covenant definition. Literally, a contract. In the Bible, an agreement between God and his people, in which God makes promises to his people and, usually, requires certain conduct from them. In the Old Testament, God made agreements with Noah, Abraham, and Moses. read more
In the Old Testament accounts it is not certain that such formal act is expressly mentioned in relation to covenants between men. It seems probable, however, that the sacrificial meal of Genesis 31:54 included Laban, in which case it was a covenant sacrifice. read more
Old Testament vs. New Testament. In Christianity, the concept of a testament came to be used to designate the “old” covenant with the Jews (Old Testament) and the “new” covenant with all of humanity through the sacrificial death of Jesus (New Testament). read more
The word “covenant” in the Old Testament has a precise and consistent meaning. It doesn’t just mean ‘relationship’, as is commonly assumed today. Rather, “covenant” refers to a very specific type of relationship. read more