A covenant, in the Bible, is a solemn and binding agreement that sets the terms of the relationship between God and his people. Such agreements typically carry promises, obligations, a sign, and consequences for keeping or breaking them.
Scripture strings several together: with Noah after the flood (Genesis 9, which embraces all living creatures), with Abraham (Genesis 15, 17; the Abrahamic Covenant), with Israel through Moses at Sinai (Exodus 19–24), and with David (2 Samuel 7; the Davidic Covenant). Some of these are unconditional divine promises (Noah, Abraham, David); the one given through Moses at Sinai is conditional, bound to Israel’s obedience.
The prophet Jeremiah foretold a New Covenant “written on the heart” (Jeremiah 31:31–34). Christians understand it as inaugurated by Christ — which is why Christians call the Bible’s two parts the Old and New Testaments, “testament” being an older English word for covenant.
Explore Covenant and related terms in the full glossary → a.fortt.com/glossary-app
How this is made · A Fortt Media project, created & edited by Jon Fortt. Grounded in a curated Scripture database and carefully drafted and audited with the help of AI — described plainly, and written to assume no particular denomination or doctrine. Read the full approach → · Report a correction →
