Does the rainbow have a meaning? What is the biblical significance of the rainbow?

TL;DR:

: The rainbow is God’s own sign of mercy—a reminder of His covenant never again to destroy the earth with a flood. The rainbow still points us to God’s faithfulness and beauty every time it appears.

Long ago, God assigned meaning to the beautiful rainbows we see in the atmosphere. The rainbow is more than a beautiful natural phenomenon—it is a divine sign of God’s mercy and faithfulness. Biblically, God set the rainbow in the sky after the flood as a covenant with all creation that He would never again destroy the earth with water (Genesis 9:13-17). Beyond Genesis, the rainbow symbolizes God’s glory and promise in visions like Ezekiel’s and John’s in Revelation, reminding us of His hope and steadfastness even amidst judgment. While other cultures and movements have adopted the rainbow for their own meanings, for Christians the rainbow remains a visible, enduring reminder of God’s covenantal love and an opportunity to point others to His truth. Every rainbow we see today can inspire awe at God’s beauty and faithfulness, connecting the heavens to His promise for all generations.

from the old testament

After the flood, Genesis 9:13-16 introduces the rainbow (also translated as "bow") as a divinely created symbol of God's mercy and the end of His judgment upon the earth. The rainbow is not just a natural phenomenon but a reminder of God's commitment to never again destroy the earth with a flood.
In Ezekiel's vision (Ezekiel 1:28), he compares the glory of God to a rainbow, signifying hope and the faithfulness of God amidst judgment.

from the new testament

In John's vision (Revelation 4:3), he describes the beauty surrounding the throne of God as a green-hued rainbow.
In Revelation 10:1 John describes a mighty angel with a rainbow above his head, symbolizing the assurance of God's promises amidst the judgments being revealed, offering a reminder of His mercy.

implications for today

Rainbows have been a favorite component of art and religion throughout history. In many cultures the rainbow is a symbol of beauty and hope. In Greek mythology, the goddess Iris personifies the rainbow, carrying messages from the gods to the human world, thus forming a link between heaven and earth. Native American tribes view the rainbow as a sacred bridge between the spiritual and human worlds. During the COVID-19 pandemic, people worldwide displayed handmade rainbows in their windows as a sign of hope, solidarity and gratitude.

In more recent years, the rainbow has been used by the LGBTQ+ community to celebrate their lifestyle. Every June, rainbow flags are prevalent.

How should Christians approach these other uses of the rainbow? Christians should use those differences as openings to conversations about what the rainbow means to believers. Genesis 9:12 tells us that the rainbow was meant to be a sign of God's covenant "for all future generations." Discussing that covenantal sign can be a means of engaging unbelievers to point them to the truth. When we see a rainbow now, we can let it be a reminder of our covenant-keeping God and His indescribable beauty.

understand

The rainbow was God’s seal for the Noahic covenant.
In Bible passages other than Genesis, the rainbow represents the glory and beauty of God and the heavenly realm.
Other cultures and causes use the rainbow as well, so believers can consider that an opening to share the truth with unbelievers.

reflect

What do you think of when you see a rainbow?
How has your view of the rainbow been impacted by secular uses of it, and how can you uphold the biblical meaning of it?
What impact does it have on your faith to know that God gave us such a beautiful covenantal sign?

engage

How might Christians engage those for whom the rainbow has a different meaning than what the Bible indicates?
What are some other phenomena in nature that point to our loving Creator?
What other Bible accounts contain symbols that the secular culture has adopted (e.g., the dove to represent peace)?