Genesis 9:15

KJV

And I will remember my covenant, which [is] between me and you and every living creature of all flesh; and the waters shall no more become a flood to destroy all flesh.

KJV (with Strong's)

And I will remember {H2142} my covenant {H1285}, which is between me and you and every living {H2416} creature {H5315} of all flesh {H1320}; and the waters {H4325} shall no more {H5750} become a flood {H3999} to destroy {H7843} all flesh {H1320}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I will remember my covenant which is between myself and you and every living creature of any kind; and the water will never again become a flood to destroy all living beings.

Berean Standard Bible

I will remember My covenant between Me and you and every living creature of every kind. Never again will the waters become a flood to destroy all life.

American Standard Version

and I will remember my covenant, which is between me and you and every living creature of all flesh; and the waters shall no more become a flood to destroy all flesh.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 9:15 stands as a profound declaration of God's unwavering faithfulness and the enduring nature of the Noahic Covenant. In this pivotal verse, God solemnly reaffirms His promise to Noah, his descendants, and every living creature, assuring them that a global flood will never again be used to destroy all life on Earth. This divine pledge establishes a foundational stability for creation, demonstrating God's sovereign control and His commitment to preservation after a period of catastrophic judgment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Genesis 9:15 is situated within the immediate post-diluvian narrative, following the universal flood that cleansed the Earth. The preceding verses detail God's blessing upon Noah and his sons, commanding them to be fruitful and multiply, and re-establishing the relationship between humanity and the animal kingdom (see [Genesis 9:1-7](/genesis/9-1-7 "God's Blessing and Command to Noah")). This covenant, introduced in [Genesis 9:8-17](/genesis/9-8-17 "The Noahic Covenant and the Rainbow"), marks a new beginning for creation, setting parameters for human life and providing a divine guarantee against future global destruction by water. The rainbow, first presented in [Genesis 9:13](/genesis/9-13 "The Rainbow as the Sign of the Covenant"), serves as the perpetual sign of this everlasting promise, reinforcing God's commitment to His word.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The concept of covenants was prevalent in the ancient Near East, often involving solemn oaths, rituals (like cutting animals, as implied by the Hebrew for "covenant"), and visible signs. However, the Noahic Covenant stands distinct from typical human treaties due to its unilateral nature (God's promise alone), its universal scope (encompassing all living things, not just a specific people), and its unconditional character. It reflects God's sovereign initiative to establish order and ensure the continuation of life on Earth after a cataclysmic event, setting the stage for future divine-human interactions and covenants. The memory of the flood would have been a deeply ingrained cultural and psychological trauma, making God's explicit promise of "no more flood" profoundly comforting and foundational for rebuilding society.
* **Key Themes:** Genesis 9:15 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book of Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. It underscores God's **sovereignty and control** over creation, His **divine faithfulness** in keeping His promises, and His **universal grace** extended to all living things. The verse also highlights the theme of **preservation and new beginnings** after judgment, echoing the initial creation account in [Genesis 1](/genesis/1 "The Creation Account") and foreshadowing future acts of divine redemption. Furthermore, it introduces a foundational aspect of **covenantal theology**, demonstrating God's chosen method of relating to His creation through binding agreements, a pattern seen consistently through the Abrahamic, Mosaic, and New Covenants.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Genesis 9:15 unveils the steadfast character of God through a powerful reaffirmation of His covenant. Each phrase within the verse contributes to a comprehensive understanding of divine commitment and grace.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Remember (Hebrew, _zâkar'_ H2142):** When applied to God, "remember" does not imply a recovery from forgetfulness, but rather an active intention and a decisive action in accordance with His previously stated word. It signifies God's readiness to uphold and fulfill His solemn pledge. This divine remembrance is a cornerstone of God's faithfulness, indicating that He is actively engaged in bringing about the provisions of His covenant. It means "to act on behalf of" or "to be mindful of" in a way that leads to intervention or fulfillment.
* **Covenant (Hebrew, _bᵉrîyth'_ H1285):** This term refers to a compact or solemn agreement, often established by cutting (as implied by its root, referring to passing between pieces of flesh). In this context, it signifies a binding agreement initiated by God, establishing a relationship and outlining specific promises and obligations. The Noahic covenant is unique in its universal scope and unconditional nature, a unilateral promise from God to all creation.
* **Flesh (Hebrew, _bâsâr'_ H1320):** This word broadly refers to the physical body, living creatures, or humanity. In Genesis 9:15, its repeated use emphasizes the comprehensive scope of the covenant: it is made with "every living creature of all flesh" and promises that the flood will "no more... destroy all flesh." This highlights the universal reach of God's preservation, encompassing all biological life on Earth.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And I will remember my covenant,"**: This opening clause emphasizes God's active role and unwavering commitment. It is not a passive recollection but a divine assurance of active intervention to uphold His promise. God's "remembering" is always tied to His action, ensuring the covenant's provisions are met.
* **"which [is] between me and you and every living creature of all flesh;"**: This clause defines the parties involved in the covenant, highlighting its extraordinary breadth. It extends beyond Noah and his human descendants to encompass all animal life, demonstrating God's comprehensive care for His entire creation. This universal scope stands in stark contrast to the prior judgment where [all flesh perished in the flood](/genesis/7-21 "The Destruction of All Flesh in the Flood"), now encompassing all living things as beneficiaries of God's preserving grace.
* **"and the waters shall no more become a flood to destroy all flesh."**: This is the core promise of the covenant—a categorical assurance that a global deluge will never again be the means by which God destroys all life. The specific mention of "waters" and "flood" directly addresses the recent catastrophic event, providing profound security and hope. It establishes a foundational stability for the natural order and for all future generations, allowing life to flourish without the fear of another universal watery judgment.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Anthropomorphism** is evident in God stating, "I will remember my covenant," attributing a human-like action (remembering) to God to convey His active commitment and faithfulness, rather than implying any divine forgetfulness. The repetition of the phrase "all flesh" (Hebrew, _bâsâr'_ H1320) serves as a powerful **reiteration** and **emphasis**, underscoring the universal scope of both the prior destruction and the present preservation. This repetition highlights the comprehensive nature of God's promise, extending to every living creature. Furthermore, the verse functions as a **divine oath** or **solemn promise**, marked by its declarative tone and the explicit statement of God's intention, providing an unshakeable foundation for trust.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 9:15 is a cornerstone for understanding God's character and His ongoing relationship with creation. It profoundly affirms God's **immutability and faithfulness**, demonstrating that His promises are eternal and unbreakable, providing a secure foundation for trust in His character amidst any circumstance. The covenant's extension to "every living creature of all flesh" reveals God's **comprehensive care and universal grace** for all creation, not just humanity, underscoring His sustaining power over the entire natural world. This foundational text establishes a pattern of divine initiative and promise-keeping that continues throughout biblical history, laying the groundwork for all subsequent covenants. It also provides **hope and security**, assuring humanity of the stability of the natural order, allowing for the flourishing of life and the building of societies without the fear of another global watery destruction.

