What Is the Biblical Meaning of the Rainbow?

What Is the Biblical Meaning of the Rainbow?

In our world today, the rainbow has been adopted by many groups for different meanings, most notably the LGBTQ movement. But the truth is, the rainbow isn’t a symbol of pride or identity. It’s God’s symbol, and He defined its meaning first.

In Genesis 9, after the flood, God set the rainbow in the sky as His covenant sign—a promise of mercy, not judgment. The Hebrew word for “rainbow” is the same word used for a battle bow. God was saying, “I’m putting down My weapon of judgment, and I’m making peace with mankind.”

“I set My bow in the cloud… and I will remember My covenant…” — Genesis 9:13,16 NKJV

So when we see a rainbow, it’s not just colorful light—it’s God’s bow.

It doesn’t belong to a cause, a flag, or a movement. It belongs to the Creator. It’s not a symbol of pride, it’s a symbol of grace. It’s not about man’s "identity," it’s about God’s mercy.

I say this not with hate, but with clarity. The rainbow is a holy reminder of a holy God who offers grace even after judgment. And no matter how culture rebrands it, its meaning remains the same in heaven.

The Rainbow Represents God’s Glory

In Ezekiel 1:28, the prophet sees a vision of God’s throne and says:

“Like the appearance of a rainbow in a cloud on a rainy day, so was the appearance of the brightness... This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the Lord.”

This shows us something powerful—the rainbow doesn’t just follow a storm. It surrounds God’s throne!

We see it again in Revelation 4:3:

“There was a rainbow around the throne...”

This rainbow represents the glory and presence of God. It’s not just a pretty design, it’s a symbol of the holiness and faithfulness of the One seated on the throne.

And when you put it all together with 2 Corinthians 4:6, we find:

“The glory of God is revealed in the face of Jesus Christ.”

So the rainbow is connected to the gospel. It’s like the light of Christ shining through the clouds, showing us God’s love and mercy even in dark times.

The Rainbow Is a Token of God’s Covenant

In Revelation 10:1, John sees a mighty angel, many believe it’s Jesus, coming from heaven with a rainbow on His head:

“Clothed with a cloud, and a rainbow was on His head... His face was like the sun, and His feet like pillars of fire.”

This matches the description of Jesus in Revelation 1. Why would the rainbow be on His head?

Because Christ is the Head of the Church, and He is always mindful of His covenant.

“The Lord has been mindful of us; He will bless us...” — Psalm 115:12

This is why the rainbow on His head is so powerful—it’s a visual reminder that God has not forgotten you. Even in judgment, even in chaos, He remembers His covenant.

🌈 So What Does the Rainbow Mean for Us Today?

• 🌧️ The rainbow shows that grace follows judgment.

• 🔥 It represents God’s glory—even in storms.

• 🤝 It’s a token of His everlasting covenant.

• 🧠 It reminds us that God is mindful of us.

Don’t be ashamed of the rainbow. Don’t avoid talking about it. Teach your kids what it really means. It’s not ours to “take back”—it’s always been God’s.

If this blog encouraged you, share it with someone who needs to be reminded of God’s mercy, grace, and covenant.