Genesis 9:16

16 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 9:16 in Other Translations

16 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.

16 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."

16 When I see the rainbow in the clouds, I will remember the eternal covenant between God and every living creature on earth.”

16 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."

16 The bow will be in the clouds, and I will look at it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh on 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 Whenever I bring clouds over the earth and the rainbow appears in the clouds,

15 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.

16 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.”

17 So God said to Noah, “This is the sign of the covenant I have established between me and all life on the earth.”

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

Cross References

• 1. ver 13
• 2. S ver 11; Ge 17:7,13,19; 2 Samuel 7:13; 2 Samuel 23:5; Psalms 105:9-10; Isaiah 9:7; Isaiah 54:10; Isaiah 55:3; Isaiah 59:21; Isaiah 61:8; Jeremiah 31:31-34; Jeremiah 32:40; Jeremiah 33:21; Ezekiel 16:60; Ezekiel 37:26; S Hebrews 13:20