Clicky

What Does the Bible Say About Rainbows? – Viral Believer
Skip to content

What Does the Bible Say About Rainbows?

Introduction

Rainbows are a natural phenomenon that has captivated humans for centuries. Their beauty and majesty have inspired art, literature, and music across cultures and religions. In Christianity, the rainbow holds a special place as a symbol of God’s covenant with humanity.

The biblical account of the rainbow serves as a reminder of God’s faithfulness, mercy, and grace.

In this post, we will explore the biblical teachings on the rainbow, its symbolic meaning, and its practical application in the lives of Christians. We will begin by examining the biblical account of the rainbow in Genesis 9, where God establishes His covenant with humanity through the sign of the rainbow.

From there, we will explore the symbolic meaning of the rainbow in the Bible, including its significance as a symbol of hope, God’s faithfulness, and mercy.

We will also examine other biblical references to the rainbow, such as in the visions of Ezekiel and John in the Old and New Testaments, respectively. Finally, we will discuss the practical applications of the biblical teachings on the rainbow in our daily lives as Christians.

Through this exploration of the biblical teachings on the rainbow, we hope to gain a deeper understanding of God’s character and His desires for His people.

rainbows in the Bible

The Biblical Account of the Rainbow

The biblical account of the rainbow is found in Genesis 9:8-17. After the flood that wiped out all living creatures except those on the ark, God made a covenant with Noah and his descendants, promising never to destroy the earth by flood again.

The covenant between God and humanity was established through the sign of the rainbow.

“Then God spoke to Noah and to his sons with him, saying:

“And as for Me, behold, I establish My covenant with you and with your descendants after you, and with every living creature that is with you: the birds, the cattle, and every beast of the earth with you, of all that go out of the ark, every beast of the earth. Thus I establish My covenant with you: Never again shall all flesh be cut off by the waters of the flood; never again shall there be a flood to destroy the earth.” (Genesis 9:8-11, NKJV)

The rainbow was a visible sign of God’s promise, assurance, and grace, revealing that God would never again destroy the earth by flood.

“And God said: “This is the sign of the covenant which I make between Me and you, and every living creature that is with you, for perpetual generations: I set My rainbow in the cloud, and it shall be for the sign of the covenant between Me and the earth.” (Genesis 9:12-13, NKJV)

Symbolic Meaning of the Rainbow in the Bible

The rainbow is a symbol that holds significant theological meaning in the Bible. Here are some of the interpretations of the rainbow in the Bible:

  • The rainbow as a symbol of hope: The rainbow is a symbol of hope that God will keep His promises. Just as the rainbow appears after a storm, the rainbow reminds us that God’s promises will come to pass, even after times of hardship and difficulty.

In the same way, Christians can be assured of the hope they have in God’s promises. No matter the challenges we face in our lives, we can rely on God’s unfailing promises. As the Psalmist says, “For His merciful kindness is great toward us, and the truth of the Lord endures forever” (Psalm 117:2, NKJV).

  • The rainbow as a reminder of God’s faithfulness: The rainbow is a reminder of God’s faithfulness and love. It serves as a reminder that God will never abandon His people, and that He always keeps His promises.

Just as the rainbow reminded Noah of God’s faithfulness, Christians can be reminded of God’s faithfulness to them. God is always with us, even in the midst of our trials and tribulations.

As the writer of Hebrews says, “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful” (Hebrews 10:23, NKJV).

  • The rainbow as a symbol of mercy and grace: The rainbow is also a symbol of God’s mercy and grace. Despite humanity’s rebellion and sinfulness, God shows mercy and grace by making a covenant with Noah and his descendants.

God’s mercy and grace are evident throughout the Bible. Christians can be assured that God’s mercy

and grace are available to them, no matter how undeserving they may feel. As the Apostle Paul writes, “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8, NKJV). Through the death and resurrection of Jesus, we have access to God’s grace and forgiveness.

