Genesis 9:12 kjv

And God said, This is the token of the covenant which I make between me and you and every living creature that is with you, for perpetual generations:

Genesis 9:12 nkjv

And God said: "This is the sign of the covenant which I make between Me and you, and every living creature that is with you, for perpetual generations:

Genesis 9:12 niv

And God said, "This is the sign of the covenant I am making between me and you and every living creature with you, a covenant for all generations to come:

Genesis 9:12 esv

And God said, "This is the sign of the covenant that I make between me and you and every living creature that is with you, for all future generations:

Genesis 9:12 nlt

Then God said, "I am giving you a sign of my covenant with you and with all living creatures, for all generations to come.

Genesis 9 verses

Genesis 9 12 Meaning

Genesis 9:12 declares the establishment of a solemn, everlasting agreement by God. It defines the "token" (sign or pledge) of this covenant, identifying it as the covenant God is making specifically with Noah, his descendants (representing all humanity), and all living creatures that survived the flood. This covenant is intended to endure through "perpetual generations," signifying its eternal and unceasing nature. At its core, it is God's unconditional promise never again to destroy all life on Earth by a flood.

Genesis 9 12 Context

Genesis 9:12 is situated immediately after the Great Flood, a cataclysmic event designed by God to cleanse the Earth of pervasive wickedness. Noah, his family, and the animals are the sole survivors, representing a new beginning for creation. In the preceding verses (Gen 9:1-7), God blesses Noah and his sons, reissuing the creation mandate to multiply and fill the earth, granting permission for meat consumption, and establishing the sanctity of human life. This sets the stage for God's explicit covenantal declaration, which aims to provide assurance and stability after such a devastating judgment. The Noachic covenant is thus presented as a foundational promise of divine commitment to the preservation of creation and the continuity of life, offering a bedrock of stability for humanity's future existence and providing hope in God's unyielding mercy despite the reality of sin.

Genesis 9 12 Word analysis

• And God said: (וַיֹּאמֶר אֱלֹהִים, wayyōʾmer ʾĔlōhîm). This phrase signals divine utterance and authority. When "God said," it establishes a divine decree, bringing something new into existence or setting forth a binding command or promise. It signifies a pivotal moment in the biblical narrative, marking a direct and deliberate act of communication from the Creator.

• This is the token: (זֹאת אוֹת, zōʾt ʾôṯ).

  • token: (ʾôṯ, אוֹת) refers to a sign, mark, pledge, or reminder. It's not merely an emblem but a visible symbol that points to a deeper reality—in this case, the covenant itself. This token serves both as a memorial for humanity to remember God's promise and as a prompt for God's own remembrance of His sworn word. It's a visible confirmation of an invisible truth.

• of the covenant: (הַבְּרִית, habberîṯ).

  • covenant: (bĕrîṯ, בְּרִית) denotes a solemn, binding agreement, often sealed by an oath, between two parties, frequently initiated by the stronger party. In this instance, it's a unilateral covenant initiated solely by God. The "berit" implies commitment, promise, and a relationship established on the basis of that pledge. This covenant is distinct in its universal scope.

• which I make: (אֲנִי נֹתֵן, ʾănî nōṯēn). "I give" or "I am setting." The verb emphasizes God's active role as the sole initiator and giver of this covenant. It is entirely of His grace and initiative, not a result of human merit or request.

• between me and you: This highlights the direct relationship God establishes with humanity through Noah as the representative. It emphasizes the personal nature of God's interaction.

• and every living creature that is with you: This specifies the incredibly broad and inclusive scope of this covenant. It's not just for humanity but extends to all animal life. This demonstrates God's universal care and concern for all His creation, assuring the continuity of biological life on Earth.

• for perpetual generations: (לְדֹרוֹת עוֹלָם, lĕḏôrōt ʿôlām).

  • perpetual: (ʿôlām, עוֹלָם) refers to eternity, everlastingness, forever. It signifies something that is enduring, of indeterminate duration, or unending.
  • generations: (dōrōt, דּוֹרוֹת) indicates successive generations or ages.
  • Together, this phrase signifies the eternal, unceasing, and continuous nature of the covenant, extending through all time and to all future descendants and creatures without termination. It is a permanent fixture in God's dealing with creation.

• Words-group by words-group analysis:

  • "token of the covenant": This phrase links the physical sign (which will be identified as the rainbow) directly to the abstract divine promise. The token is not merely illustrative but an integral part of the covenant itself, a constant, visual affirmation of God's word.
  • "between me and you and every living creature": This highlights the profound universality of the Noachic covenant. Unlike subsequent covenants (Abrahamic, Mosaic), which are specific to particular people groups, this is God's foundational promise to all humanity and all living beings, ensuring their preservation and the stability of the natural order after the Flood. It underscores God's commitment to His entire creation.
  • "for perpetual generations": This emphasizes the covenant's timelessness and unchanging character. It guarantees that the promise will not expire or be revoked, providing continuous assurance and hope across all time for the created world. This underscores God's immutable nature and His commitment to His word.

Genesis 9 12 Bonus section

• The Noachic covenant is unique in its unconditional and universal nature. Unlike the Mosaic Covenant which was conditional upon Israel's obedience, this covenant is given without human stipulation. It is made with Noah (representing all mankind) and "every living creature," setting it apart from later covenants that focused on specific individuals or nations (like Abraham or Israel).
• The covenant provides a theological framework for the continued existence of creation, ensuring that natural laws and cycles (Gen 8:22) will endure. This stable natural order is a backdrop for God's redemptive plan to unfold through human history.
• Some scholars note the contrast of God's "bow" (qeshet) in the sky. A bow is typically an instrument of warfare or judgment. God "hanging up" His bow signifies the cessation of divine wrath in the form of a global flood, a laying down of His weapon of judgment against the whole Earth. He displays it as a symbol of peace and His unchanging promise.

Genesis 9 12 Commentary

Genesis 9:12 unveils the binding character of God's unilateral promise to sustain life on Earth following the flood. The covenant declared here, commonly known as the Noachic covenant, is an extraordinary testament to God's grace and faithfulness. It is an "everlasting" covenant, established by God's own initiative and resting entirely on His character, not on human obedience or merit. The chosen "token"—soon to be revealed as the rainbow—is not merely a sentimental symbol but a tangible pledge from God. It functions as a constant reminder of His sworn word, serving as a comfort to humanity by visibly confirming His commitment never again to bring a global flood upon the Earth. Its universal scope, embracing all humanity and all living creatures, demonstrates God's overarching providence and desire for the continued existence and flourishing of His entire creation, providing a foundation for life even amidst a fallen world. This divine assurance fosters a sense of security and stability, enabling humanity to multiply and fulfill the renewed creation mandate.