Genesis 9:16

16 "When the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will see it. I will remember that my covenant will last forever. It is a covenant between me and every kind of living thing 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 Sometimes when I bring clouds over the earth, a rainbow will appear in them.

15 Then I will remember my covenant between me and you and every kind of living thing. The waters will never become a flood to destroy all life again.

16 "When the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will see it. I will remember that my covenant will last forever. It is a covenant between me and every kind of living thing on earth."

17 So God said to Noah, "The rainbow is the sign of my covenant. I have made my covenant between me and all life on earth."

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