  • The rainbow as a call to repentance and reconciliation: The rainbow also serves as a call to repentance and reconciliation with God. It reminds us that just as God made a covenant with Noah, He desires to make a covenant with us through Jesus Christ. We must turn away from our sins and turn to God in faith and obedience.

The call to repentance and reconciliation is a central theme of the Gospel message. As Jesus Himself proclaimed, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matthew 4:17, NKJV). Through Jesus, we can have a restored relationship with God and experience true reconciliation.

Other Biblical References to the Rainbow

Apart from the account of the rainbow in Genesis 9, there are two other biblical references to the rainbow.

  • Ezekiel 1:28: In Ezekiel’s vision of the glory of the Lord, he describes a rainbow that appeared in the cloud around God’s throne. The rainbow symbolizes the glory of the Lord and the covenant between God and His people.

The rainbow in Ezekiel’s vision highlights the majesty and power of God, as well as the covenant relationship He has with His people. It reminds us that God is holy and worthy of our worship and praise.

  • Revelation 4:3: In John’s vision of the heavenly throne room, he also saw a rainbow that surrounded God’s throne. The rainbow symbolizes God’s faithfulness, love, and mercy.

The rainbow in John’s vision underscores the eternal nature of God’s promises and His unchanging character. It reminds us that God is sovereign and worthy of our trust and obedience.

Practical Application of the Biblical Teachings on Rainbows

As Christians, we can apply the teachings of the rainbow in several ways in our daily lives. Here are some practical applications:

  • Trust in God’s promises: Just as the rainbow serves as a sign of God’s covenant with humanity, we can trust that God’s promises will come to pass. In times of difficulty and hardship, we can hold onto the hope that God is faithful and will keep His promises.
  • Remember God’s faithfulness: The rainbow is a reminder of God’s faithfulness and love. We can remember this whenever we face challenges or doubts in our faith. We can look back on the times when God has been faithful to us and trust that He will continue to be faithful in the future.
  • Extend mercy and grace: The rainbow is a symbol of God’s mercy and grace. As Christians, we can extend mercy and grace to others, just as God has shown mercy and grace to us. We can forgive others and show them the same love and compassion that God has shown us.
  • Repent and seek reconciliation: The rainbow is also a call to repentance and reconciliation with God. We must turn away from our sins and turn to God in faith and obedience. We can also seek reconciliation with others by forgiving them and seeking to restore broken relationships.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the rainbow holds significant theological meaning in the Bible. It serves as a symbol of hope, mercy, grace, and God’s faithfulness.

As Christians, we can apply the teachings of the rainbow by trusting in God’s promises, remembering His faithfulness, extending mercy and grace to others, and seeking repentance and reconciliation with God and others.

May we always remember the significance of the rainbow and the covenant it represents. As we reflect on the biblical teachings of the rainbow, let us be reminded of the love and mercy of our God, who keeps His promises and desires to have a covenant relationship with us through His Son, Jesus Christ.

Let us also be encouraged to live out these teachings in our daily lives. As we trust in God’s promises, remember His faithfulness, extend mercy and grace to others, and seek repentance and reconciliation, we reflect the love and character of God to the world around us.

As the Apostle Paul writes in Colossians 3:12-14 (NKJV),

“Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection.”

May the teachings of the rainbow remind us to put on love, to walk in the way of Christ, and to reflect the character of our God in all that we do.

Pastor Duke Taber
Pastor Duke Taber

Pastor Duke Taber

All articles have been written or reviewed by Pastor Duke Taber.
Pastor Duke Taber is an alumnus of Life Pacific University and Multnomah Biblical Seminary.
He has been in pastoral ministry since 1988.
Today he is the owner and managing editor of 3 successful Christian websites that support missionaries around the world.
He is currently starting a brand new church in Mesquite NV called Mesquite Worship Center, a Non-Denominational Spirit Filled Christian church in Mesquite Nevada.