Genesis 9:16

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."

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 From now on, when I form a cloud over the Earth and the rainbow appears in the cloud,

15 I'll remember my covenant between me and you and everything living, that never again will floodwaters destroy all life.

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."

17 And God said, "This is the sign of the covenant that I've set up between me and everything living on the Earth."

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