Genesis 9:17

Old Testament Law (Torah) ASV (1901)

What does Genesis 9:17 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “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 the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

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 9:17 — American Standard Version

Context — Genesis 9

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
17And 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.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And God said to Noah, this is the token of the covenant, etc.] Which is repeated for the greater confirmation and certainty of it, since the fears of men would be apt to run very high, especially while the flood was fresh in memory; which I have established between me and all flesh that is upon the earth: (see <010909>Genesis 9:9-11), it is highly probable, that from the rainbow being the token of the covenant between God and Noah, and the creatures, sprung the fable of the Chinese concerning their first emperor, Fohi, who seems to be the same with Noah, and whom they call the son of heaven, and say he had no father; which is this, that his mother, walking on the bank of a lake near…”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“- XXIX. The Covenant with Noah 13. קשׁת qeshet, “bow; related: be bent.” 14. ענן ‛ānan, “cover, cast over; noun: cloud.” The covenant made with Noah Genesis 6:18 is now formally confirmed. The purpose conceived in the heart Genesis 8:21 now receives significant expression. Not only a new blessing is bestowed, but also a new covenant is formed with Noah. For he that has offered an acceptable sacrifice is not only at peace with God, but renewed in mind after the image of God. He is therefore a fit subject for entering into a covenant. Genesis 9:8-11 Unto Noah and to his sons. - God addresses the sons of Noah as the progenitors of the future race. “I establish.” He not merely makes כרת kārat,…”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification