And God said unto Noah, This is the token of the covenant, which I have established between me and all flesh that is upon the earth.

GENESIS 9:17KJV
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Genesis 9:17 (KJV)

What does Genesis 9:17 mean?

Genesis 9:17 records God telling Noah that the rainbow is the sign ("token") of the covenant He has made with all living creatures on earth. This verse marks the rainbow as a visible reminder of God's promise never to destroy all life with a flood again.

In this scene, God is speaking directly to Noah after the flood, confirming the agreement He has established. The verse emphasizes that this covenant is not just with Noah, but with "all flesh"—meaning every living thing on earth. The rainbow serves as a concrete, ongoing sign of this promise between God and all creation.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 9:17

  • אֱלֹהִים (Elohim): This is the Hebrew word for "God," often used in the Old Testament to refer to the Creator in a majestic or powerful sense. Its use here highlights the authority behind the covenant.
  • אוֹת (ot): Translated as "token" or "sign," this word refers to something visible that marks or represents a promise or agreement. In this context, it points to the rainbow as a physical symbol of God's commitment.
  • בְּרִית (berit): This is the Hebrew word for "covenant," meaning a binding agreement or promise. Here, it stresses the seriousness and formality of God's promise to all living beings.
  • בָּשָׂר (basar): Translated as "flesh," this word refers to all living creatures, not just humans. Its use underlines the universal scope of the covenant.

Why Genesis 9:17 matters

  • Genesis 9:17 clarifies that the rainbow is not just a natural phenomenon, but a deliberate sign chosen by God to represent His promise.
  • The verse highlights that God's covenant after the flood is inclusive, extending to every living creature, not just to Noah or humanity alone.
  • This verse connects the visible world (the rainbow) with a spiritual truth (God's faithfulness), helping readers understand the ongoing significance of the rainbow in the biblical story.

Where else these words appear

“Noah” Hebrew H5146 · used in 39 verses

  • Genesis 5:29 And he called his name Noah, saying, This same shall comfort us concerning our work and toil of our hands, because of the ground which the LORD hath cursed.
  • Genesis 7:9 There went in two and two unto Noah into the ark, the male and the female, as God had commanded Noah.
  • Genesis 9:8 And God spake unto Noah, and to his sons with him, saying,

“token” Hebrew H226 · used in 77 verses

  • Genesis 1:14 And God said, Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years:
  • Deuteronomy 4:34 Or hath God assayed to go and take him a nation from the midst of another nation, by temptations, by signs, and by wonders, and by war, and by a mighty hand, and by a stretched out arm, and by great terrors, according to all that the LORD your God did for you in Egypt before your eyes?
  • Psalms 65:8 They also that dwell in the uttermost parts are afraid at thy tokens: thou makest the outgoings of the morning and evening to rejoice.