Testament
“A disposition, arrangement, covenant, or will”
Summary
The word 'testament' translates the Greek _diatheke_, which can mean either a covenant (its primary biblical sense) or a will/bequest (its classical Greek meaning).
☩Meaning as Covenant
The more common signification in the New Testament comes from the Septuagint, which uses _diatheke_ to render the Hebrew _berith_ (covenant). In this sense, it refers to God's arrangements with His people—the old covenant established through Moses at Sinai and the new covenant promised by the prophets and inaugurated by Christ. Jesus spoke of 'my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many,' echoing the words of Moses at Sinai.
☩Meaning as Will
In classical Greek and ordinary usage, _diatheke_ signified a will or bequest—a disposal of property after death. This meaning appears in Hebrews 9:16-17, where the author argues that a testament requires the death of the testator before it takes effect. The writer uses both senses of the word to show that Christ's death was necessary to bring the new covenant into force.
Related Verses13 mentions
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Testament," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. X (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Hastings (ed.), "Testament," in Dictionary of Christ and the Gospels, vol. II (T. & T. Clark, 1906–1908).