* [Isaiah 54:9-10](/isaiah/54-9-10 "God's Everlasting Covenant of Peace")
* [Jeremiah 33:20-21](/jeremiah/33-20-21 "God's Covenant with Day and Night")
* [Psalm 89:34](/psalms/89-34 "God's Unchanging Covenant")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 9:15 offers immense comfort and a profound basis for trusting God's character in every circumstance. It reminds us that God is perpetually faithful, upholding His word with unwavering commitment, even when human circumstances seem chaotic or uncertain. Just as He provided a clear assurance after a catastrophic global flood, this verse serves as a timeless reminder that God remains steadfast through all of life's challenges, offering a stable foundation for hope. Our trust in His unbreakable promises should inspire us to live with confidence, knowing that His sovereign care extends to all creation and to every detail of our lives. This divine assurance frees us from paralyzing fear, enabling us to engage in life, build, and cultivate the Earth with the confidence that God's overarching plan for preservation will prevail. It calls us to reflect on the stability of God's character and to rest in His unfailing love and commitment to His creation.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's "remembering" His covenant in Genesis 9:15 deepen your understanding of His faithfulness?**
* **In what ways does the universal scope of the Noahic Covenant (encompassing all living creatures) challenge or expand your view of God's care for creation?**
* **How does the assurance of "no more flood" impact your sense of security and hope in God's promises for your own life?**

