Definition: And God said unto Noah, This [is] the token of the covenant, which I have established between me and all flesh that [is] upon the earth.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Genesis 9:17. It's a really important part of how God establishes a relationship with humanity. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Basically, it’s saying: “God made a promise to Noah – a promise about a new beginning – and he wanted to show that promise to all people on Earth.” Let's unpack it further: "And God said unto Noah..." : This is God speaking directly to Noah. It’s like, "I’m going to tell you something important." "...This [is] the token of the covenant..." : “Covenant” means a strong agreement or promise. “Token” means a small sign or symbol. So this means God is giving Noah a symbol – a mark – that represents their relationship. "...which I have established between me and all flesh that [is] upon the earth." : This is the key part! “All flesh that is upon the earth” refers to everyone – every human being on Earth, from now until the end of time. God is establishing this covenant with all of humanity. What does this mean practically? This verse sets the stage for a new beginning after a great flood. It’s a promise that God will forgive and restore humanity after a period of chaos and destruction. It’s about hope, redemption, and a chance to start fresh with God. Important Note: This is a foundational story in Genesis, but it’s also important to remember that it's not about making humans perfect or giving them all the same rights. It’s about establishing a relationship based on trust and forgiveness. --- Do you want me to explain any of these parts in more detail? For example, would you like me to: Explain what “covenant” means? Talk about why this verse is important in the Bible? Give you a little context about the flood story?