Testament in Biblical History

Bible History

Schaff's Bible Dictionary

Definitions in Biblical History
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What is a Testament?
        TES'TAMENT
        Heb 9:15. The word "testament," when applied to our Scriptures (as "the Old and New Testaments"), is used in the same sense with "covenant." The old covenant is spoken of in Ex 24:8, and the new in Matt 26:28. The former was ratified by the blood of sacrifices, and the latter (of which the other was a type) was ratified by the blood of Christ.


        The chief and most important use of the word covenant is in relation to the two great dispensations which are distinguished as the old and new, or as the covenant of the law and the covenant of the gospel. The former was made with the children of Israel through Moses, and rested much in the outward ceremonies and observances which the law enjoined (meats and drinks, and divers washings and carnal ordinances). The new covenant was made through Christ, sealed by his own blood, and secures to every believer the blessings of salvation and eternal life. Comp. Ex 20:24; Gal 3; Heb 8. The titles "Old and New Testaments" arose from the inaccurate rendering of the word "covenant" by testamentum in the Latin Vulgate.

Bibliography Information
Schaff, Philip, Dr. "Biblical Definition for 'testament' in Schaffs Bible Dictionary".
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