Genesis 9:16

16 The bow shall be in the clouds, and I will see it, so as to remember [the] everlasting covenant between God and between every living creature, with all flesh that [is] upon the earth."

Genesis 9:16 Meaning and Commentary

Genesis 9:16

And the bow shall be in the cloud
Not whenever there is a cloud, but at some certain times, when that and the sun are in a proper position to form one, and when divine wisdom sees right there should be one; then it appears and continues for a time, and as the cloud becomes thinner and thinner, it disappears: 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;
not that forgetfulness, or remembrance, properly speaking, belong to God, but this is said after the manner of men; who by this token may be assured, whenever they see the bow in the cloud, that God is not unmindful of the covenant he has made with all creatures, and which is to continue to the end of the world.

Genesis 9:16 In-Context

14 And when I make clouds appear over the earth the bow shall be seen in the clouds.

15 Then I will remember my covenant that [is] between me and you, and between every living creature, with all flesh. And the waters of a flood will never again {cause the destruction} of all flesh.

16 The bow shall be in the clouds, and I will see it, so as to remember [the] everlasting covenant between God and between every living creature, with all flesh that [is] upon the earth."

17 And God said to Noah, "This [is] the sign of the covenant which I am establishing between me and all flesh that [is] upon the earth.

18 Now the sons of Noah who came out of the ark [were] Shem, Ham, and Japheth. (Ham [was] the father of Canaan.)