Covenant (Berith)
בְּרִית (berith)
A binding agreement — the solemn, oath-sealed bond that structures God's relationship with humanity.
Berith is the Hebrew word for covenant, meaning a binding agreement sealed with solemn oaths. God's covenants with Noah, Abraham, Moses, David, and in Christ form the backbone of the entire biblical narrative.
"And I will establish my covenant between me and thee and thy seed after thee in their generations for an everlasting covenant." — Genesis 17:7 (KJV)
Key Verses
Genesis 17:7
“And I will establish my covenant between me and thee and thy seed after thee in their generations for an everlasting covenant.”Read in context
Jeremiah 31:33
“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.”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.”Read in context
Strong's Concordance
Strong's H1285 — Covenant (Berith) (בְּרִית (berith))
Browse the full lexicon entry and every KJV verse where בְּרִית (berith) appears.
Open Strong's H1285Etymology and Original Meaning
Berith means 'covenant' — a binding agreement between two parties. The phrase 'to cut a covenant' (karath berith) reflects the ancient ritual of cutting animals in half and walking between the pieces (Genesis 15:9-18) — symbolically saying, 'May this happen to me if I break this covenant.' Covenants were the most solemn commitments possible, sealed with blood, oaths, and public witnesses.
God's Major Covenants
Scripture records progressive covenants: with Noah (preservation — Genesis 9), Abraham (promise — Genesis 15, 17), Moses (law — Exodus 19-24), David (kingdom — 2 Samuel 7), and the New Covenant in Christ (grace — Jeremiah 31; Luke 22:20). Each builds on the previous, progressively revealing God's redemptive plan. Together they form the backbone of the biblical narrative — God binding Himself to humanity in love.
The New Covenant
Jeremiah prophesied a new covenant unlike Sinai: God would write His law on hearts, not stone (Jeremiah 31:33). Jesus inaugurated this at the Last Supper: 'This cup is the new testament [covenant] in my blood' (Luke 22:20). The new covenant provides what the old could not: internal transformation, complete forgiveness, and direct knowledge of God. Hebrews calls it 'a better covenant, established upon better promises' (8:6).
Covenant Faithfulness
God's covenants reveal His character: He is faithful even when His people are not. 'If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself' (2 Timothy 2:13). Human covenant-breaking does not undo God's commitment. He swore by Himself (Hebrews 6:13) — there is no higher guarantor. God's covenant faithfulness is the most reliable reality in the universe.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a covenant in the Bible?
A covenant (berith) is a binding agreement sealed with oaths — the solemn bond structuring God's relationship with humanity. God's covenants with Noah, Abraham, Moses, David, and in Christ form the backbone of Scripture's narrative.
What is the new covenant?
The new covenant, prophesied by Jeremiah (31:31-34) and inaugurated by Jesus (Luke 22:20), provides what the old could not: God's law written on hearts, complete forgiveness, and direct knowledge of God through the Holy Spirit.
Which Bible verse uses the word "Covenant (Berith)"?
Genesis 17:7 — "And I will establish my covenant between me and thee and thy seed after thee in their generations for an everlasting covenant" (KJV). It also appears in Jeremiah 31:33, Hebrews 8:6.
Why does the Hebrew word behind "Covenant (Berith)" matter?
Berith means 'covenant' — a binding agreement between two parties. English uses one word, "Covenant (Berith)", where the Hebrew בְּרִית (berith) carries the fuller sense: a binding agreement — the solemn, oath-sealed bond that structures god's relationship with humanity.
Related Words
Related Reading
Continue your study with related content from across our library:
Covenant (Berith) (בְּרִית (berith))
A binding agreement — the solemn, oath-sealed bond that structures God's relationship with humanity.
Blood Covenant (בְּרִית דָּם (Berith Dam))
A binding agreement sealed with the shedding of blood.
Biblical Meaning of Wine in a Dream (KJV)
Joy, covenant, and — in excess — a warning.
Hebrews 13:8 — Meaning & Devotional
God's Faithfulness
Nehemiah 1:5 Commentary
In-depth study • God's Covenant Faithfulness
God Promises to Keep His Covenant Forever
Bible promises about God's unbreakable covenant faithfulness through every gener
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