Genesis 9:16

KJV

And the bow shall be in the cloud; and I will look upon it, that I may remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that [is] upon the earth.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the bow {H7198} shall be in the cloud {H6051}; and I will look upon it {H7200}, that I may remember {H2142} the everlasting {H5769} covenant {H1285} between {H996} God {H430} and {H996} every living {H2416} creature {H5315} of all flesh {H1320} that is upon the earth {H776}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The rainbow will be in the cloud; so that when I look at it, I will remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of any kind on the earth.”

Berean Standard Bible

And whenever the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of every kind that is on the earth.”

American Standard Version

And the bow shall be in the cloud; and I will look upon it, that I may remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is upon the earth.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 9:16 serves as a pivotal declaration within the post-flood narrative, establishing the rainbow as the enduring, visible sign of God's unconditional and everlasting covenant. This divine pledge, given to Noah and extending to every living creature on earth, solemnly promises that never again will all flesh be destroyed by a global flood, thereby underscoring God's unfailing faithfulness, His commitment to preserve life, and His benevolent oversight of creation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Genesis 9:16 is nestled within the broader narrative of the Noahic Covenant, which immediately follows the global deluge (Genesis 6-8) and the emergence of Noah and his family from the ark. After offering sacrifices of thanksgiving in [Genesis 8:20-22](/genesis/8-20-22 "Noah's Sacrifice and God's Promise"), God blesses Noah and his sons, reiterating the creation mandate to be fruitful and multiply (Genesis 9:1-7). The covenant itself is formally introduced in [Genesis 9:8-11](/genesis/9-8-11 "The Establishment of the Noahic Covenant"), promising no more destruction by flood. Verse 16 specifically details the sign of this covenant, the rainbow, reinforcing the divine commitment through a tangible, recurring phenomenon. This passage sets a foundational precedent for God's covenantal relationship with humanity and creation, a theme that will be developed throughout the biblical narrative.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, covenants were common, often involving a superior party (a king or deity) establishing terms with an inferior party, frequently accompanied by rituals (like cutting animals, as implied by the Hebrew word for covenant, *bᵉrîyth*) and signs. However, the Noahic Covenant stands unique. Unlike typical suzerainty treaties, it is unilateral and unconditional, initiated solely by God with no reciprocal obligations placed upon humanity or creation. The sign of the rainbow (Hebrew: *qesheth*, meaning "bow," often referring to a warrior's bow) is particularly significant. In a context where deities were often depicted with weapons, God's "bow" is hung up in the sky, pointing away from the earth, symbolizing a cessation of divine judgment by water and a posture of peace. This contrasts sharply with flood myths from other ancient cultures, where divine capriciousness often led to destruction; here, God's promise is steadfast and benevolent.

* **Key Themes:** Genesis 9:16 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Faithfulness and Steadfastness**, showcasing God's unwavering commitment to His promises, even in the face of human sinfulness. Secondly, it establishes the crucial concept of **Covenant**, a binding agreement initiated by God, which becomes a recurring motif for understanding God's relationship with His people (e.g., the Abrahamic Covenant in [Genesis 12:1-3](/genesis/12-1-3 "The Call of Abraham and God's Promise"), the Mosaic Covenant in [Exodus 19-24](/exodus/19-24 "The Giving of the Law at Sinai")). Thirdly, the verse underscores **God's Comprehensive Care for Creation**, extending His benevolent oversight and preservation not only to humanity but to "every living creature of all flesh." This universal scope emphasizes the stability of the natural order and God's sustained interest in the world He created, a theme echoed in passages like [Psalm 104](/psalm/104 "Psalm 104 - A Hymn of Creation").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **covenant (Hebrew, _bᵉrîyth'_):** Derived from a root suggesting "cutting," this term refers to a solemn, binding agreement or compact. In the biblical context, it often denotes a divinely initiated pact, establishing a relationship and outlining its terms. The Noahic covenant is unique in its unconditional and universal scope, demonstrating God's sovereign commitment.
* **remember (Hebrew, _zâkar'_):** This primitive root means "to mark (so as to be recognized)," implying not merely recall but active engagement, mindful attention, and the faithful execution of a promise or relationship. When God "remembers," it signifies His active intention to uphold His word and act in accordance with His covenantal commitments, rather than a retrieval of forgotten information.
* **everlasting (Hebrew, _ʻôwlâm'_):** This term signifies "time out of mind," "eternity," or "perpetual." When applied to the covenant, it denotes its permanent, enduring, and unconditional nature. God's promise to Noah is not temporary or contingent on human behavior but remains perpetually binding, assuring the stability of the natural world for all generations.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the bow shall be in the cloud":** This clause introduces the physical sign of the covenant: the rainbow. It transforms a natural phenomenon into a divinely appointed, recurring visual reminder of God's promise. The "bow" (Hebrew: *qesheth*) often refers to a warrior's weapon, but here, positioned in the sky, it signifies a divine "bow" laid down, symbolizing peace and a cessation of judgment by water.
* **"and I will look upon it, that I may remember":** This is a profound anthropomorphism, attributing a human characteristic of "remembering" to God. It does not imply divine forgetfulness, but rather emphasizes God's active and unwavering commitment to His covenant. His "looking upon it" signifies His constant mindfulness and readiness to act according to His word, ensuring the covenant's fulfillment.
* **"the everlasting covenant":** This phrase identifies the nature of the agreement as permanent and perpetual. The Hebrew term *bᵉrîyth* (covenant) underscores its binding and solemn character, while *ʻôwlâm* (everlasting) highlights its unending duration. This covenant is unilateral, initiated by God's grace, and remains binding on Him irrespective of human actions.
* **"between God and every living creature of all flesh that [is] upon the earth":** This specifies the extraordinarily broad scope of the covenant. It is not limited to humanity but extends to all animal life, encompassing the entire created order. This emphasizes God's comprehensive care and benevolent oversight for His whole creation, ensuring the preservation and stability of the natural world.

#### Literary Devices
Genesis 9:16 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound theological message. **Symbolism** is central, as the natural phenomenon of the rainbow is imbued with deep divine meaning, transforming it from a mere optical effect into a tangible sign of God's promise and faithfulness. The "bow" itself, often a weapon in ancient contexts, here becomes a symbol of peace, hung up and pointing away from the earth, signifying the cessation of divine wrath by water. **Anthropomorphism** is evident in the phrase "I will look upon it, that I may remember," attributing human actions and faculties to God. This device helps human readers grasp God's active engagement and unwavering commitment to His covenant, emphasizing His reliability rather than implying any divine forgetfulness. Furthermore, the broader passage (Genesis 9:8-17) utilizes **Repetition** of key phrases like "covenant" and "every living creature of all flesh," reinforcing the importance, scope, and permanence of God's pledge. This repetition serves to impress upon the reader the absolute certainty and universal nature of the Noahic Covenant.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 9:16 stands as a profound testament to God's character, revealing His absolute faithfulness, sovereign grace, and expansive care for His entire creation. The establishment of this unconditional, everlasting covenant, marked by the visible sign of the rainbow, demonstrates that even after righteous judgment, God's disposition towards His world is one of preservation and benevolence. This covenant assures the stability of the natural order, providing a foundational promise upon which all future human existence and interaction with God's creation depend. It highlights God's commitment to maintain the very fabric of life on earth, showcasing His enduring patience and mercy.

