The old Covenant VS The New Heritage
in Heb 9 Using the word: "covenant" In the modern English a " covenant " conveys the idea of a solemn agreement between two living parties and a " testament " as a last will activated by death. Biblical definitions In the Old Testament era , "covenant" {Heb. בְּרִית = berit } a binding, solemn pact alliance between parties. These partners are living persons and the agreement or treaty takes effect when established (often sealed with a blood sacrifice or oath with special ceremonies). In the New Testament era , "covenant" and "testament" are related concepts, {testamentum / diathēkē } but they are not exactly the same. Sometimes these concepts overlap. One thing is sure. When we read the word: Testament it takes effect only upon the death of the testator. Why do the writers choose these word? In Classical Greek, the normal word for a mutual treaty or covenant was synthēkē . However, when Je...