flood. The "bow" (rainbow) serves as a sign of this everlasting covenant.
- **Divine Faithfulness:** The verse emphasizes God's faithfulness to His promises and His commitment to maintaining the order of creation.
- **Natural Order:** The rainbow is a natural phenomenon that God uses as a symbol of His covenant, integrating the divine promise into the fabric of the natural world.

**Historical Context:**
- **Post-Diluvian World:** This verse is set in the context of the aftermath of the Great Flood, which in the biblical narrative, has just receded, allowing Noah, his family, and the animals to emerge from the ark.
- **Covenant Renewal:** God is depicted as renewing His relationship with humanity and all creatures after the flood, establishing a new beginning for the world.
- **Ancient Near Eastern Background:** The concept of a divine covenant was familiar to ancient Near Eastern societies, often involving signs or symbols to commemorate the agreement. The rainbow as a sign would have been a recognizable motif within this cultural context.
- **Theological Significance:** The verse carries theological weight, as it reflects the idea of a benevolent deity who, despite the capacity for judgment, chooses to show mercy and restraint.

In summary, Genesis 9:14 conveys themes of covenantal promise, divine faithfulness, and the intertwining of the spiritual and natural realms. It is set against the backdrop of a renewed world order following a cataclysmic event and reflects broader ancient Near Eastern covenantal practices while establishing a unique theological relationship between God and His creation.

*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: H6049
   There are 11 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: עָנַן
   Transliteration: ʻânan
   Pronunciation: aw-nan'
   Description: a primitive root; to cover; used only as a denominative from עָנָן, to cloud over; figuratively, to act covertly, i.e. practise magic; [idiom] bring, enchanter, Meonemin, observe(-r of) times, soothsayer, sorcerer.
   
2. 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).
   
3. 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.
   
4. 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).
   
5. Strong's Number: H7200
   There are 1212 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: רָאָה
   Transliteration: râʼâh
   Pronunciation: raw-aw'
   Description: a primitive root; to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative); advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions.