Full Gen 8:20–9:17. The most universal of the covenants: "with every living creature." Terms: never again a flood to destroy the earth; seasons preserved; capital punishment instituted (9:6); the blessing to be fruitful (9:1) renewed. Sign: rainbow. Unconditional in its preservation-promise aspect. Featured commentary: Henry on Gen 9 (Puritan); Calvin on Gen 9 (Reformed). See also: The Flood.
The Noahic Covenant
Gen 8:20–9:17: God with all flesh; rainbow as sign.
Primary passage:Genesis 9:13 →
Commentary
Full verse-by-verse commentary and cross-references live on the verse page →
Key passage
"I do set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be for a token of a covenant between me and the earth."
Cross-references
- Gen 8:21The LORD smelled a sweet savour — said in his heart.
- Gen 9:11Neither shall there any more be a flood to destroy the earth.
- Gen 9:13I do set my bow in the cloud — the sign.
- 2 Pet 3:7The next judgment is by fire, not water.
Typological connection
The Noahic covenant is the first universal covenant (with all flesh) and the first to have a visible sign. It establishes the framework (sign, oath, divine commitment) that subsequent covenants will fill in.
Where else