Genesis 6:18

I will establish my covenant We have here the first mention of a covenant relation between God and man. In the writing of P great stress is laid upon the covenant with Noah, here and in Genesis 9:8-17, and with the patriarchs, e.g. in Genesis 17:2-14. The word "covenant" (b'rîth, LXX διαθήκη, Lat. foedus) plays an important part in O.T. theology. Its place here in relation to the manifestation of sin on the one side, and of Divine salvation on the other, is typical of its permanent significance in the history of the Chosen People. It is this relationship of covenant (διαθήκη) which is renewed by our Lord and ratified at the institution of the Lord's Supper, Matthew 26:28. A covenant means an agreement, or compact between two parties, for the observance of which promises and pledges are given. Cf. on Genesis 9:7.

thou, and thy sons, &c. This is the redundant style of P, cf. Genesis 7:13; Genesis 8:16; Genesis 8:18.