Devine Scripture

Genesis 9:12

What does Genesis 9:12 mean?

A plain-English look at Genesis 9:12 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Genesis 9:12 means

God introduces a tangible symbol, a "token," that will serve as a perpetual reminder of His covenant. This token is for all future generations ("perpetual generations"), signifying the everlasting nature of the agreement between God, humanity, and all living creatures. The establishment of a visible sign confirms the seriousness and reliability of God's promise, providing a constant assurance of His faithfulness. This token solidifies the commitment, making the abstract promise concrete and observable for all to witness and remember.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And God said, This is the token of the covenant which I make between me and you and every living creature that is with you, for perpetual generations:

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And God said, This is the token of the covenant which I make between me and you and every living creature that is with you, for perpetual generations:

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And God said, This is the token of the covenant which I make between me and you and every living creature that is with you, for perpetual generations:

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And God said, This is the sign of the agreement which I make between me and you and every living thing with you, for all future generations:

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And God saith, `This is a token of the covenant which I am giving between Me and you, and every living creature that <FI>is<Fi> with you, to generations age-during;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And God said: This is the sign of the covenant which I give between me and you, and to every living soul that is with you, for perpetual generations.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

AndGod said, This is the sign of the covenant that I set between me and you and every living soul that is with you, for everlasting generations:

Context

Following the declaration of the covenant's central promise—no more global floods—this verse announces the introduction of a permanent sign or token. It transitions from the abstract promise to its concrete manifestation, establishing a visible reminder for all generations. This verse sets the stage for the specific identification of the rainbow as that token, providing the necessary frame for understanding its significance in the subsequent verses as a symbol of God's enduring faithfulness.

v.11And I will establish my covenant with you; neither shall all flesh be cut off any more by the waters of the flood; neither shall there any more be a flood to destroy the earth.

v.12This passage

v.13I do set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be for a token of a covenant between me and the earth.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • 1 Corinthians 11:23

    For I received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, that the Lord Jesus in the night in which he was betrayed took bread;

  • Matthew 26:26

    And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed, and brake it; and he gave to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body.

  • Exodus 12:13

    And the blood shall be to you for a token upon the houses where ye are: and when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and there shall no plague be upon you to destroy you, when I smite the land of Egypt.

  • Genesis 9:17

    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.

  • Genesis 17:11

    And ye shall be circumcised in the flesh of your foreskin; and it shall be a token of a covenant betwixt me and you.

  • Exodus 13:16

    And it shall be for a sign upon thy hand, and for frontlets between thine eyes: for by strength of hand Jehovah brought us forth out of Egypt.

Related questions readers ask

Keep reading

Want to dig deeper? Explore Genesis 9

Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Genesis 9.

Keep exploring

Follow this verse across Scripture

Topics, devotionals, original-language word studies, and figures connected to Genesis 9:12.

Browse every hub

BibleTopicsBible answersDevotionalsFamous passagesWord studiesPeoplePlacesVerses for…Reading plansCommentary