The Significance of the Rainbow in the Bible
Published April 28th, 2021
Whenever I see a rainbow gracefully arching its multi-colored bands across the sky, I can’t help but look in awe. This sentiment, I’m sure, is shared by most of us. It’s undeniable that the rainbow is one of the most beautiful sights that ever graced our skies. But the significance of the rainbow in the bible makes seeing one even more special.
Across different cultures, the rainbow had been traditionally connected with the supernatural. In Chinese mythology, the rainbow is believed to be a slit in the sky that was sealed by a goddess using stones of different colors. While in Ireland, the leprechaun’s pot of gold is supposedly hidden at the end of the rainbow. The Norse mythology also depicts the rainbow as a bridge through which the Gods can travel to Earth from their homeland in Asgard and vice versa.
These ancient beliefs stem mainly from a lack of explanation for this phenomenon. But in the 21st century, we all know that a rainbow is a reflection of the sun’s light as it hits raindrops in the atmosphere. As the sun’s light hits these drops of water, it breaks into a spectrum of colors. This results in that all-familiar multicolored arch we often see after a rain.
Though science tells us that the rainbow is nothing more than an optical illusion, the bible tells us otherwise. In fact, once you get to know its true meaning, you’ll understand why it’s one of the most important symbols in Christianity.
Rainbow in the Bible
The rainbow first appeared in the bible in the book of Genesis in the story of the great flood.
When God decided to punish the world for its sins, he sent a flood that lasted 40 days and nights. But before he flooded the world, he asked his loyal servant, Noah, to build an ark and fill it with animals of all kinds.
When the flood was over, Noah built an altar to thank God for saving them. God was pleased with his offerings and vowed to never again curse the ground nor destroy all living creatures because of humans. He then proceeded to establish a covenant with Noah and all of his descendants.
Then God said to Noah and to his sons with him: “I now establish my covenant with you and with your descendants after you and with every living creature that was with you-the birds, the livestock and all the wild animals, all those that came out of the ark with you – every living creature on earth. I establish my covenant with you: Never again will all life be destroyed by the waters of a flood; never again will there be a flood to destroy the earth.”
And God said, “This is the sign of the covenant I am making between me and you and every living creature with you, a covenant for all generations to come: I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth. Whenever I bring clouds over the earth and the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will remember my covenant between me and you and all living creatures of every kind. Never again will the waters become a flood to destroy all life. Whenever the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and all living creatures of every kind on the earth.” So God said to Noah, “This is the sign of the covenant I have established between me and all life on the earth.” – Genesis 9:8-17
Aside from Genesis, there are several books in the bible that reaffirms the rainbow as a symbol of God’s mercy.
The prophet Ezekiel compared the likeness of the glory of God to that of a rainbow:
Like the appearance of the bow that is in the cloud on the day of rain, so was the appearance of the brightness all around.
Such was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the Lord. And when I saw it, I fell on my face, and I heard the voice of one speaking. – Ezekiel 1:28
While in the book of Revelations, it is said that around God’s heavenly throne is a rainbow that looks like an emerald:
At once I was in the Spirit, and behold, a throne stood in heaven, with one seated on the throne. And he who sat there had the appearance of jasper and carnelian, and around the throne was a rainbow that had the appearance of an emerald. Around the throne were twenty-four thrones, and seated on the thrones were twenty-four elders, clothed in white garments, with golden crowns on their heads. From the throne came flashes of lightning, and rumblings and peals of thunder, and before the throne were burning seven torches of fire, which are the seven spirits of God, and before the throne there was as it were a sea of glass, like crystal. – Revelations 4:2-6
Both Ezekiel and Revelations talk about a vision. They used the rainbow to illustrate the magnificence and splendor of God’s presence. These visions serve as a confirmation of the covenant that God had made with Noah all those years ago. God surrounding his throne with a rainbow is an assurance that he hasn’t forgotten his covenant with his people.
The Rainbow and God’s Covenant
In Genesis, God made a rainbow appear in the sky to seal his covenant with his people. In modern times, it’s the same as putting your signature on a contract. It makes the agreement absolute and binding.
This is what makes God’s post-flood covenant a very important one. It’s not just a promise, it’s a binding agreement. And if we look back at the words used in the bible, it says that God made that covenant not just to Noah and his descendants but to every living creature.
Though critics view the flood as a tyrannical act by an angry God, it’s anything but. The post-flood covenant is a testament to that. Making an eternal covenant with us, his people, just shows that his mercy and love for us is so much greater than his wrath.
He knows that we will still sin, as it is in our nature. But he also saw the devastation and destruction that the flood has caused. He cannot bear to see something like that happen to his creations ever again. So rather than punishing us, he sent his only son to suffer in our stead.
So every time you look at a rainbow, think of it as something more than just a pretty sight in the sky. Instead, consider it as a reminder of God’s never-ending love and forgiveness and a sign that he will forever honor his promise.
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About The Author
Judy Ponio is a professional writer for the Lay Cistercians blog and a devoted Catholic. She works hard to ensure her work uses accurate facts by cross checking reputable sources.