### FAQ
**Does "remember" imply God can forget His promises?**

Answer: No, in a divine context, the Hebrew word _zâkar'_ (H2142) does not mean God literally forgets and then recalls. Instead, it signifies God's active intention and His decisive action to fulfill His previously stated promises or intentions. When God "remembers" His covenant, it means He is actively engaged in upholding and bringing about its provisions, demonstrating His unchanging and reliable character. This is seen, for example, when [God remembered Noah](/genesis/8-1 "God Remembered Noah in the Ark") during the flood, leading to His active intervention for Noah's deliverance.

**Is the Noahic Covenant only for Noah and his descendants?**

Answer: While the covenant was made directly with Noah, [Genesis 9:15](/genesis/9-15 "Genesis 9:15 - The Noahic Covenant") explicitly states it is "between me and you and every living creature of all flesh," indicating its universal scope. It extends to all humanity and all animal life, making it a foundational covenant for the preservation of all creation. This broad application is further emphasized in [Genesis 9:16](/genesis/9-16 "The Everlasting Covenant"), where God declares it an "everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is upon the earth."

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The steadfast faithfulness of God displayed in the Noahic Covenant, particularly His promise to preserve life and refrain from universal destruction by water, foreshadows the ultimate and perfect covenant of grace established in Jesus Christ. While the Noahic Covenant guaranteed the preservation of physical life and the stability of the created order, Christ's work provides the means for eternal life and spiritual preservation from the ultimate judgment of sin. Jesus is the ultimate "ark" of salvation, offering refuge from the coming judgment, which the New Testament describes as being by fire, not water (e.g., [2 Peter 3:7](/2_peter/3-7 "The Day of Judgment and Fire")). God's unwavering commitment to His word in [Genesis 9:15](/genesis/9-15 "Genesis 9:15 - The Noahic Covenant") finds its supreme fulfillment in the person and work of Christ, through whom all God's promises are "Yes" and "Amen" ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "All God's Promises are Yes in Christ")). Through His atoning sacrifice and resurrection, Christ inaugurates a new covenant ([Hebrews 8:6-13](/hebrews/8-6-13 "The New Covenant is Superior")), securing a new creation ([2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "New Creation in Christ")) and an everlasting kingdom free from the curse of sin and death ([Revelation 21:1-4](/revelation/21-1-4 "The New Heaven and New Earth")). Thus, the Noahic Covenant's promise of physical preservation points to the spiritual and eternal preservation offered uniquely in Christ.

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

Deuteronomy 7:9

Know therefore that the LORD thy God, he [is] God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations;

Ezekiel 16:60

¶ Nevertheless I will remember my covenant with thee in the days of thy youth, and I will establish unto thee an everlasting covenant.

Isaiah 54:8

In a little wrath I hid my face from thee for a moment; but with everlasting kindness will I have mercy on thee, saith the LORD thy Redeemer.

Isaiah 54:10

For the mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed; but my kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the covenant of my peace be removed, saith the LORD that hath mercy on thee.

Exodus 28:12

And thou shalt put the two stones upon the shoulders of the ephod [for] stones of memorial unto the children of Israel: and Aaron shall bear their names before the LORD upon his two shoulders for a memorial.

Psalms 106:45

And he remembered for them his covenant, and repented according to the multitude of his mercies.

1 Kings 8:23

And he said, LORD God of Israel, [there is] no God like thee, in heaven above, or on earth beneath, who keepest covenant and mercy with thy servants that walk before thee with all their heart: