Brief Overview of διαθήκη (G1242: diathḗkē)

Transliteration: diathḗkē (pronounced dee-ath-AY-kay)
Part of Speech: Feminine Noun

The Greek noun διαθήκη (diathḗkē) is a term that carries significant theological and legal weight. It is derived from the verb διατίθημι (diatíthēmi), meaning “to set out in order” or “to arrange.” In classical Greek, diathḗkē often referred to a “will” or “testament,” a legal document that outlined the distribution of property after a person’s death. However, in the context of the Septuagint (the Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible) and the New Testament, diathḗkē came to be predominantly used to denote a “covenant”—a solemn agreement or contract between two parties. This word is especially important in biblical contexts, where it signifies the covenantal relationship between God and His people.

Scripture References

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The word diathḗkē appears numerous times in the New Testament, where it is most commonly translated as “covenant” or “testament.” Here are three examples:

1. Luke 22:20 (ESV): “And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, ‘This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant (diathḗkē) in my blood.'”
2. Hebrews 9:15 (ESV): “Therefore he is the mediator of a new covenant (diathḗkē), so that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance, since a death has occurred that redeems them from the transgressions committed under the first covenant.”
3. Galatians 3:17 (ESV): “This is what I mean: the law, which came 430 years afterward, does not annul a covenant (diathḗkē) previously ratified by God, so as to make the promise void.”

Detailed Lexicon Description

BDAG (Bauer-Danker-Arndt-Gingrich) defines diathḗkē as a legal term primarily used to mean “will” or “testament” in non-biblical contexts. However, in biblical usage, particularly in the Septuagint and the New Testament, it predominantly refers to a “covenant.” BDAG emphasizes that in the New Testament, the word is heavily loaded with theological significance, describing the special relationship and agreement between God and humanity. It often parallels the Hebrew word בְּרִית (berith), signifying the covenants God made with His people, such as those with Abraham, Moses, and the new covenant established through Jesus Christ.

Thayer’s Greek Lexicon also outlines the dual meaning of diathḗkē, noting its use both as a “testament” and as a “covenant.” Thayer’s emphasizes the transition in meaning when applied in biblical texts, particularly in the writings of Paul and the author of Hebrews, where the term shifts to a more theological context to describe God’s covenantal promises.

Vines Expository Dictionary notes that while diathḗkē can mean a “will” or “testament,” it is most often used in the New Testament to describe the “covenant” established by God. Vines highlights that the term is employed to contrast the “old covenant” given to Moses on Mount Sinai with the “new covenant” inaugurated by Christ’s death and resurrection.

Usage in Classical Greek Literature

1. Plato, Laws 11.923b: Plato uses diathḗkē in the context of legal wills and testaments, where it refers to a document outlining the distribution of an individual’s estate after death.
2. Herodotus, Histories 7.145: Herodotus uses the term to describe an agreement or treaty between nations, emphasizing its binding and solemn nature.
3. Polybius, Histories 3.19.1: Polybius mentions diathḗkē in the context of diplomatic agreements, highlighting its role in formalizing relationships between states.

Summary

The Greek noun diathḗkē (G1242) is a significant term in both legal and theological contexts. Originating from the verb diatíthēmi (“to arrange”), it traditionally referred to a “will” or “testament” in classical Greek. However, in the Septuagint and New Testament, the word took on a deeper theological meaning, signifying a “covenant”—a solemn agreement between God and His people. This term is central to understanding the biblical narrative, particularly in relation to the old and new covenants. Lexicons like BDAG, Thayer’s, and Vines provide a comprehensive understanding of its usage, both in secular and sacred texts. Through classical literature, the term diathḗkē is shown to have a broad application, ranging from legal documents to treaties between nations, underscoring its importance as a word denoting binding agreements and promises.