Genesis 9:16

16 eritque arcus in nubibus et videbo illum et recordabor foederis sempiterni quod pactum est inter Deum et inter omnem animam viventem universae carnis quae est super terram

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 cumque obduxero nubibus caelum apparebit arcus meus in nubibus
15 et recordabor foederis mei vobiscum et cum omni anima vivente quae carnem vegetat et non erunt ultra aquae diluvii ad delendam universam carnem
16 eritque arcus in nubibus et videbo illum et recordabor foederis sempiterni quod pactum est inter Deum et inter omnem animam viventem universae carnis quae est super terram
17 dixitque Deus Noe hoc erit signum foederis quod constitui inter me et inter omnem carnem super terram
18 erant igitur filii Noe qui egressi sunt de arca Sem Ham et Iafeth porro Ham ipse est pater Chanaan
The Latin Vulgate is in the public domain.