Genesis 9:16
New International Version
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.”

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

English Standard Version
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.”

Berean Standard Bible
And whenever the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of every kind that is on the earth.”

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
The rainbow shall be in the cloud, and I will look on it to remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is on the earth.”

New American Standard Bible
When the rainbow is in the cloud, then I will look at it, to remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is on the earth.”

NASB 1995
“When the bow is in the cloud, then I will look upon it, to remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is on the earth.”

NASB 1977
“When the bow is in the cloud, then I will look upon it, to remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is on the earth.”

Legacy Standard Bible
So the bow shall be in the cloud, and I will look upon it, to remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is on the earth.”

Amplified Bible
When the rainbow is in the clouds and I look at it, I will [solemnly] remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is on the earth.”

Christian Standard Bible
The bow will be in the clouds, and I will look at it and remember the permanent covenant between God and all the living creatures on earth.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
The bow will be in the clouds, and I will look at it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and all the living creatures on earth.”

American Standard Version
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.

Contemporary English Version
When I see the rainbow in the sky, I will always remember the promise that I have made to every living creature.

English Revised Version
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.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Whenever the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will see it and remember my everlasting promise to every living animal on earth."

Good News Translation
When the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between me and all living beings on earth.

International Standard Version
When the rainbow is in the clouds, I will observe it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and all living beings on the earth."

Majority Standard Bible
And whenever the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of every kind that is on the earth.”

NET Bible
When the rainbow is in the clouds, I will notice it and remember the perpetual covenant between God and all living creatures of all kinds that are on the earth."

New Heart English Bible
The rainbow will be in the cloud. I will look at it, that I may remember the everlasting covenant between me and every living creature of all flesh that is on the earth."

Webster's Bible Translation
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.

World English Bible
The rainbow will be in the cloud. I will look at it, that I may remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is on the earth.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and the bow has been in the cloud, and I have seen it—to remember the perpetual covenant between God and every living creature among all flesh which [is] on the earth.”

Young's Literal Translation
and the bow hath been in the cloud, and I have seen it -- to remember the covenant age-during between God and every living creature among all flesh which is on the earth.'

Smith's Literal Translation
The bow shall be in the cloud; and seeing it to remember the lasting covenant between God and between every breathing thing living of all flesh which is upon the earth.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And the bow shall be in the clouds, and I shall see it, and shall remember the everlasting covenant, that was made between God and every living soul of all flesh which is upon the earth.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And the arc will be in the clouds, and I will see it, and I will remember the everlasting covenant that was enacted between God and every living soul of all that is flesh upon the earth.”

New American Bible
When the bow appears in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature—every mortal being that is on earth.

New Revised Standard Version
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.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And the bow shall be in the clouds; and I will look upon it as a remembrance of the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is upon the earth.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And there will be a bow in the clouds and I shall see it for a memorial of the eternal covenant between God and between every soul living of all flesh that is upon earth.”
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
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.'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And my bow shall be in the cloud, and I will look to remember the everlasting covenant between me and the earth, and between every living soul in all flesh, which is upon the earth.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Covenant of the Rainbow
15I will remember My covenant between Me and you and every living creature of every kind. Never again will the waters become a flood to destroy all life. 16And whenever the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of every kind that is on the earth.” 17So God said to Noah, “This is the sign of the covenant that I have established between Me and every creature on the earth.”…

Cross References
Genesis 17:7
I will establish My covenant as an everlasting covenant between Me and you and your descendants after you, to be your God and the God of your descendants after you.

Genesis 17:13
Whether they are born in your household or purchased, they must be circumcised. My covenant in your flesh will be an everlasting covenant.

Genesis 17:19
But God replied, “Your wife Sarah will indeed bear you a son, and you are to name him Isaac. I will establish My covenant with him as an everlasting covenant for his descendants after him.

Exodus 2:24
So God heard their groaning, and He remembered His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

Exodus 6:5
Furthermore, I have heard the groaning of the Israelites, whom the Egyptians are enslaving, and I have remembered My covenant.

Leviticus 26:42
then I will remember My covenant with Jacob and My covenant with Isaac and My covenant with Abraham, and I will remember the land.

Deuteronomy 7:9
Know therefore that the LORD your God is God, the faithful God who keeps His covenant of loving devotion for a thousand generations of those who love Him and keep His commandments.

1 Chronicles 16:15
Remember His covenant forever, the word He ordained for a thousand generations—

Psalm 105:8-10
He remembers His covenant forever, the word He ordained for a thousand generations— / the covenant He made with Abraham, and the oath He swore to Isaac. / He confirmed it to Jacob as a decree, to Israel as an everlasting covenant:

Isaiah 54:9-10
“For to Me this is like the days of Noah, when I swore that the waters of Noah would never again cover the earth. So I have sworn that I will not be angry with you or rebuke you. / Though the mountains may be removed and the hills may be shaken, My loving devotion will not depart from you, and My covenant of peace will not be broken,” says the LORD, who has compassion on you.

Jeremiah 31:31-34
Behold, the days are coming, declares the LORD, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah. / It will not be like the covenant I made with their fathers when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt—a covenant they broke, though I was a husband to them,” declares the LORD. / “But this is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the LORD. I will put My law in their minds and inscribe it on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they will be My people. ...

Ezekiel 16:60
But I will remember the covenant I made with you in the days of your youth, and I will establish an everlasting covenant with you.

Ezekiel 37:26
And I will make a covenant of peace with them; it will be an everlasting covenant. I will establish them and multiply them, and I will set My sanctuary among them forever.

Luke 1:72-73
to show mercy to our fathers and to remember His holy covenant, / the oath He swore to our father Abraham, to grant us

Acts 3:25
And you are sons of the prophets and of the covenant God made with your fathers when He said to Abraham, ‘Through your offspring all the families of the earth will be blessed.’


Treasury of Scripture

And the bow shall be in the cloud; and I will look on it, that I may remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is on the earth.

everlasting.

Genesis 9:9-11
And I, behold, I establish my covenant with you, and with your seed after you; …

Genesis 8:21,22
And the LORD smelled a sweet savour; and the LORD said in his heart, I will not again curse the ground any more for man's sake; for the imagination of man's heart is evil from his youth; neither will I again smite any more every thing living, as I have done…

Genesis 17:13,19
He that is born in thy house, and he that is bought with thy money, must needs be circumcised: and my covenant shall be in your flesh for an everlasting covenant…

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Age-During Agreement Appears Bow Cloud Clouds Covenant Creature Creatures Earth Eternal Everlasting Flesh Kind Mind Rainbow Remember Whenever
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Age-During Agreement Appears Bow Cloud Clouds Covenant Creature Creatures Earth Eternal Everlasting Flesh Kind Mind Rainbow Remember Whenever
Genesis 9
1. God blesses Noah and his sons, and grants them flesh for food.
4. Blood and murder are forbidden.
8. God's covenant, of which the rainbow was constituted a pledge.
18. Noah's family replenishes the world.
20. Noah plants a vineyard,
21. Is drunken, and mocked by his son;
25. Curses Canaan;
26. Blesses Shem;
27. Prays for Japheth, and dies.














Whenever the rainbow appears in the clouds
The Hebrew word for "rainbow" is "קֶשֶׁת" (qeshet), which can also mean a bow, as in a weapon. This dual meaning suggests a transformation from an instrument of war to a symbol of peace. The rainbow, a natural phenomenon, serves as a divine sign, a reminder of God's promise. In the ancient Near Eastern context, rainbows were often seen as divine manifestations. Here, it is a tangible sign of God's mercy and faithfulness, transcending the natural world to convey a spiritual truth.

