Genesis 9:17

KJV

And God said unto Noah, This [is] the token of the covenant, which I have established between me and all flesh that [is] upon the earth.

KJV (with Strong's)

And God {H430} said {H559} unto Noah {H5146}, This is the token {H226} of the covenant {H1285}, which I have established {H6965} between me and all flesh {H1320} that is upon the earth {H776}.

Complete Jewish Bible

God said to Noach, “This is the sign of the covenant which I have established between myself and every living creature on the earth.”

Berean Standard Bible

So God said to Noah, “This is the sign of the covenant that I have established between Me and every creature on the earth.”

American Standard Version

And God said unto Noah, This is the token of the covenant which I have established between me and all flesh that is upon the earth.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
[Genesis 9:17](/genesis/9-17 "God's Covenant with Noah") concludes God's profound declaration of the Noahic Covenant, explicitly identifying the rainbow as the enduring "token" or sign of His unconditional and universal promise to preserve all life on earth from another global flood, reaffirming His faithfulness to Noah and all creation.

### CONTEXT
Following the devastating global flood, which cleansed the earth and brought an end to widespread wickedness, God initiated a new beginning with Noah and his family. After Noah offered sacrifices in [Genesis 8:20-22](/genesis/8-20 "Noah's Sacrifice"), God responded by promising never again to curse the ground or destroy all living creatures by flood. The covenant, detailed in [Genesis 9:9-11](/genesis/9-9 "Establishment of the Noahic Covenant"), is an unconditional, perpetual agreement between God and all flesh, with [Genesis 9:17](/genesis/9-17 "God's Covenant with Noah") powerfully reinforcing the sign of this divine commitment.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
[Genesis 9:17](/genesis/9-17 "God's Covenant with Noah") explicitly states God's words to Noah, "And God said unto Noah, This [is] the token of the covenant, which I have established between me and all flesh that [is] upon the earth." This verse acts as a conclusive statement, solidifying the terms and the sign of the Noahic Covenant. The Hebrew word for "token" is *'oth* (אוֹת), signifying a sign, mark, or pledge—a tangible, visible reminder of a divine promise. The term "covenant" is *berith* (בְּרִית), denoting a solemn, binding agreement. While covenants often imply mutual obligations, the Noahic Covenant is unique in its largely unconditional nature, primarily being a promise initiated and upheld by God Himself. Although not explicitly named in this verse, the preceding [Genesis 9:13](/genesis/9-13 "The Rainbow as the Token") clearly identifies the rainbow as this beautiful and enduring sign.

Key aspects of this verse include:
* **Divine Declaration:** God Himself speaks directly to Noah, emphasizing the divine origin and authority of the covenant, underscoring its weight and permanence.
* **The Token's Purpose:** The "token" serves as a visible, perpetual reminder of God's promise, not just for humanity but also as a sign for God Himself, demonstrating His unwavering commitment.
* **Universal Scope:** The phrase "all flesh that [is] upon the earth" highlights the comprehensive nature of this agreement, extending God's care and promise of preservation to every living creature, not just humanity.
* **Everlasting Nature:** The covenant is established to be perpetual, ensuring the continued existence of life on earth free from another global flood of judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
* **God's Covenant Faithfulness:** The Noahic Covenant underscores God's unwavering commitment to His promises, establishing a pattern of divine faithfulness that runs throughout biblical history, demonstrating His unchangeable character.
* **Preservation of Creation:** This covenant demonstrates God's enduring care for His entire creation, ensuring its continued existence and the cycle of seasons, even after severe judgment, highlighting His benevolent sovereignty.
* **Foundation for Future Covenants:** As the first universal covenant, it sets a precedent for God's interaction with humanity through binding agreements, foreshadowing later covenants such as the Abrahamic, Mosaic, Davidic, and ultimately, the New Covenant.
* **Divine Initiative:** God unilaterally initiates this covenant, highlighting His sovereign grace and His desire for reconciliation and preservation rather than perpetual judgment, demonstrating His proactive love for creation.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[Genesis 9:17](/genesis/9-17 "God's Covenant with Noah") offers profound comfort and assurance to humanity. It reminds us that God is a covenant-keeping God, faithful to His word even when humanity falls short. The rainbow, a common and beautiful sight, continues to be a powerful visual reminder of His promise and His enduring care for creation, providing a sense of security and stability in a world often marked by uncertainty. It encourages us to trust in God's steadfast character and His providential care for the world, knowing that His promises are sure.

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the "token" in Genesis 9:17?**

Answer: The "token" (Hebrew *'oth*) is a visible sign or pledge of God's covenant, specifically identified as the rainbow in [Genesis 9:13](/genesis/9-13 "The Rainbow as the Token"). Its significance lies in being a perpetual, tangible reminder of God's unconditional promise never again to destroy all life on earth by a flood, serving as an assurance of His faithfulness to all creation and a visible testament to His enduring mercy.

**Is the Noahic Covenant conditional or unconditional?**

Answer: The Noahic Covenant, as described in [Genesis 9](/chapter/bible_verses_kjv/genesis/9 "Genesis Chapter 9"), is primarily unconditional. God unilaterally establishes the covenant with Noah and all living creatures, promising preservation without requiring specific human obedience for its continuance. While humanity is given commands (e.g., to be fruitful and multiply), the core promise of no more global floods is solely dependent on God's faithfulness and not on human performance.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While the Noahic Covenant is universal and applies to all creation, it ultimately points to God's grander plan of salvation found in Jesus Christ. Just as God provided a sign of His faithfulness to preserve physical life, Christ is the ultimate "token" of God's new and eternal covenant, offering spiritual preservation and eternal life to all who believe. The rainbow, a sign of God's grace amidst judgment, foreshadows the cross, where God's justice and mercy perfectly converge, establishing a superior [new covenant](/hebrews/8-6 "The Superior New Covenant") that deals with the root of sin and offers complete reconciliation with God through Christ's atoning sacrifice, ensuring eternal security for those who trust in Him.

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.