Testament
Textsâš¡ IN BRIEF (SUMMARY)
The Greek term diatheke, typically translated as 'covenant', appears as 'testament' in Hebrews 9:16-17 within the King James Version, reflecting a legal interpretation of a will effective upon death. This rendering lacks strong philological support, a fact acknowledged by the Revised Version which sought to correct this anomaly.
What is the meaning of Testament in the Bible?
The Greek term diatheke, typically translated as 'covenant', appears as 'testament' in Hebrews 9:16-17 within the King James Version, reflecting a legal interpretation of a will effective upon death. This rendering lacks strong philological support, a fact acknowledged by the Revised Version which sought to correct this anomaly.
TEXTUAL SIGNIFICANCE
Recognizing the distinction between 'covenant' and 'testament' clarifies the legal metaphor Paul employs in Hebrews, distinguishing between a binding agreement between parties and a unilateral disposition of inheritance.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
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Source Attribution & Provenance
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE) and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been editorially modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and formatted for fast contextual reference.