Genesis 9:14-17
“Whenever I bring clouds over the earth and the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will remember my covenant between me and you and all living creatures of every kind. Never again will the waters become a flood to destroy all life. Whenever the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and all living creatures of every kind on the earth.”
Genesis 9:14-17 Meaning
The Bible verses in Genesis 9:14-17 talk about God establishing a covenant with Noah and all living creatures on the earth after the great flood. The rainbow is given as a sign of this covenant, symbolizing God’s promise to never again destroy the earth with a flood.
Explanation and Commentary on Genesis 9:14-17
Genesis 9:14-17 recounts the covenant established by God with Noah and all living creatures, symbolized by the rainbow in the sky. This passage follows the story of the Great Flood, during which God brought destruction upon the earth but spared Noah, his family, and the animals aboard the ark.
In these verses, God sets the rainbow as a sign of His covenant promise to never again destroy the earth by a flood. It’s a profound symbol of hope, assurance, and God’s faithfulness. This covenant isn’t just with Noah and his descendants but with every living creature for all generations to come.
The rainbow’s significance stretches beyond its visual beauty; it embodies God’s grace and mercy. It serves as a constant reminder of God’s love and commitment to His creation. When we see a rainbow, it’s a tangible sign of God’s enduring faithfulness and a reassurance of His promises.
This covenant reflects God’s unchanging nature. In a similar way, throughout the Bible, God establishes covenants with humanity to demonstrate His faithfulness and love. For instance, the covenant with Abraham (Genesis 15:18) and the new covenant through Jesus Christ (Luke 22:20) also reveal God’s commitment to His people.
Furthermore, the rainbow’s inclusion in this covenant emphasizes God’s desire for all creation to live in harmony. It’s a universal sign, not limited to humanity alone but encompassing all living beings. This demonstrates God’s care for the entirety of His creation, highlighting the interconnectedness and value of every living thing.
As we reflect on this passage, we’re invited to contemplate God’s faithfulness and promises in our lives. Just as God kept His word to Noah, we can trust in His promises for our own circumstances. The rainbow stands as a powerful symbol, urging us to remain faithful to God’s teachings and to live in harmony with one another and with all of creation.
Context of Genesis 9:14-17
Genesis 9:14-17 comes after the story of the great flood, where God decided to cleanse the earth of its wickedness. Noah and his family were the only ones found righteous and were saved in the ark along with pairs of every kind of living creature. After the flood, God made a new beginning, promising to bless and multiply Noah’s descendants. The verses we are discussing here are part of God establishing His covenant with Noah and all creation.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Genesis 9:14-17
a. God’s Promise: God promises that He will remember His covenant with Noah and every living creature. He assures them that He will never again destroy all flesh with a flood. This shows God’s commitment to His creation and His desire for a relationship with us.
b. The Rainbow: God chooses the rainbow as a sign of His covenant. The beauty of the rainbow is a reminder of God’s faithfulness and His promise to protect us. Whenever we see a rainbow, it should remind us of God’s love and care for us.
c. Everlasting Covenant: God emphasizes that His covenant with Noah and all living creatures is everlasting. It is not temporary or conditional. This shows the unchanging and faithful nature of God.
Bible Study on Genesis 9:14-17
The story of Noah and the flood teaches us several important lessons. Firstly, it highlights the consequences of sin and wickedness. God’s judgment came upon the earth because of the evil that had filled it. It is a reminder to us that God hates sin and desires righteousness.
Secondly, the story shows the importance of obedience and faith in God. Noah trusted in God’s warning and spent years building the ark, even though there was no sign of a flood. He obeyed God’s instructions and was saved along with his family.
Thirdly, the covenant that God made with Noah demonstrates His mercy and love. Despite the wickedness of humanity, He chose to save Noah and his family, and then made a covenant of protection with them and all living creatures. This covenant gives us assurance that God is faithful and will always fulfill His promises.
Also Read: Genesis 9:8-13 Meaning and Commentary
Biblical Translations of Genesis 9:14-17
Genesis 9:14-17 King James Version (KJV)
“And it shall come to pass, when I bring a cloud over the earth, that the bow shall be seen in the cloud: 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. 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.”
Genesis 9:14-17 English Standard Version (ESV)
“When I bring clouds over the earth and the bow is seen in the clouds, I will remember my covenant that is between me and you and every living creature of all flesh. And the waters shall never again become a flood to destroy all flesh. When the bow is in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is on the earth.”
Genesis 9:14-17 New American Standard Bible (NASB)
“It shall come about, when I bring a cloud over the earth, that the rainbow will be seen in the cloud, and I will remember My covenant, which is between Me and you and every living creature of all flesh; and never again shall the water become a flood to destroy all flesh. When the rainbow appears in the cloud, then I will look at it, to remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is on the earth.”
Genesis 9:14-17 New Living Translation (NLT)
“When I send clouds over the earth, the rainbow will appear in the clouds, and I will remember my covenant with you and with all living creatures. Never again will the floodwaters destroy all life. When I see the rainbow in the clouds, I will remember the eternal covenant between God and every living creature on earth.”
Genesis 9:14-17 The Message (MSG)
“When the rainbow appears in the cloud, I’ll see it and remember the eternal covenant between God and everything living, every last living creature on Earth. And God said, ‘Yes. This is the sign of the covenant I am making between me and you and everything living around you and everyone living after you.'”
Genesis 9:14-17 New King James Version (NKJV)
“And it shall be, when I bring a cloud over the earth, that the rainbow shall be seen in the cloud; and I will remember My covenant which is between Me and you and every living creature of all flesh; the waters shall never again become a flood to destroy all flesh. The rainbow shall be in the cloud, and I will look on it to remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is on the earth.”
Final Thoughts
The Bible verses in Genesis 9:14-17 remind us of God’s faithfulness and His desire for a relationship with us. The rainbow serves as a beautiful and powerful symbol of God’s promises. It should inspire us to trust in His faithfulness and take comfort in His love for us.
Next time we see a rainbow, let it be a reminder of the everlasting covenant between God and all living creatures. Remember, God keeps His promises, and we can always trust in His unfailing love.