Devine Scripture

Genesis 9:16

What does Genesis 9:16 mean?

A plain-English look at Genesis 9:16 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Genesis 9:16 means

The rainbow’s presence in the cloud serves as a constant reminder for God to look upon and remember the everlasting covenant. This emphasizes the perpetual nature of the agreement between God and all living creatures on earth. Divine remembrance here signifies God's unwavering faithfulness and His active commitment to His promises. The rainbow is not just a human reminder, but a visual pledge that God Himself acknowledges, reassuring every generation that His word stands firm against any future deluge.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

King James Version · 1611

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.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And the bow will be in the cloud, and looking on it, I will keep in mind the eternal agreement between God and every living thing on the earth.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and the bow hath been in the cloud, and I have seen it--to remember the covenant age-during between God and every living creature among all flesh which <FI>is<Fi> on the earth.'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And the bow shall be in the clouds, and I shall see it, and shall remember the everlasting covenant, that was made between God and every living soul of all flesh which is upon the earth.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And the bow shall be in the cloud; and I will look upon it, that I may remember the everlasting covenant betweenGod and every living soul of all flesh that is upon the earth.

Context

This verse reiterates the concept of God's remembrance upon seeing the rainbow, emphasizing the "everlasting" nature of the covenant. It closely follows the previous verse, reinforcing the idea that the rainbow is a divine prompt, not merely a human one. This repetition underscores the absolute reliability of God's promise and serves to bring the detailed explanation of the rainbow's significance to a strong conclusion before the final summary statement of the covenant.

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.

v.16This passage

v.17And 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.

Cross references

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

  • Genesis 17:13

    He that is born in thy house, and he that is bought with thy money, must needs be circumcised: and my covenant shall be in your flesh for an everlasting covenant.

  • Hebrews 13:20

    Now the God of peace, who brought again from the dead the great shepherd of the sheep with the blood of an eternal covenant, even our Lord Jesus,

  • Isaiah 55:3

    Incline your ear, and come unto me; hear, and your soul shall live: and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David.

  • Genesis 17:7

    And I will establish my covenant between me and thee and thy seed after thee throughout their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be a God unto thee and to thy seed after thee.

  • Psalms 89:3

    I have made a covenant with my chosen, I have sworn unto David my servant:

  • Genesis 9:9

    And I, behold, I establish my covenant with you, and with your seed after you;

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