share torah logo

Genesis 9:11 - Rainbow: Eternal Divine Promise

Genesis 9:11 - בראשית 9:11

Hebrew Text

וַהֲקִמֹתִי אֶת־בְּרִיתִי אִתְּכֶם וְלֹא־יִכָּרֵת כָּל־בָּשָׂר עוֹד מִמֵּי הַמַּבּוּל וְלֹא־יִהְיֶה עוֹד מַבּוּל לְשַׁחֵת הָאָרֶץ׃

English Translation

And I will establish My covenant with you

Transliteration

Va'hakimoti et-briti itchem ve'lo-yikaret kol-basar od mi'mei ha'mabul ve'lo-yihye od mabul l'shachet ha'aretz.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַהֲקִמֹתִ֤י אֶת־בְּרִיתִי֙ אִתְּכֶ֔ם וְלֹֽא־יִכָּרֵ֧ת כׇּל־בָּשָׂ֛ר ע֖וֹד מִמֵּ֣י הַמַּבּ֑וּל וְלֹֽא־יִהְיֶ֥ה ע֛וֹד מַבּ֖וּל לְשַׁחֵ֥ת הָאָֽרֶץ׃
וַהֲקִמֹתִ֤י אֶת־בְּרִיתִי֙ אִתְּכֶ֔ם וְלֹֽא־יִכָּרֵ֧ת כׇּל־בָּשָׂ֛ר ע֖וֹד מִמֵּ֣י הַמַּבּ֑וּל וְלֹֽא־יִהְיֶ֥ה ע֛וֹד מַבּ֖וּל לְשַׁחֵ֥ת הָאָֽרֶץ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

The Covenant After the Flood

The verse (Bereishit 9:11) states: "וַהֲקִמֹתִי אֶת־בְּרִיתִי אִתְּכֶם וְלֹא־יִכָּרֵת כָּל־בָּשָׂר עוֹד מִמֵּי הַמַּבּוּל וְלֹא־יִהְיֶה עוֹד מַבּוּל לְשַׁחֵת הָאָרֶץ" ("And I will establish My covenant with you, and never again shall all flesh be cut off by the waters of the flood, and never again shall there be a flood to destroy the earth"). This marks Hashem's eternal promise to Noach and all future generations.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Bereishit 9:11) explains that this covenant is a solemn oath from Hashem not to bring another flood to destroy all life. The term "וַהֲקִמֹתִי" ("I will establish") implies a permanent, unbreakable promise. Rashi further notes that this covenant was made not only with Noach but with all future generations, as symbolized by the rainbow (Bereishit 9:12-17).

Rambam's Perspective

In Moreh Nevuchim (3:50), Rambam discusses the nature of divine covenants, emphasizing that Hashem's promises are absolute and reflect His unchanging will. The covenant with Noach is unique in that it applies universally to all humanity, not just Bnei Yisrael.

Midrashic Insights

  • Midrash Tanchuma (Noach 11) teaches that this covenant was conditional upon humanity upholding basic moral laws, known as the Sheva Mitzvot Bnei Noach (Seven Noahide Laws).
  • Bereishit Rabbah (34:9) states that the rainbow serves as a reminder of this covenant, and when it appears, it should inspire repentance.

Theological Significance

The covenant assures that the world will never again be destroyed by water, but it also implies a responsibility for humanity to avoid corruption. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 108a) notes that the flood was brought due to moral decay, and this covenant reminds us that divine justice is tempered with mercy.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sanhedrin 108b
The verse is referenced in the context of discussing the covenant God made with Noah after the flood, emphasizing the promise that there would never again be a flood to destroy all flesh.
📖 Zevachim 116a
The verse is mentioned in a discussion about the nature of covenants and sacrifices, highlighting the eternal nature of God's covenant with humanity post-flood.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Genesis 9:11 mean?
A: In Genesis 9:11, Hashem establishes a covenant (brit) with Noach and all living creatures, promising never again to destroy the world with a flood. This is part of the Noahide Covenant, which includes seven universal laws for all humanity. Rashi explains that this covenant is unconditional and everlasting, showing Hashem's mercy even after the judgment of the flood.
Q: Why is the covenant in Genesis 9:11 important?
A: This covenant is important because it represents Hashem's commitment to sustain the world despite human failings. The Rambam (Hilchos Melachim 9:1) teaches that this promise ensures natural order continues, allowing humanity to serve Hashem. The rainbow, mentioned later in the parsha, serves as the sign of this eternal covenant (Genesis 9:13).
Q: What can we learn from Genesis 9:11 today?
A: We learn that Hashem values life and maintains the world even when people sin. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 108a) discusses how the flood generation was only punished after exhausting all chances for repentance. Today, this teaches us about divine patience and the opportunity for teshuvah (repentance).
Q: Does Genesis 9:11 apply to Jews and non-Jews differently?
A: This verse applies universally to all descendants of Noach (i.e., all humanity). While Jews have additional mitzvos through the Torah given at Har Sinai, the Noahide Covenant in this verse establishes basic moral laws for every person. The Rambam (Melachim 8:11) states these include prohibitions against murder, theft, and idolatry.
Q: How is 'covenant' (brit) in Genesis 9:11 different from other covenants in the Torah?
A: This is the first of three major covenants in Torah: 1) With all humanity through Noach (universal laws), 2) With Avraham (Genesis 15, promising the Land of Israel), and 3) At Har Sinai (with the Jewish people through the Torah). Rashi notes this Noahide covenant is unique in being accompanied by the rainbow as a sign (Genesis 9:12-13).