What does the term testament mean?

The term "testament" holds profound significance within the Christian faith, deeply intertwined with the broader concept of covenant in the Bible. To understand its meaning, one must delve into the historical, theological, and scriptural contexts that shape its usage.

In its most basic sense, the word "testament" is derived from the Latin term "testamentum," which translates to "covenant" or "agreement." This translation is itself rooted in the Greek word "diatheke," which appears in the Septuagint—the Greek translation of the Hebrew Scriptures. The Hebrew equivalent is "berith," a term that denotes a covenant or binding agreement between two parties. Therefore, when we speak of the "Old Testament" and the "New Testament," we are essentially referring to the "Old Covenant" and the "New Covenant" respectively.

Theologically, a covenant in the Bible is a solemn, binding agreement that establishes a relationship between God and His people. Covenants are central to the biblical narrative, serving as the framework through which God reveals His will, establishes His promises, and interacts with humanity. The term "testament," when used in the Bible, encapsulates this idea of a divine covenant, highlighting the relational and promissory aspects of God's dealings with human beings.

The Old Testament, or Old Covenant, primarily refers to the agreements God made with the people of Israel. These covenants include the Noahic Covenant (Genesis 9:8-17), the Abrahamic Covenant (Genesis 12:1-3, 17:1-14), the Mosaic Covenant (Exodus 19-24), and the Davidic Covenant (2 Samuel 7:12-16). Each of these covenants carries specific promises and obligations. For example, in the Abrahamic Covenant, God promises Abraham land, descendants, and blessings, while Abraham is called to walk before God and be blameless (Genesis 17:1-2).

The Mosaic Covenant, given through Moses at Mount Sinai, is perhaps the most detailed and legally structured of the Old Testament covenants. It includes the Ten Commandments and a comprehensive set of laws governing Israel's religious, social, and moral life. The essence of this covenant is encapsulated in Exodus 19:5-6, where God declares, "Now therefore, if you will indeed obey my voice and keep my covenant, you shall be my treasured possession among all peoples, for all the earth is mine; and you shall be to me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation."

The New Testament, or New Covenant, is inaugurated by Jesus Christ and signifies the fulfillment and culmination of God's redemptive plan. This covenant is prophesied in the Old Testament, particularly in Jeremiah 31:31-34, where God promises a new covenant with the house of Israel and Judah, one that will be written on their hearts and characterized by an intimate knowledge of God and the forgiveness of sins.

Jesus explicitly identifies His sacrificial death as the establishment of this New Covenant. During the Last Supper, He takes the cup and says, "This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood" (Luke 22:20). This statement echoes the language of covenant and sacrificial blood found throughout the Old Testament, particularly in the context of covenant ratification ceremonies (Exodus 24:8). The New Covenant, therefore, is not merely a continuation of the old but a transformative fulfillment that brings about a new relational dynamic between God and humanity.

The Epistle to the Hebrews provides a detailed theological exposition of the New Covenant, contrasting it with the Old Covenant. Hebrews 8:6-13 emphasizes that Jesus is the mediator of a better covenant, established on better promises. This New Covenant is superior because it is based on the once-for-all sacrifice of Jesus, rather than the repeated sacrifices of the old Levitical system. Hebrews 9:15 states, "Therefore he is the mediator of a new covenant, so that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance, since a death has occurred that redeems them from the transgressions committed under the first covenant."

The concept of testament, therefore, is intrinsically linked to the idea of covenant. The Old Testament documents the history, laws, and prophecies related to God's covenants with Israel, while the New Testament records the life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, through whom the New Covenant is established. This division of the Bible into two testaments underscores the continuity and discontinuity in God's redemptive plan—continuity in the sense that the New Covenant fulfills the promises of the Old, and discontinuity in the sense that it introduces a new and transformative way of relating to God.

In addition to its covenantal meaning, the term "testament" also carries the connotation of a will or bequest. This nuance is particularly evident in the New Testament's use of "diatheke." In the Greco-Roman world, a "diatheke" often referred to a legal will, a document that outlined the distribution of a person's estate after their death. This legal sense of "testament" enriches our understanding of the New Covenant. Just as a will is activated by the death of the testator, the New Covenant is inaugurated through the sacrificial death of Jesus. Hebrews 9:16-17 elaborates on this idea: "For where a will is involved, the death of the one who made it must be established. For a will takes effect only at death, since it is not in force as long as the one who made it is alive."

Thus, the New Testament can be seen as God's final will and testament, a bequest of spiritual blessings and eternal life to those who are in Christ. This testament is sealed by the blood of Jesus and guaranteed by His resurrection, offering believers an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading (1 Peter 1:4).

In summary, the term "testament" in the Bible is a rich and multifaceted concept that encompasses the idea of a covenant—a solemn, binding agreement between God and His people. The Old Testament (Old Covenant) and the New Testament (New Covenant) represent two major phases in God's redemptive plan, with the New Covenant fulfilling and surpassing the Old. Additionally, the term "testament" carries the legal sense of a will or bequest, emphasizing the transformative and sacrificial nature of the New Covenant inaugurated by Jesus Christ. Understanding the term "testament" in these contexts deepens our appreciation of the Bible's unified narrative and God's unwavering commitment to His people.