Devine Scripture

Genesis 9:15

What does Genesis 9:15 mean?

A plain-English look at Genesis 9:15 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Genesis 9:15 means

Upon seeing the rainbow, God declares that He Himself will remember His covenant, a perpetual agreement that extends to Noah, all humanity, and every living creature. This isn't to say God literally forgets, but rather that seeing the rainbow prompts Him to act consistently with His promise. This divine remembrance is a profound assurance that the waters will never again become a devastating flood to destroy all flesh. It highlights God's faithfulness and His active commitment to upholding His word, offering comfort and security to all creation.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

and 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.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And 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.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

and 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.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And I will keep in mind the agreement between me and you and every living thing; and never again will there be a great flow of waters causing destruction to all flesh.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and I have remembered My covenant which is between Me and you, and every living creature among all flesh, and the waters become no more a deluge to destroy all flesh;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And I will remember my covenant with you, and with every living soul that beareth flesh: and there shall no more be waters of a flood to destroy all flesh.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

and I will remember my covenant which is between me and you and every living soul of all flesh; and the waters shall not henceforth become a flood to destroy all flesh.

Context

This verse explains the profound theological significance of the rainbow's appearance, clarifying that it serves as a reminder not just for humanity, but for God Himself. It directly connects the visible sign to God's divine memory and commitment, reaffirming the central promise of no more global floods. This verse sets the stage for the reiteration of the everlasting nature of the covenant in the next verse, providing depth to the understanding of God's interaction with His own created sign.

v.14And it shall come to pass, when I bring a cloud over the earth, that the bow shall be seen in the cloud,

v.15This passage

v.16And 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.

Cross references

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

  • Jeremiah 14:21

    Do not abhor us, for thy name’s sake; do not disgrace the throne of thy glory: remember, break not thy covenant with us.

  • 1 Kings 8:23

    and he said, O Jehovah, the God of Israel, there is no God like thee, in heaven above, or on earth beneath; who keepest covenant and lovingkindness with thy servants, that walk before thee with all their heart;

  • Isaiah 54:8

    In overflowing wrath I hid my face from thee for a moment; but with everlasting lovingkindness will I have mercy on thee, saith Jehovah thy Redeemer.

  • Ezekiel 16:60

    Nevertheless I will remember my covenant with thee in the days of thy youth, and I will establish unto thee an everlasting covenant.

  • Luke 1:72

    To show mercy towards our fathers, And to remember his holy covenant;

  • Leviticus 26:42

    then will I remember my covenant with Jacob; and also my covenant with Isaac, and also my covenant with Abraham will I remember; and I will remember the land.

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