Bible verses for children
A rainbow and a promise.
Genesis 9:13
I set my rainbow in the cloud, and it will be a sign of a covenant between me and the earth.
Genesis 9:13 · World English Bible Classic (WEB)
In simple words
What does this verse mean?
A covenant is a serious promise or agreement. In this verse God gives the rainbow as a sign of his covenant with the earth. After the flood, God promises not to destroy all living creatures by a flood again. The promise includes animals as well as Noah’s family.
When you see a rainbow, you can remember this particular promise and the living creatures it includes. Rainbows do not mean that storms, local floods or other difficult things can never happen.
Talk about it
Why do you think it matters that God’s promise includes living creatures?
An example from the Bible
View all stories
A little more to explore
Bible context & readings +
Genesis 9:8–17 follows Noah’s departure from the ark. God repeats that the covenant includes Noah’s descendants and every living creature. The rainbow points to the promise in this passage, rather than to any wish we might make.
Full readings at eBible.org · World English Bible Classic. Read with an adult.A simple prayer +
God, thank you for remembering your covenant. Help us care about the people and animals in your world. Amen.
A suggested prayer, written for this guide.
