King James Version

What Does Genesis 9:16 Mean?

Genesis 9:16 in the King James Version says “And the bow shall be in the cloud; and I will look upon it, that I may remember the everlasting covenant between God and...” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Genesis 9:16 · KJV

Eternal Life

Context

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.

18

And the sons of Noah, that went forth of the ark, were Shem, and Ham, and Japheth: and Ham is the father of Canaan. Canaan: Heb. Chenaan

Read Genesis 9 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And the bow shall be in the cloud; and I will look upon it, that I may remember the everlasting cove... 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. How does understanding this verse shape our doctrine of humanity, sin, or salvation?
  2. What specific changes in thinking or behavior does this verse call us to make?
  3. How does this verse fit into the broader biblical story culminating in Christ?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 18 words
וְהָֽיְתָ֥ה1 of 18
H1961

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

הַקֶּ֖שֶׁת2 of 18

“And the bow”

H7198

a bow, for shooting (hence, figuratively, strength) or the iris

בֶּֽעָנָ֑ן3 of 18

“shall be in the cloud”

H6051

a cloud (as covering the sky), i.e., the nimbus or thunder-cloud

וּרְאִיתִ֗יהָ4 of 18

“and I will look upon it”

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

לִזְכֹּר֙5 of 18

“that I may remember”

H2142

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

בְּרִ֣ית6 of 18

“covenant”

H1285

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

עוֹלָ֔ם7 of 18

“the everlasting”

H5769

properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial

וּבֵין֙8 of 18

“and”

H996

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

אֱלֹהִ֔ים9 of 18

“God”

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

וּבֵין֙10 of 18

“and”

H996

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

כָּל11 of 18
H3605

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

נֶ֣פֶשׁ12 of 18

“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

חַיָּ֔ה13 of 18

“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

בְּכָל14 of 18
H3605

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

בָּשָׂ֖ר15 of 18

“of all flesh”

H1320

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

אֲשֶׁ֥ר16 of 18
H834

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

עַל17 of 18
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

הָאָֽרֶץ׃18 of 18

“that is upon the earth”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

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 9:16 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 9:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Jeremiah 32:40Isaiah 54:8-102 Samuel 23:5Genesis 17:19Genesis 17:13Hebrews 13:20

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