Devine Scripture

Genesis 9:14

What does Genesis 9:14 mean?

A plain-English look at Genesis 9:14 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Genesis 9:14 means

God explains that whenever clouds gather and a rain shower occurs, causing the rainbow to appear, it will serve as a visible trigger for remembering the covenant. This verse emphasizes the regularity and accessibility of the sign, ensuring that the promise is continually reaffirmed through natural cycles. The appearance of the bow in the cloud acts as a visual prompt for humanity to recall God's pledge, reinforcing trust in His word amidst potentially fearful weather conditions. It is a constant, natural sermon on God's enduring lovingkindness.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And it shall come to pass, when I bring a cloud over the earth, that the bow shall be seen in the cloud,

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And it shall come to pass, when I bring a cloud over the earth, that the bow shall be seen in the cloud:

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And it shall come to pass, when I bring a cloud over the earth, that the bow shall be seen in the cloud,

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And whenever I make a cloud come over the earth, the bow will be seen in the cloud,

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and it hath come to pass (in My sending a cloud over the earth) that the bow hath been seen in the cloud,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And when I shall cover the sky with clouds, my bow shall appear in the clouds:

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And it shall come to pass when I bring clouds over the earth, that the bow shall be seen in the cloud,

Context

Building on the identification of the rainbow as the covenant token, this verse explains the practical mechanism by which the sign will function. It describes the circumstances of its appearance, directly linking cloud cover and rain to the manifestation of the bow. This explanation sets the stage for the subsequent verses, which detail God's *own* remembrance of the covenant upon seeing the rainbow, further solidifying its role as a permanent and active reminder of His promise.

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

v.14This passage

v.15and 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.

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