Covenant, Part 1

Covenant, Part 1

From the dictionary definitions, below, one would assume that covenant and contract are mere synonyms. Biblically, they are two different words.

This highlights a problem with translating any work, but especially the Bible. Translators have to use a word in English that only has approximately the same meaning as the word in Greek or Hebrew.

For example, in 21st century English-language, American dialect, and the legal sub-dialect, slander has to be a lie, or spoken with a complete disregard to the truth. In Biblical Greek and Hebrew, slander can be truthful, as long as the slander damages a reputation or causes division.

Covenant, as used in both Greek and Hebrew, specifically refers to a type of agreement called a "one-sided promise" or a "one-sided guarantee." The best analogy in English is the "last will and testament." The author of the will guarantees the beneficiary of the will certain things to occur upon the death of the author. 

Even the conditions placed on the agreement by the granting party (here, God) can be considered as part of the promise or guarantee.

Genesis 17:9 (NASB)
God said further to Abraham, “Now as for you, you shall keep My covenant, you and your descendants after you throughout their generations.

God both places a condition on the agreement; and He also gives to Abraham, and his descendants, the power and ability to carry it out as part of the agreement.

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Covenant: Definition

1: a usually formal, solemn, and binding agreement: compact
2: a written agreement or promise usually under seal between two or more parties especially for the performance of some action

Word origin:  Anglo-French, from present participle of "covenir" meaning to be fitting, from Latin "convenire," meaning to agree, or a coming together (related to the word, "convene")

Synonym: accord, alliance, compact, convention, treaty, pact, contract

 Contract: Definition

1: a binding agreement between two or more persons or parties; especially: one legally enforceable
2: a business arrangement for the supply of goods or services at a fixed price
3: the act of marriage or an agreement to marry

Word origin: from the Latin, "contrahere" meaning to draw together

Synonym: bond, guarantee, covenant, deal, guaranty, surety, warranty

Covenant:
http://www.bible-researcher.com/covenant.html

The Greek word διαθηκη (diatheke), usually translated “covenant” in English versions of the Bible, is a legal term denoting a formal and legally binding declaration of benefits to be given by one party to another, with or without conditions attached. In secular contexts it was most often used of a “last will and testament.” In the Greek version of the Old Testament διαθηκη was used as the ordinary rendering for the Hebrew word ברית.

ברית (berith) is also translated “covenant” in English versions, but, like διαθηκη, it also refers to legal dispositions or pledges which may or may not have the character of an “agreement.” Sometimes a ברית is more in the nature of a one-sided promise or grant.

When English readers see the word “covenant” in the Bible, it is important to bear this in mind, because the true sense is often missed if readers suppose that the word must refer to a reciprocal “agreement” or “contract.” The issue is important because misunderstandings along this line can have some serious consequences for theology.

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Herman Ridderbos, The Epistle of Paul to the Churches of Galatia (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1953), pp. 130-31.

In the Septuagint διαθηκη is regularly used as the translation of the covenant of God (berith), rather than the apparently more available word συνθηκη. In this there is already an expression of the fact that the covenant of God does not have the character of a contract between two parties, but rather that of a one-sided grant. This corresponds with the covenant-idea in the Old Testament, in which berith, even in human relations, sometimes refers to a one-party guarantee which a more favored person gives a less favored one (cf. Josh. 9:6, 15; 1 Sam. 11:1; Ezek. 17:13). And it is most peculiarly true of the divine covenantal deed that it is a one-party guarantee. It comes not from man at all, but from God alone. This does not rule out the fact, of course, that it involves religious and ethical obligation, namely that of faith and obedience (Gen. 17:9-10), and that thus the reciprocal element is taken up in the covenant.

Ridderos also points out that there is a second word for covenant that the translators of the Septuagint and the authors of the New Testament could have used, but did not. This second word implied "the legal equality of the parties."