Bible Dictionary
COVENANT, IN THE NEW TESTAMENT
In the New Testament, covenant ordinarily translates the Greek word diatheke, referring to God’s solemn arrangement with His people. The term is especially important in explaining the relationship between God’s promises, Christ’s sacrifice, and the people who belong to Him.
Biblical Usage
The word occurs about thirty times in the New Testament. In Galatians it may mean a divine disposition or arrangement, while Hebrews discusses covenant in connection with death and sacrifice. The term explains God’s covenant relationship and the sacrificial basis on which it is established.