Old Covenant vs. New Covenant — What's the Difference — In Biblical Context
The old covenant was written on stone, administered by Moses, and temporary; the new covenant is written on hearts, sealed by Christ's blood, and eternal.
The old covenant was written on stone, administered by Moses, and temporary; the new covenant is written on hearts, sealed by Christ's blood, and eternal.
"Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah: Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers... But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people." — Jeremiah 31:31-33 (KJV)
The Biblical Context
The old covenant was written on stone, administered by Moses, and temporary; the new covenant is written on hearts, sealed by Christ's blood, and eternal. Scripture provides clear direction. Jeremiah 31:31–33 teaches: "Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah: Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers... But this shall be the covenant..." This anchors our understanding. Hebrews 8:13 adds further insight: "In that he saith, A new covenant, he hath made the first old. Now that which decayeth and waxeth old is ready to vanish away." Walking in these truths brings peace and strength.
Where It Sits in Scripture
The core passage for this question, Jeremiah 31:31-33, sits inside Jeremiah 31. To grasp the full meaning, read the surrounding paragraph — the verses before set up the thought, the verses after carry it forward.
"Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah: Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers... But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people."
Supporting Passages
"In that he saith, A new covenant, he hath made the first old. Now that which decayeth and waxeth old is ready to vanish away."
"And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance."
Explore this question from another angle
Related Reading
Continue your study with related content from across our library:
Law vs. Grace — What's the Difference?
Theology & Doctrine
Soul vs. Spirit — What's the Difference?
Theology & Doctrine
Mercy vs. Grace — What's the Difference?
Theology & Doctrine
Bible Verses About the Blood Covenant
10 curated KJV verses
Bible Verses About Covenant Promises
10 curated KJV verses
Genesis 12:1-3 Commentary
In-depth study • The Abrahamic Covenant
Keep Going
Continue Exploring Scripture
You've found one resource — here are more ways to go deeper into God's Word.
Today's Verse
Start each day with a hand-picked KJV verse and reflection.
Verses by Topic
Find what the Bible says about love, anxiety, strength, and 500+ more topics.
Bible Miracles
Discover the signs and wonders of God recorded in Scripture.
Angels & Spiritual Warfare
Angels, demons, and the armor of God — what the KJV really teaches about the unseen battle.
Bible Genealogies & Family Trees
Visual KJV family trees — the line of Jesus, the sons of Noah, the twelve tribes, and more.
Women of the Bible
Eve, Sarah, Ruth, Esther, Mary — the matriarchs, prophetesses, queens, and disciples of Scripture.