The Rainbow
Primeval HistoryMeaning: “The bow in the cloud”
The sign of God’s covenant mercy and faithfulness.
The bow God set in the clouds as the sign of his covenant never again to destroy the earth by flood.
What It Was
After the Flood God established a covenant with Noah and every living creature, and gave a sign: “I do set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be for a token of a covenant between me and the earth” (Genesis 9:13). Whenever the bow appears, God “remembers” his promise.
Biblical Significance & Symbolism
The rainbow is the standing sign of God’s covenant faithfulness and restrained judgment. It reappears around God’s throne in glory (Revelation 4:3) and over the mighty angel of Revelation 10:1 — a perpetual reminder that mercy frames his throne.
Timeline
God sets the rainbow as the covenant sign
Scripture References
3 versesGenesis1 verse
Genesis 9:13
I do set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be for a token of a covenant between me and the earth.
Revelation2 verses
Revelation 4:3
And he that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a sardine stone: and there was a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald.
Revelation 10:1
And I saw another mighty angel come down from heaven, clothed with a cloud: and a rainbow was upon his head, and his face was as it were the sun, and his feet as pillars of fire:
Topics & Symbolism
Biblical themes this object points to and helps interpret.
Related people
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Frequently asked about The Rainbow
What was The Rainbow in the Bible?
The bow God set in the clouds as the sign of his covenant never again to destroy the earth by flood.
What does The Rainbow symbolize?
The sign of God’s covenant mercy and faithfulness.
What does the name The Rainbow mean?
The name The Rainbow means “The bow in the cloud”.
Where was The Rainbow kept?
The Rainbow was kept at The sky.
Where is The Rainbow first mentioned in the Bible?
The Rainbow is first mentioned in Genesis 9:13.
How often is The Rainbow mentioned in the Bible?
The Rainbow is mentioned in 3 verses across 2 books: Genesis, Revelation.
What does the rainbow mean in the Bible?
It is the sign of God’s covenant with Noah never again to destroy the earth by flood (Genesis 9:13–16); it reappears around God’s throne (Revelation 4:3).
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