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 establishes the rainbow as the visible sign of God's unconditional, everlasting covenant with all living creatures after the global flood, promising never again to destroy the earth by water. This divine pledge underscores God's unfailing faithfulness and His commitment to preserve life and maintain the stability of creation.

### CONTEXT
Genesis 9:16 is a crucial component of the post-flood narrative, occurring after the devastating global deluge that cleansed the earth. Following their emergence from the ark, Noah and his family receive a new covenant from God, extended to all living creatures. This verse specifically designates the rainbow as the tangible sign of this [everlasting covenant](/genesis/9-11 "The Noahic Covenant in Genesis 9:11") established between God and all flesh, solemnly promising never again to destroy the earth with a flood.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Genesis 9:16 solidifies the divine promise, transforming a natural phenomenon into a profound symbol of God's enduring faithfulness.

* **"And the bow shall be in the cloud"**: This refers to the natural phenomenon of the rainbow, which is now imbued with profound divine significance. It is not merely an optical effect but a divinely appointed, constant visual reminder of God's solemn promise. This beautiful arch across the sky signifies a bridge of peace and reconciliation between God and His creation after judgment.
* **"and I will look upon it, that I may remember"**: This is a powerful anthropomorphism, attributing a human characteristic (remembering) to God. It does not imply that God forgets, but rather emphasizes His active commitment to uphold His word. The Hebrew verb *zakhar* (זָכַר), translated as "remember," implies not just recall, but active engagement and faithful execution of a promise or relationship. Thus, God "remembering" means He will actively maintain and fulfill His promise. For humanity, the rainbow serves as a constant, visible assurance of God's steadfast mercy and the reliability of His divine promises.
* **"the everlasting covenant"**: The Hebrew word for "covenant" is *berith* (בְּרִית), which implies a solemn, binding agreement or pact, often initiated by a superior party. This is the first major covenant recorded in the Bible, often called the Noahic Covenant. Its "everlasting" nature signifies its permanence and unconditional character. God's promise is binding on Him, irrespective of human behavior, demonstrating His unwavering commitment to the stability of the natural world and the preservation of life.
* **"between God and every living creature of all flesh that [is] upon the earth"**: The scope of this covenant is remarkably broad, extending beyond humanity to encompass all animal life. This highlights God's comprehensive care for His entire creation and His benevolent oversight over the natural order.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
* **God's Unwavering Faithfulness**: The covenant and its visible sign demonstrate God's unchanging character and His absolute reliability in fulfilling His promises, even after judgment and despite human sinfulness.
* **Divine Sovereignty and Grace**: God unilaterally initiates this covenant, showcasing His sovereign authority and His gracious disposition towards His creation, choosing preservation and stability over continued judgment.
* **The Universality of God's Care**: The covenant's extension to "every living creature of all flesh" underscores God's comprehensive concern for all life and the stability of the natural world, revealing His expansive love.
* **Symbolism of Hope After Judgment**: The rainbow, appearing after the storm, serves as a powerful visual reminder of God's mercy and the certainty of His benevolent oversight, transforming a natural phenomenon into a beacon of hope for all generations.
* **Covenant as a Foundational Concept**: This covenant introduces a key biblical theme—God's relationship with humanity and creation is often framed through binding agreements, setting a precedent for future covenants (e.g., Abrahamic, Mosaic, New Covenant).

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 9:16 offers profound assurance and comfort, reminding us of God's unchanging character and His [unwavering faithfulness](/2_timothy/2-13 "God's Faithfulness in 2 Timothy 2:13") to His promises, even when humanity fails. The rainbow, appearing after storms, symbolizes hope and the certainty of God's benevolent oversight over His creation. It encourages believers to trust implicitly in God's word and find peace in His sovereign control, knowing that His covenants are eternally secure and His compassionate care extends to all living things.

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

Answer: No, this is an anthropomorphism, attributing a human characteristic (remembering) to God to help us understand His actions. 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.

**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.

**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. The rainbow continues to serve as a visible sign of this enduring covenant, assuring all generations of God's steadfast commitment to His creation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The Noahic covenant, a promise of preservation after judgment, foreshadows the ultimate preservation and new creation found in Jesus Christ. While the rainbow signifies God's promise never to destroy the earth by water again, Christ's sacrifice establishes a [new and everlasting covenant](/hebrews/8-6 "The New Covenant in Hebrews 8:6") in His blood, offering forgiveness and eternal life for those who believe. The peace symbolized by the rainbow after the storm finds its perfect realization in Christ, who reconciles humanity to God and inaugurates a spiritual kingdom where true and lasting peace reigns, transcending the physical preservation of the 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.