Genesis 9:17
What does Genesis 9:17 mean?
A plain-English look at Genesis 9:17 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Genesis 9:17 means
God concludes His covenant declaration to Noah by reiterating that the rainbow is the steadfast token of the everlasting agreement established between Himself and all living flesh on earth. This final statement emphatically confirms the covenant's universal scope and its permanent validity. It serves as an ultimate assurance of God's unwavering commitment to His creation, reinforcing the hope and security provided by His promise. This verse brings closure to the formal establishment of the covenant, solidifying its place in redemptive history.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And 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
King James Version · 1611And 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.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And 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.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And God said to Noah, This is the sign of the agreement which I have made between me and all flesh on the earth.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And God saith unto Noah, `This <FI>is<Fi> a token of the covenant which I have established between Me and all flesh that <FI>is<Fi> upon the earth.'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And God said to Noe: This shall be the sign of the covenant, which I have established, between me and all flesh upon the earth.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890AndGod said to Noah, This is the sign of the covenant which I have established between me and all flesh that is upon the earth.
Context
This verse serves as a concluding summary statement, reiterating the main point about the rainbow being the token of the covenant. It brings closure to the detailed explanation of the Noahic Covenant, effectively bookending the divine discourse that began in verse 8. This final affirmation shifts the narrative from the covenant's establishment to the subsequent actions of Noah and his sons, marking a transition in the chapter's focus from divine interaction to human events.
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.
v.17This passage
v.18And the sons of Noah, that went forth from the ark, were Shem, and Ham, and Japheth: and Ham is the father of Canaan.
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