2: Covenant — Berith (OT), Diathēkē (NT), and ITL Usage

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1. Hebrew Term: Berith — בְּרִית

Pronunciation: beh-REETH
Meaning: Covenant; formal agreement between God and His people with promises and obligations.

Old Testament Usage:

  • Central theme in OT theology; defines God’s relationship with Israel.
  • Examples: Noahic covenant (Genesis 9), Abrahamic covenant (Genesis 15, 17), Mosaic covenant (Exodus 19–24).
  • Emphasizes legal, familial, and sacred binding.

Intertestamental Usage:

  • The Septuagint translates berith as diathēkē, preserving covenant language.
  • Apocryphal texts emphasize covenant fidelity and re-interpret covenant blessings.
  • Often used to reinforce identity during exile and restoration.

New Testament Usage:

  • Diathēkē denotes new covenant established by Christ’s death (Luke 22:20).
  • Reflects fulfillment and transformation of OT covenant.
  • The term gains legal and testamentary connotations (last will and testament).

Example Verses:

  • Exodus 24:8 (OT): “Behold the blood of the covenant (berith)…”
  • Luke 22:20 (NT): “This cup… is the new covenant (diathēkē) in my blood.”

Comparative Summary:

  • Berith is foundational covenant language in OT, legal and relational.
  • ITL retains and expands covenant themes, often amid exile context.
  • Diathēkē in NT redefines covenant through Christ’s redemptive work.

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