* [Isaiah 54:9-10](/isaiah/54-9-10 "God's Everlasting Kindness to Zion")
* [Psalm 89:34-37](/psalm/89-34-37 "God's Covenant with David")
* [Romans 8:38-39](/romans/8-38-39 "God's Unbreakable Love")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 9:16 offers profound reassurance and comfort, serving as a timeless reminder of God's unchanging character and His [unwavering faithfulness](/2_timothy/2-13 "God's Faithfulness in 2 Timothy 2:13") to His promises. In a world often characterized by instability, uncertainty, and broken pledges, the rainbow stands as a tangible, recurring sign of divine reliability. It encourages us to trust implicitly in God's word, finding peace in His sovereign control over creation and history. The covenant's universal scope, extending to "every living creature of all flesh," also calls us to a greater appreciation for God's comprehensive care for all life and to consider our own role as stewards of His creation. This verse invites us to live with hope, knowing that even after the storms of life, God's mercy prevails, and His promises are eternally secure, providing a beacon of hope for all generations.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the "everlasting" nature of this covenant impact your understanding of God's character and His promises to you?**
* **In what ways does the rainbow, as a sign of God's promise, offer comfort and hope in times of personal or global turmoil?**
* **Considering the covenant's extension to "every living creature," how might this influence our perspective on environmental stewardship and our responsibility towards the natural world?**

### FAQ
**Does "I will look upon it, that I may remember" imply God forgets?**

Answer: No, this is an anthropomorphism, a literary device where human characteristics are attributed to God to help us understand His actions and intentions. In biblical terms, God "remembering" (Hebrew: *zakhar*) signifies His active commitment to fulfill His promises and act on behalf of His covenant, not a retrieval of forgotten information. It assures humanity of His unfailing faithfulness and His active engagement with His creation, as seen in passages like [Psalm 105:8](/psalm/105-8 "God Remembers His Covenant").

**Is the Noahic Covenant only for humans?**

Answer: Genesis 9:16 explicitly states the covenant is "between God and every living creature of all flesh that [is] upon the earth." This highlights the universal scope of God's promise, extending His care and commitment to the preservation of all life and the stability of the natural world, not just humanity. This demonstrates God's comprehensive benevolence towards His entire creation, as also reflected in [Psalm 36:6](/psalm/36-6 "God Preserves Man and Beast").

**Is this "everlasting covenant" still active today?**

Answer: Yes, the term "everlasting" (*'olam*) signifies its perpetual and unconditional nature. God's promise never again to destroy the earth with a global flood remains binding for all time. The rainbow continues to serve as a visible sign of this enduring covenant, assuring all generations of God's steadfast commitment to His creation and the stability of the natural order, as confirmed by [Isaiah 54:9](/isaiah/54-9 "God's Covenant of Peace").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The Noahic covenant, with its promise of preservation and a sign of peace after judgment, serves as a profound foreshadowing of the ultimate preservation and new creation found in Jesus Christ. While the rainbow signifies God's pledge never to destroy the earth by water again, Christ's atoning sacrifice on the cross establishes a [new and everlasting covenant](/hebrews/8-6 "The New Covenant in Hebrews 8:6") in His blood, offering not just physical preservation but spiritual redemption, forgiveness of sins, and eternal life for all who believe (cf. [Luke 22:20](/luke/22-20 "The New Covenant in Jesus' Blood")). The peace symbolized by the rainbow after the storm finds its perfect realization in Christ, who is our [peace](/ephesians/2-14 "Christ is Our Peace") and who reconciles humanity to God, inaugurating a spiritual kingdom where true and lasting peace reigns, transcending the physical preservation of the earth. Through Christ, believers are brought into an [unshakeable kingdom](/hebrews/12-28 "Receiving an Unshakeable Kingdom"), a new creation where the promise of no more judgment is fully realized in eternal security and fellowship with God (cf. [Revelation 21:1-4](/revelation/21-1-4 "The New Heaven and New Earth")).

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

Jeremiah 32:40

And I will make an everlasting covenant with them, that I will not turn away from them, to do them good; but I will put my fear in their hearts, that they shall not depart from me.

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.

2 Samuel 23:5

Although my house [be] not so with God; yet he hath made with me an everlasting covenant, ordered in all [things], and sure: for [this is] all my salvation, and all [my] desire, although he make [it] not to grow.

Genesis 17:19

And God said, Sarah thy wife shall bear thee a son indeed; and thou shalt call his name Isaac: and I will establish my covenant with him for an everlasting covenant, [and] with his seed after him.

Genesis 17:13

He that is born in thy house, and he that is bought with thy money, must needs be circumcised: and my covenant shall be in your flesh for an everlasting covenant.

Hebrews 13:20

Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant,