King James Version

What Does Genesis 9:15 Mean?

Genesis 9:15 in the King James Version says “And I will remember my covenant, which is between me and you and every living creature of all flesh; and the waters shal...” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And I will remember my covenant, which is between me and you and every living creature of all flesh; and the waters shall no more become a flood to destroy all flesh.”

Genesis 9:15 · KJV

Context

13

I do set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be for a token of a covenant between me and the earth.

14

And it shall come to pass, when I bring a cloud over the earth, that the bow shall be seen in the cloud:

15

And I will remember my covenant, which is between me and you and every living creature of all flesh; and the waters shall no more become a flood to destroy all flesh.

16

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.

17

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.

Read Genesis 9 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And I will remember my covenant, which is between me and you and every living creature of all flesh;... This passage belongs to the primeval history section (Genesis 1-11) which establishes universal truths about God, humanity, sin, and divine purposes before focusing on Abraham and Israel. These chapters answer fundamental questions about human origins, the spread of wickedness, God's judgment, and the preservation of a righteous remnant.

Recurring patterns emerge: human sin escalating from individual disobedience to societal corruption, divine patience followed by judgment, gracious preservation of a remnant, and covenant promises ensuring redemptive purposes continue. The genealogies connect historical persons, demonstrate the fulfillment of divine promises (blessing and multiplication), and trace the line leading to Abraham and ultimately Christ.

Key theological themes in this section include: (1) sin's destructive progression affecting all humanity; (2) God's righteous judgment while preserving mercy; (3) human pride and autonomy opposing divine sovereignty; (4) cultural development as both blessing and potential idolatry; (5) God's sovereign plan advancing despite human rebellion. These narratives provide the necessary context for understanding God's calling of Abraham and the covenant promises through which all nations will be blessed.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The primeval history (Genesis 1-11) parallels ancient Near Eastern traditions including Sumerian King Lists (pre-flood longevity), Akkadian flood traditions (Atrahasis, Gilgamesh), and Mesopotamian city foundation myths. However, Genesis demythologizes these traditions, presenting monotheistic history rather than polytheistic mythology. The genealogies connecting Adam to Noah to Abraham provide historical framework absent in pagan myths.

Archaeological evidence confirms ancient urbanization (chapter 4's cities), agricultural development, metallurgy, and musical instruments emerging in Mesopotamia's early history. The Babel account reflects Mesopotamian ziggurat construction (stepped pyramid temples), particularly in Babylon. Linguistic diversity requiring explanation was obvious to ancient peoples, making the Babel narrative culturally relevant.

For Israel in covenant with Yahweh, these chapters explained their relationship to surrounding nations. All peoples descended from Noah, but Israel descended from Shem through Abraham—chosen for blessing all nations. The flood demonstrated God's justice and mercy: judging wickedness while preserving the righteous. This pattern would recur throughout Israel's history, assuring them that God's covenant faithfulness endures despite judgment on the wicked.

Reflection Questions

  1. What theological truths about Noahic Covenant emerge from this passage?
  2. How can we apply the principles from this passage to contemporary challenges in family, work, or church?
  3. How does understanding Christ as the ultimate fulfillment illuminate this passage's meaning?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 20 words
וְזָֽכַרְתִּ֣י1 of 20

“And I will remember”

H2142

properly, to mark (so as to be recognized), i.e., to remember; by implication, to mention; to be male

אֶת2 of 20
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

בְּרִיתִ֗י3 of 20

“my covenant”

H1285

a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh)

אֲשֶׁ֤ר4 of 20
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

בֵּינִי֙5 of 20
H996

between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or

וּבֵ֣ינֵיכֶ֔ם6 of 20
H996

between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or

וּבֵ֛ין7 of 20
H996

between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or

כָּל8 of 20
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

נֶ֥פֶשׁ9 of 20

“creature”

H5315

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

חַיָּ֖ה10 of 20

“which is between me and you and every living”

H2416

alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin

בְּכָל11 of 20
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

בָּשָֽׂר׃12 of 20

“all flesh”

H1320

flesh (from its freshness); by extension, body, person; also (by euphemistically) the pudenda of a man

וְלֹֽא13 of 20
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יִֽהְיֶ֨ה14 of 20
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

ע֤וֹד15 of 20

“shall no more”

H5750

properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more

הַמַּ֙יִם֙16 of 20

“and the waters”

H4325

water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen

לְמַבּ֔וּל17 of 20

“become a flood”

H3999

a deluge

לְשַׁחֵ֖ת18 of 20

“to destroy”

H7843

to decay, i.e., (causatively) ruin (literally or figuratively)

כָּל19 of 20
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

בָּשָֽׂר׃20 of 20

“all flesh”

H1320

flesh (from its freshness); by extension, body, person; also (by euphemistically) the pudenda of a man

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Genesis. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Genesis 9:15 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Genesis 9:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Deuteronomy 7:9Isaiah 54:8-10Ezekiel 16:60Exodus 28:12Psalms 106:451 Kings 8:23

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