The Old Testament and the New Testament are called “testaments” because of a translation quirk. The Greek word diathéké is typically translated as covenant in our English Bibles. Diatheke, translated into Latin, is testamentum. The English transliteration of testamentum is testament. A better English translation would be the New and Old Covenants.
In today’s language, the most familiar way the word testament is used is regarding a will, as in one’s last will and testament. That word is used in the Bible, too, and when it is, it is the Greek word diatheke, meaning “covenant” (underlined in the passage below). Many people attribute the titles of the New and Old Testaments to this passage in Hebrews.
For this reason Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance—now that he has died as a ransom to set them free from the sins committed under the first covenant. In the case of a will, it is necessary to prove the death of the one who made it, because a will is in force only when somebody has died; it never takes effect while the one who made it is living. This is why even the first covenant (the Greek only has the word “first” here, NIV translators insert the word covenant here to help readers follow) was not put into effect without blood. When Moses had proclaimed every command of the law to all the people, he took the blood of calves, together with water, scarlet wool and branches of hyssop, and sprinkled the scroll and all the people. He said, “This is the blood of the covenant, which God has commanded you to keep.” (Hebrews 9:15-20)
The author of Hebrews speaks of a new covenant, a will, and the first covenant, all from the same Greek word, diatheke. He mentions Moses, but Abraham was also given a covenant that required the blood of circumcision. “You shall be circumcised in the flesh of your foreskins, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between me and you.” (Genesis 17:11)
The New Testament (Covenant) is not just God’s story or will expressed. A covenant implies an ongoing relationship. I can buy a used car (or inherit), and once it is paid off, have no ongoing connection or interaction with the seller. A covenant ensures both parties have a connection, a relationship, and ongoing security. That is why Jesus encouraged his followers to regularly remember, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.” (Luke 22:20)
John Riley
Junior High Pastor