Genesis 9:11

And I establish My covenant with you: Never again will all life be cut off by the waters of a flood; never again will there be a flood to destroy the earth."

Study Bible

And I establish My covenant with you
The word "covenant" in Hebrew is "בְּרִית" (berit), which signifies a solemn agreement or promise. In the ancient Near Eastern context, covenants were binding agreements often sealed with a sign or sacrifice. Here, God is making a divine promise to Noah and his descendants, underscoring His faithfulness and commitment to humanity. This covenant is unilateral, initiated by God, highlighting His grace and mercy. It is a foundational moment in biblical history, setting a precedent for future covenants, including those with Abraham and Moses.

Never again will all life be cut off by the waters of a flood
The phrase "never again" is a powerful assurance from God, emphasizing the finality and certainty of His promise. The Hebrew word for "cut off" is "כָּרַת" (karat), often used in the context of making covenants, but here it signifies the cessation of life. This promise reflects God's mercy and His desire for the preservation of life. The flood was a unique event in history, a divine judgment on a world filled with violence and corruption. God's assurance here is a commitment to the stability of creation, a promise that the natural order will be maintained.

never again will there be a flood to destroy the earth
The repetition of "never again" reinforces the certainty of God's promise. The Hebrew word for "destroy" is "שָׁחַת" (shachat), which means to ruin or corrupt. This word choice highlights the severity of the flood's impact and God's resolve to prevent such destruction in the future. The promise not only assures the physical preservation of the earth but also points to God's overarching plan for redemption and restoration. This covenant is a precursor to the ultimate redemption through Jesus Christ, who offers salvation and restoration to all creation.

Persons / Places / Events

1. God
The divine being who establishes the covenant with Noah and all living creatures.

2. Noah
The righteous man chosen by God to survive the flood and repopulate the earth.

3. The Flood
A cataclysmic event where God judged the earth by covering it with water, sparing only Noah, his family, and the animals on the ark.

4. The Covenant
A divine promise made by God to Noah and all future generations that He will never again destroy the earth with a flood.

5. The Earth
The planet that was judged by God through the flood and is now the subject of His covenant promise.

Teaching Points

God's Faithfulness
The covenant with Noah is a testament to God's faithfulness. He keeps His promises, and the rainbow serves as a continual reminder of His mercy.

Judgment and Mercy
While the flood was a severe judgment, the covenant highlights God's mercy and His desire to preserve life. This balance is seen throughout Scripture.

Covenant Relationship
God's covenant with Noah is an early example of His desire for a relationship with humanity, setting a pattern for future covenants.

Environmental Stewardship
As recipients of God's promise to preserve the earth, we are called to be stewards of creation, caring for the world God has entrusted to us.

Hope in God's Promises
Just as God promised never to flood the earth again, we can trust His promises in our lives, finding hope and assurance in His word.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the covenant in Genesis 9:11 reflect God's character and His relationship with humanity?

2. In what ways does the promise of Genesis 9:11 provide hope and assurance in today's world?

3. How can we see the theme of judgment and mercy in the account of the flood and in other parts of the Bible?

4. What are some practical ways we can fulfill our role as stewards of God's creation in light of His covenant promise?

5. How does the concept of covenant in Genesis 9:11 connect to the New Covenant established through Jesus Christ?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 6-8
These chapters provide the background of the flood, detailing why God decided to flood the earth and how Noah was chosen to build the ark.

Genesis 9:12-17
These verses continue the account of God's covenant, introducing the rainbow as the sign of this promise.

Isaiah 54:9
This verse references the Noahic covenant, emphasizing God's promise of peace and His commitment not to flood the earth again.

2 Peter 3:5-7
Peter speaks of the flood as a past judgment and warns of a future judgment by fire, contrasting the two events.

Revelation 4:3
The rainbow around God's throne is reminiscent of the sign of the covenant, symbolizing God's faithfulness and mercy.