Rainbows are mentioned in the Bible in the following passages:
- Genesis 9:13-16
- Ezekiel 1:28
- Revelation 4:3
- Revelation 10:1
Genesis 9:13-16
I do set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be for a token of a covenant between me and the earth. And it shall come to pass, when I bring a cloud over the earth, that the bow shall be seen in the cloud: 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. And the bow shall be in the cloud; and I will look upon it, that I may remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is upon the earth.
Genesis 9:13-16
Ezekiel 1:28
As the appearance of the bow that is in the cloud in the day of rain, so was the appearance of the brightness round about. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the Lord. And when I saw it, I fell upon my face, and I heard a voice of one that spake.
Ezekiel 1:28
Revelation 4:3
And he that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a sardine stone: and there was a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald.
Revelation 4:3
Revelation 10:1
And I saw another mighty angel come down from heaven, clothed with a cloud: and a rainbow was upon his head, and his face was as it were the sun, and his feet as pillars of fire:
Revelation 10:1
What is the meaning of rainbows according to the Bible?
In the Bible, rainbows are a powerful symbol of God’s promise and His steadfast commitment to His creation. When you see a rainbow, it’s not just a beautiful display in the sky; it’s a reminder of God’s mercy and faithfulness.
The first significant mention of a rainbow in the Bible appears in Genesis after the great flood. God placed a rainbow in the sky as a sign of His covenant with Noah and all living creatures. It was a promise that the world would never again be destroyed by a flood. This covenant, detailed in Genesis 9:13-16, shows that every time a rainbow appears, it represents God’s memory of that binding promise to every creature on Earth. It’s like God’s way of saying, “I remember, and I will keep My word.”
Further on, in Ezekiel 1:28, the rainbow appears again, this time symbolizing the very presence of God’s glory. When Ezekiel sees the rainbow, it surrounds the brightness around God, indicating the overwhelming and awe-inspiring nature of His presence. This vision tells us that the rainbow is not just a sign of a promise but also an emblem of God’s holiness and majesty that can overwhelm and inspire awe in all who see it.
In the Book of Revelation, rainbows are seen around God’s throne and upon an angel, highlighting the divine nature of this phenomenon. Revelation 4:3 and 10:1 describe scenes of magnificent visions where rainbows signify God’s enduring presence and the mystical quality of the heavenly realm. The use of vivid imagery like jasper, emerald, and pillars of fire alongside the rainbow underlines its supernatural aspect.
For believers, every appearance of a rainbow is a direct communication from God — a visual message of hope, a reminder of His eternal covenant, and a symbol of the peace that He promises to all who trust in Him. It’s as if each time a rainbow paints the sky, it’s a fresh assurance from God, reassuring us of His unchanging love and protection.
These biblical passages convey that rainbows are far more than just natural phenomena. They are divine signs of God’s grace, His commitment to His promises, and His ever-present connection with His people.