What Is Covenant?
A covenant is a solemn, binding agreement between God and people, forming the structural backbone of the biblical story from Genesis to Revelation.
Meaning
A covenant is more than a contract. In the ancient Near Eastern world, covenants were solemn, binding agreements, often between a greater party and a lesser one, that established an ongoing relationship with mutual obligations. The Bible describes God relating to humanity through a series of these covenants across its entire storyline.
Scripture records several major covenants: with Noah after the flood, with Abraham promising descendants and blessing, with Israel at Sinai through Moses, and with David promising an enduring throne. The prophet Jeremiah looks forward to something new, declaring that the days are coming when God will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah. Christians understand Jesus as the one who establishes this new covenant, fulfilling and reshaping what came before.
Christian traditions broadly agree that the Old and New Testaments, literally old covenant and new covenant in Greek, describe this larger movement from earlier covenants to their fulfillment in Christ. Traditions differ on how much continuity remains between the old and new covenants, particularly regarding Old Testament law. Some traditions see sharp discontinuity, the law's requirements set aside under the new covenant, while others, especially traditions shaped by covenant theology, see greater continuity, with the moral principles of earlier covenants still binding even as ceremonial and sacrificial elements are fulfilled in Christ.
In Scripture
Jeremiah 31:31“"Behold, the days come," says Yahweh, "that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah,”
Explore more terms in the Christian glossary, see how the traditions understand it on the denominations guide, or read related verses explained.
Covenant: Frequently Asked
What is the difference between the Old Covenant and the New Covenant?
The Old Covenant refers to God's agreement with Israel through Moses, centered on the law given at Sinai. The New Covenant, which Christians believe Jesus established through his death, is described in the New Testament as being written on people's hearts rather than external stone tablets, and open to all people, not only Israel.
Are the Old Testament covenants still relevant to Christians today?
Christian traditions disagree on the details. Nearly all agree the moral principles found in the covenants, like the call to love God and neighbor, remain relevant. Most traditions teach that the ceremonial and sacrificial requirements of the Sinai covenant were fulfilled in Christ and are no longer binding in the same way they were for ancient Israel.
Why does the Bible use the word covenant instead of just promise?
A covenant is more formal and binding than a simple promise. It typically included specific obligations for both parties, ceremonial confirmation, and consequences for breaking it. Using covenant language shows that God's relationship with people in Scripture was understood as a serious, structured commitment, not a casual assurance that could be easily set aside.