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Genesis 9:15 - Divine promise: No more floods.

Genesis 9:15 - בראשית 9:15

Hebrew Text

וְזָכַרְתִּי אֶת־בְּרִיתִי אֲשֶׁר בֵּינִי וּבֵינֵיכֶם וּבֵין כָּל־נֶפֶשׁ חַיָּה בְּכָל־בָּשָׂר וְלֹא־יִהְיֶה עוֹד הַמַּיִם לְמַבּוּל לְשַׁחֵת כָּל־בָּשָׂר׃

English Translation

and I will remember My covenant, which is between Me and you and every living creature of all flesh; and the waters shall no more become a flood to destroy all flesh.

Transliteration

Vezakharti et-briti asher beini uveineikhem uvein kol-nefesh chaya bechol-basar velo-yihye od hamayim lemabul leshachet kol-basar.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְזָכַרְתִּ֣י אֶת־בְּרִיתִ֗י אֲשֶׁ֤ר בֵּינִי֙ וּבֵ֣ינֵיכֶ֔ם וּבֵ֛ין כׇּל־נֶ֥פֶשׁ חַיָּ֖ה בְּכׇל־בָּשָׂ֑ר וְלֹֽא־יִֽהְיֶ֨ה ע֤וֹד הַמַּ֙יִם֙ לְמַבּ֔וּל לְשַׁחֵ֖ת כׇּל־בָּשָֽׂר׃
וְזָכַרְתִּ֣י אֶת־בְּרִיתִ֗י אֲשֶׁ֤ר בֵּינִי֙ וּבֵ֣ינֵיכֶ֔ם וּבֵ֛ין כׇּל־נֶ֥פֶשׁ חַיָּ֖ה בְּכׇל־בָּשָׂ֑ר וְלֹֽא־יִֽהְיֶ֨ה ע֤וֹד הַמַּ֙יִם֙ לְמַבּ֔וּל לְשַׁחֵ֖ת כׇּל־בָּשָֽׂר׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

The Eternal Covenant with Noach and All Creation

The verse (Bereishit 9:15) states: "And I will remember My covenant, which is between Me and you and every living creature of all flesh; and the waters shall no more become a flood to destroy all flesh." This follows Hashem's establishment of the rainbow as a sign of this covenant (Bereishit 9:12-14).

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi explains that this "remembering" refers to Hashem keeping His promise not to bring another flood to destroy the world. The term "remembering" in this context means that Hashem will act in accordance with His covenant - it is an expression of Divine action, not merely mental recollection (Rashi on Bereishit 9:15).

The Universal Nature of the Covenant

The Rambam (Hilchos Melachim 9:1) notes that this covenant includes seven universal laws (the Sheva Mitzvos Bnei Noach) that apply to all humanity. The specific promise regarding the flood demonstrates Hashem's commitment to maintaining the natural order:

  • The covenant is not just with mankind but with all living creatures, showing Hashem's concern for all creation
  • This establishes the principle that the world will continue to exist despite human failings
  • The rainbow serves as a visible reminder of this eternal promise

Theological Implications

The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 34:9) explains that this covenant represents Hashem's commitment to sustain the world, even when humanity sins. However, this doesn't preclude other forms of punishment - just that there will never again be total destruction by water. The Maharal (Gur Aryeh) emphasizes that this covenant demonstrates Hashem's attribute of mercy overcoming strict justice.

Contemporary Significance

Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch notes that this covenant teaches us about:

  • The sanctity of all life - human and animal
  • Hashem's commitment to maintaining the natural order
  • Humanity's responsibility as stewards of creation

When we see a rainbow, we are reminded of this eternal promise and our corresponding obligations to uphold moral law and care for the world.

📚 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 and the assurance that there would never again be a flood to destroy all flesh.
📖 Zevachim 116a
The verse is mentioned in a discussion about the significance of covenants and divine promises, particularly in relation to the flood and its aftermath.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Genesis 9:15 mean in simple terms?
A: Genesis 9:15 is part of G-d's promise after the flood, where He assures Noah and all living creatures that He will never again destroy all life with a flood. This verse emphasizes G-d's covenant (brit) with humanity and all living beings, showing His mercy and commitment to creation.
Q: Why is the covenant in Genesis 9:15 important in Judaism?
A: This covenant is important because it establishes a foundational promise from G-d to never again bring a flood to destroy the world. It is one of the earliest covenants in the Torah and highlights G-d's relationship with all living creatures. The rainbow, mentioned in the surrounding verses, serves as a sign of this eternal promise (Rashi on Genesis 9:12).
Q: What can we learn from Genesis 9:15 today?
A: We learn that G-d values life and shows compassion even after humanity's mistakes. This verse teaches us about divine patience and the importance of trust in G-d's promises. It also reminds us of our responsibility to care for all living creatures, as they are included in this covenant (Rambam, Hilchot Yesodei HaTorah 1:1).
Q: How does Genesis 9:15 apply to our lives today?
A: This verse reminds us that G-d keeps His promises and that we can rely on His word. It also encourages us to recognize the sanctity of all life, as the covenant includes every living creature. In daily life, this teaches us to act with kindness and responsibility toward both people and animals (Midrash Bereishit Rabbah 34:9).
Q: Why does G-d mention 'every living creature' in Genesis 9:15?
A: G-d includes 'every living creature' to show that His covenant extends beyond humanity to all of creation. This teaches that animals are also part of G-d's plan and deserve protection. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 108b) discusses how the flood affected all life, so the promise applies to all as well.