I will see it
The phrase emphasizes God's active role in the covenant. The anthropomorphic language—God "seeing"—indicates His personal involvement and attentiveness. In the Hebrew tradition, seeing is often linked with understanding and acknowledgment. This assures believers that God is not distant but is intimately aware of His creation and His promises.

and remember
The Hebrew word "זָכַר" (zakar) means to remember, to recall, or to bring to mind. In the biblical context, God's remembering is not a mere mental exercise but an active engagement with His covenant. It implies a commitment to act in accordance with His promises. This remembrance is not because God forgets, but it is a way to communicate His unwavering faithfulness to humanity.

the everlasting covenant
The term "everlasting" is derived from the Hebrew "עוֹלָם" (olam), meaning perpetual or eternal. This covenant is not temporary but is intended to last for all generations. It underscores the unchanging nature of God's promises. The concept of a covenant, "בְּרִית" (berit), is central to the biblical narrative, signifying a solemn agreement initiated by God, highlighting His grace and commitment to His creation.

between God and all living creatures
This phrase expands the scope of the covenant beyond humanity to include "all living creatures," emphasizing the comprehensive nature of God's promise. The Hebrew word for "living creatures" is "נֶפֶשׁ חַיָּה" (nephesh chayyah), which refers to all forms of life. This inclusivity reflects God's care for the entire creation, not just human beings, and His desire for harmony within the created order.

of every kind on the earth
The phrase "of every kind" translates the Hebrew "מִכָּל־בָּשָׂר" (mikkol basar), meaning "of all flesh." This reiterates the universality of the covenant. The earth, "אֶרֶץ" (eretz), is the stage for this divine promise, reminding believers of the interconnectedness of all life and the earth itself. It calls for a recognition of the sanctity of creation and humanity's responsibility to steward it in accordance with God's covenantal promise.

Verse 16. - And the bow shall be in the cloud; and I will look upon it, that I may remember the everlasting covenant. Literally, the covenant of eternity. One of those pregnant Scripture sayings that have in them an almost inexhaustible fullness of meaning, which does not at first sight dis. close itself to the eye of the unreflecting reader. In so far as the Noachic covenant was simply a promise that there should be no recurrence of a flood, the covenant of eternity had a corresponding limit in its duration to the period of this present terrestrial economy. But, rightly viewed, the Noachic covenant was the original Adamic covenant set up again in a different form; and hence, when applied to it, the phrase covenant of eternity is entitled to retain its highest and fullest significance, as a covenant reaching from eternity to eternity. Between God and every living creature of all-flesh that is upon the earth.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
And whenever the rainbow
הַקֶּ֖שֶׁת (haq·qe·šeṯ)
Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 7198: A bow, for, shooting, the iris

appears
וְהָיְתָ֥ה (wə·hā·yə·ṯāh)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be

in the clouds,
בֶּֽעָנָ֑ן (be·‘ā·nān)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 6051: A cloud, the nimbus, thunder-cloud

I will see it
וּרְאִיתִ֗יהָ (ū·rə·’î·ṯî·hā)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - first person common singular | third person feminine singular
Strong's 7200: To see

and remember
לִזְכֹּר֙ (liz·kōr)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 2142: To mark, to remember, to mention, to be male

the everlasting
עוֹלָ֔ם (‘ō·w·lām)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5769: Concealed, eternity, frequentatively, always

covenant
בְּרִ֣ית (bə·rîṯ)
Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 1285: A covenant

between
בֵּ֣ין (bên)
Preposition
Strong's 996: An interval, space between

God
אֱלֹהִ֔ים (’ĕ·lō·hîm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative

and
וּבֵין֙ (ū·ḇên)
Conjunctive waw | Preposition
Strong's 996: An interval, space between

every
כָּל־ (kāl-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

living
חַיָּ֔ה (ḥay·yāh)
Adjective - feminine singular
Strong's 2416: Alive, raw, fresh, strong, life

creature
נֶ֣פֶשׁ (ne·p̄eš)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 5315: A soul, living being, life, self, person, desire, passion, appetite, emotion

of every
בְּכָל־ (bə·ḵāl)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

kind
בָּשָׂ֖ר (bā·śār)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1320: Flesh, body, person, the pudenda of a, man

that [is]
אֲשֶׁ֥ר (’ă·šer)
Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that

on
עַל־ (‘al-)
Preposition
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

the earth.”
הָאָֽרֶץ׃ (hā·’ā·reṣ)
Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 776: Earth, land


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OT Law: Genesis 9:16 The rainbow will be in the cloud (Gen. Ge Gn)
Genesis 9:15
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