I set my bow in the cloud: set translates the verb to put or place that is used in 1.17 of God setting the lights in the heavens. Bow translates the word meaning the bow used by an archer for shooting arrows. Many interpreters see this as the LORD hanging up his warrior’s bow because he will never use it again. For images of the LORD’s bow and arrows, see Psa 7.12-13; 18.14; Hab 3.9, 11. In this imagery God sets aside his weapon of destruction, and it becomes a sign of the stability of the new era. Others reject the imagery of God as a warrior carrying a bow. However, translators will note that Good News Translation and Revised Standard Version use “bow” and not “rainbow” here (although Good News Translation has “rainbow” in verses 14 and 16). Many other versions follow this usage. However, others avoid the use of “bow” and translate as “rainbow,” the reason being that “bow” associated with cloud can only mean “rainbow.” Where the language has a choice, translators may prefer to retain the images and background suggested by “bow.”

In the cloud: cloud is singular grammatically in Hebrew but collective in meaning, and many languages will require a plural form or may prefer “in the sky.”

It shall be a sign of the covenant: it, that is, the rainbow visible in the sky will be a sign. For sign of the covenant see comments on verse 12.

Between me and the earth: earth here represents those receiving God’s covenant in verse 12, “You [plural] and every living creature that is with you for all future generations.” It is not the physical earth but rather its inhabitants, both human and animal. Accordingly Good News Translation translates “my covenant with the world.”

Quoted with permission from Reyburn, William D. and Fry, Euan McG. A Handbook on Genesis. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 1997. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .