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What Is a Covenant in the Bible?

Covenant describes a solemn relationship with commitments and promises. The biblical covenants help connect many books that may otherwise seem unrelated.

Start the conversation

Do not begin by treating every use of 'covenant' as an ordinary modern contract. Biblical covenants may involve divine promises, signs, obligations and a community's identity.

Practical next steps

1. In Genesis 12, read the promise to Abraham about a people and blessing that reaches beyond one family.
2. Read Exodus 19-20 to see Israel's covenant life connected with deliverance and commanded faithfulness.
3. Read Jeremiah 31:31-34 for the prophet's language about a new covenant and transformed hearts.
4. Read Luke 22:20 and Hebrews 8 to observe how New Testament writers relate Jesus to new-covenant language, while noting interpretive differences among Christian traditions.

Read Scripture with the group

• Genesis 12:1-3 — Abraham's calling connects blessing with a wider purpose.
• Jeremiah 31:31-34 — The prophet describes a promised new covenant.
• Luke 22:20 — Jesus connects the cup at the last supper with the new covenant.

Discuss and respond

How does a covenant differ from a private promise that benefits only one person?

Important: Christians disagree about how God's covenants relate to Israel, the church and one another; explain those views rather than erasing them.