What Does the Bible Say About the Rainbow?

The multicolored spectrum of light is a beautiful natural phenomenon that often signifies hope, peace, good luck, new beginnings, and equality. 

In the Holy Scripture, the appearance of a rainbow is a message from God and carries a deep significance. So what does the Bible say about the rainbow? Let’s get into the details.

What Does the Bible Say About the Rainbow

What Does the Bible Say About the Rainbow?

The rainbow makes an appearance in the scripture at the end of the story about the worldwide flood. Due to the wickedness of humankind, God caused rain to fall for 40 days and flood the entire Earth.

The flood killed everyone except for Noah and his family and the animals, which were safe in the wooden ark. After 40 days, the rain stopped, and a rainbow appeared in the sky. 

Biblical Significance Of the Rainbow

In Christianity, the rainbow is associated with protection from God and is described as a sign of the covenant between God and man. In Genesis 9, the Holy Scripture mentions that the rainbow symbolizes God’s promise

God promised Noah never to destroy the Earth by flood, and the rainbow shows his glory, faithfulness, and mercy. Each time a rainbow appears in the sky, it is a witness to God’s promise.

Genesis 9:8 – 16

“I establish my covenant with you, that never again shall all flesh be cut off by the waters of the flood, and never again shall there be a flood to destroy the earth.” 

“This is the sign of the covenant that I make between me and you and every living creature that is with you, for all future generations: I have set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between me and the earth”

A reenactment of Noah's Ark moving through waves in the flood.

Rainbow Bible Symbolism

The second appearance of the rainbow in the Bible takes place in Ezekiel’s vision. In this chapter of the Bible, Ezekiel had a vision of angelic beings and the appearance of light surrounding them. He stated that the rainbow he saw in his vision was a symbol of God’s glory. 

Many believers imagine heavenly beings surrounded by pure white light and the rainbow being part of heaven. Hence, the magnificent spectrum of light also signifies hope and reminds us that God keeps his promises. 

The rainbow symbolizes God’s promise never to destroy Earth and symbolizes him as a master of the creation of Earth and nature. 

The magnificent arc of colors also signifies a bridge from earth to a happier place. When you see a rainbow in the sky, there is a message from God to you.

Bible Meaning of Three Rainbows

According to the Bible, if you see three rainbows, it is a sign of an angel. Such a sight leads to guidance and protection and refers to answered prayers. 

Most Common Bible Verses About Rainbow

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..”

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 spoke.”

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.”

Genesis 9:13 

“I do set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be for a token of a covenant between me and the earth.”

Bottom Line

According to the Bible, the rainbow conveys a meaningful message. It is said the rainbow means that God wants to speak to you and promises to help you overcome any suffering. Mentions of the rainbow in the scripture are there to remind you of God’s faithfulness and love for humanity.

FAQs

Why did God send the rainbow?

The rainbow was a sign of his promise to humankind as God made a covenant with Noah that the human family would never again be threatened with total destruction by a flood. 

What does a rainbow mean spiritually?

A very common question is ‘what does the Bible say about the rainbow?’. But what about its spiritual meaning? The appearance of a rainbow is connected to the divine and elicits joy, excitement, and magic. The rainbow also symbolizes happiness, wellness, inspiration, beginnings, enlightenment, and transformation.

Tracey

Greetings in faith! I'm Tracey, a devoted follower of the Word. This blog shares my passion for Christ, prayer, and biblical studies. I practice daily meditation, have visited sacred sites worldwide, and cherish my Holy Land pilgrimage. In my leisure, I craft prayer beads, spiritual artwork, and faith-inspiring handmade items. Join me as we explore the Bible's richness and the transformative power of faith.

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