Genesis 9:13

KJV

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)

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}.

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 9:13 establishes the rainbow as the enduring sign of God's covenant with all living creatures and the earth following the Great Flood, marking a new beginning centered on divine promise and unwavering faithfulness.

### CONTEXT
Following the devastating global flood, which cleansed the earth of its pervasive wickedness (as described in [Genesis 7:23](/genesis/7-23 "The extent of the flood in Genesis 7:23")), God establishes a solemn covenant with Noah, his descendants, and every living thing. This covenant, detailed in [Genesis 9](/genesis/9 "The Noahic Covenant in Genesis 9"), promises that never again will all life be destroyed by a flood ([Genesis 9:11](/genesis/9-11 "God's promise to never again destroy life by a flood")). Verse 13 introduces the visible, recurring sign of this everlasting promise: the rainbow.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
The KJV text of Genesis 9:13, "I do set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be for a token of a covenant between me and the earth," introduces the rainbow as the visible emblem of God's post-flood promise. The Hebrew word for "bow," *qeshet* (קֶשֶׁת), typically refers to a warrior's weapon. This deliberate choice of imagery suggests that God, who used the flood as an instrument of judgment, now symbolically "hangs up" His weapon in the sky. It transforms a symbol of divine wrath into a sign of peace and restraint, signifying that He will not again destroy all life by a flood. This "token" (Hebrew: *’ōṯ*), or sign, serves as a perpetual memorial of an unbreakable "covenant" (Hebrew: *bərîṯ*), a solemn agreement initiated by God. The covenant's scope is explicitly "between me and the earth," encompassing not only humanity but every living creature, underscoring God's benevolent care for all creation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
* **God's Unwavering Faithfulness:** This verse powerfully demonstrates God's steadfast commitment to His promises, initiating and maintaining a covenant of grace despite humanity's continued propensity for sin.
* **The Rainbow as a Divine Sign:** The "bow in the cloud" serves as a perpetual, visible reminder of God's covenant, functioning as a memorial for both humanity and God Himself whenever clouds gather. This imagery is echoed in [Revelation 4:3](/revelation/4-3 "The rainbow around God's throne in Revelation 4:3"), symbolizing God's glory and faithfulness.
* **Universal Scope of the Covenant:** Made "between me and the earth," this covenant encompasses all living creatures, highlighting God's benevolent care for the entirety of His creation.
* **Divine Mercy and Grace:** Instead of continued judgment, God extends mercy and promises preservation. The rainbow, appearing after rain, signifies hope and the cessation of divine wrath in the form of a global flood.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 9:13 offers profound comfort and assurance, inviting believers to trust in God's unwavering promises, including the promise of salvation through [Jesus Christ](/john/3-16 "God's love and promise of eternal life in John 3:16"). Just as the rainbow appears after the storm, this verse reminds us that even after periods of tribulation, God's faithfulness endures, bringing hope and renewal. It also prompts us to appreciate and care for the natural world as a testament to God's enduring love and sovereign order, recognizing His benevolent governance over all creation.

### FAQ
**Does the Noahic covenant mean God will never judge the earth again?**

Answer: No, the covenant specifically promises that God will never again destroy all life on earth by a flood ([Genesis 9:11](/genesis/9-11 "God's promise to never again destroy life by a flood")). Scripture indicates other forms of judgment, including a final judgment by fire ([2 Peter 3:7](/2_peter/3-7 "The heavens and earth reserved unto fire against the day of judgment")).

**Why is the rainbow chosen as the sign of this covenant?**

Answer: The Hebrew word for "bow" (*qeshet*) can also refer to a warrior's weapon. By placing His "bow" in the clouds, God symbolically "hangs up" His weapon of judgment (the floodwaters) and transforms it into a sign of peace and a promise of restraint, signifying a new era of covenantal relationship.

**Is this covenant only for believers?**

Answer: No, [Genesis 9:13](/genesis/9-13 "God sets His bow in the cloud") explicitly states the covenant is "between me and the earth," encompassing "every living creature of all flesh" ([Genesis 9:16](/genesis/9-16 "The covenant with every living creature")). It is a universal covenant of preservation for all humanity and creation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While the Noahic covenant in [Genesis 9:13](/genesis/9-13 "God sets His bow in the cloud") assures the preservation of creation from another global flood, it ultimately points forward to the greater covenant established in [Jesus Christ](/hebrews/8-6 "Christ is the mediator of a better covenant"). The rainbow, a sign of God's restraint from judgment by water, foreshadows Christ’s work as the ultimate appeasement of divine wrath. Through His atoning sacrifice, Christ provides the means for humanity to be reconciled to God, establishing a New Covenant of grace and eternal life, a promise far surpassing the preservation of physical life and offering spiritual salvation from the ultimate judgment.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Ezekiel 1:28

As the appearance of the bow that is in the cloud in the day of rain, so [was] the appearance of the brightness round about. This [was] the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the LORD. And when I saw [it], I fell upon my face, and I heard a voice of one that spake.

Revelation 10:1

¶ And I saw another mighty angel come down from heaven, clothed with a cloud: and a rainbow [was] upon his head, and his face [was] as it were the sun, and his feet as pillars of fire:

Revelation 4:3

And he that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a sardine stone: and [there was] a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald.