Covenant
בְּרִית (Berit) / διαθήκη (Diathēkē)
A solemn, binding agreement between God and His people
A covenant in the Bible is a solemn, binding agreement — most significantly between God and humanity. From Noah to Abraham to Moses to Christ, God's covenants form the backbone of biblical history and theology.
"I do set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be for a token of a covenant between me and the earth." — Genesis 9:13 (KJV)
Key Verses
Genesis 9:13
“I do set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be for a token of a covenant between me and the earth.”Read in context
Jeremiah 31:31
“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.”Read in context
Hebrews 8:6
“But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises.”Read in context
Strong's Concordance
Strong's H1285 — Covenant (בְּרִית (Berit) / διαθήκη (Diathēkē))
Browse the full lexicon entry and every KJV verse where בְּרִית (Berit) / διαθήκη (Diathēkē) appears.
Open Strong's H1285What Is a Biblical Covenant?
A covenant in the ancient Near East was far more binding than a modern contract. It was a solemn agreement, often sealed with blood sacrifice, that established an unbreakable relationship between parties. Biblical covenants between God and humanity are unique because God initiates them, sets the terms, and guarantees their fulfillment. They are acts of divine grace, not negotiations between equals.
Major Biblical Covenants
Scripture records several major covenants: the Noahic covenant (never to flood the earth again), the Abrahamic covenant (land, descendants, and blessing), the Mosaic covenant (the Law at Sinai), the Davidic covenant (an eternal throne), and the New Covenant (forgiveness and the indwelling Spirit through Christ). Each covenant builds upon the previous ones, progressively revealing God's plan of redemption.
The New Covenant
The New Covenant, prophesied by Jeremiah and inaugurated by Jesus at the Last Supper, is the culmination of all God's covenant promises. Unlike the Mosaic covenant written on stone, the New Covenant is written on hearts. It offers complete forgiveness, direct access to God, and the indwelling Holy Spirit. When Jesus said 'This cup is the new testament in my blood,' He was declaring a new covenant relationship available to all who believe.
Living in Covenant
Understanding covenant transforms how we relate to God. He is not a distant deity but a covenant partner who has bound Himself to His people with unbreakable promises. This means His love is not conditional on our performance — it is guaranteed by His character. Living in covenant means trusting His faithfulness even when we are unfaithful, knowing that He who promised is faithful.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many covenants are in the Bible?
Theologians typically identify five or six major covenants: Noahic, Abrahamic, Mosaic, Davidic, and the New Covenant. Some also include the covenant with Adam (sometimes called the covenant of works). Each reveals a different aspect of God's relationship with humanity and His plan of salvation.
What is the difference between old and new covenant?
The Old Covenant (Mosaic) was based on the Law and required obedience to specific commandments for blessing. The New Covenant is based on grace through faith in Jesus Christ. It offers forgiveness of sins, the indwelling Holy Spirit, and a transformed heart — blessings the Old Covenant pointed toward but could not fully provide.
What is the Hebrew word for "Covenant" in the Bible?
בְּרִית (Berit) / διαθήκη (Diathēkē), pronounced "beh-REET / dee-ah-THAY-kay." It means a solemn, binding agreement between god and his people. Its Strong's number is H1285. It is the word behind "Covenant" in both Testaments, for example in Genesis 9:13.
What does "Covenant" mean in the Bible?
A solemn, binding agreement between God and His people. The underlying Hebrew word is בְּרִית (Berit) / διαθήκη (Diathēkē) ("beh-REET / dee-ah-THAY-kay"), Strong's H1285. A covenant in the Bible is a solemn, binding agreement — most significantly between God and humanity.
Related Words
Related Reading
Continue your study with related content from across our library:
Covenant (בְּרִית (Berit))
A solemn, binding agreement between God and His people
Strong's H1285 — Covenant
בְּרִית (Berit) • A solemn, binding agreement between God and His people
Biblical Meaning of Wine in a Dream (KJV)
Joy, covenant, and — in excess — a warning.
Covenant (Berith) (בְּרִית (berith))
A binding agreement — the solemn, oath-sealed bond that structures God's relationship with humanity.
Biblical Meaning of Blood in a Dream (KJV)
Life, atonement, and covenant with God.
Old Covenant vs. New Covenant — What's the Difference?
Theology & Doctrine
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