What does the word testament mean?

Answer

The English term “testament” originates from a Greek word that means “covenant.” In Hebrew, it signifies “agreement,” “covenant,” or “contract.” Scholars of the Bible have used “testament” in four distinct yet interconnected contexts within the Scriptures:

A Covenant

When the term “testament” is employed in the Bible, it primarily refers to a covenant, such as the covenant God established with Israel at Mount Sinai, designating them as His people and imparting His laws (Exodus 19:3-6;20:1-17;24). It is in this context that the designations Old Testament and New Testament are elucidated.

The Bible is split into two sections, known as testaments. The Old Testament encompasses all the writings linked to the covenant God made with Israel during Moses’ time “And Moses took the blood, and sprinkled it on the people, and said, Behold the blood of the covenant, which the LORD hath made with you concerning all these words.”, (Exodus 24:8). Approximately 1,000 years after Moses, the prophet Jeremiah proclaimed God’s intention to establish a new covenant with His people (Jeremiah 31:31-34). This new covenant unfolds in the writings of the New Testament, which focuses on the agreement God has made with humanity through Jesus Christ (Matthew 26:28;1 Corinthians 11:23-25;Hebrews 8:6-8).

Scripture teaches that the new covenant features a perfect priest, Jesus Christ (Hebrews 7:24-25, 27); and a flawless sacrifice, the body and blood of Christ (Hebrews 9:14).

In the book of Hebrews, it is explained how the new covenant, as mentioned in (Hebrews 9:11-14;10:12), surpasses the old covenant. The old covenant is considered outdated, as stated, “In that he saith, A new covenant, he hath made the first old. Now that which decayeth and waxeth old is ready to vanish away.” (Hebrews 8:13). In contrast, the new covenant is described as perfect and everlasting in (Hebrews 9:15;Hebrews 13:20).

A Will

In Galatians 3:15–17, the term testament is used to refer to a will or an arrangement for distributing a person’s assets after death, similar to a Last Will and Testament. Paul draws a parallel between the covenant God established with Abraham and a legally binding will that outlines promises to an heir.

A Blessing

Another context in Scripture where the term testament is seen is in the form of a blessing bestowed by a father upon his children, particularly the blessing given to a firstborn son. This blessing is typically imparted when the father is elderly and approaching death, such as Isaac’s blessing of Jacob (Genesis 27:1-46) and Jacob’s blessings upon his twelve sons and two grandsons (Genesis 48—49).

A Literary Genre

The term testament, when referring to a blessing or moral guidance provided as the final words of a renowned individual or exemplary figure, evolved into a distinct literary form known in Jewish literature. Initially centered around the paternal blessings of the patriarchs and champions of Israel, as seen in Moses’ final blessing upon the people (Deuteronomy 33:1-29), this genre expanded to include stylistic presentations allowing historical figures from Israel’s past to offer teachings, wisdom, and commentary on contemporary events.

Biblical writings contain various collections of these testimonies, such as the Testament of the Twelve Patriarchs, the Testament of Levi, the Testament of Abraham, and the Testament of Moses.