Translations
F.O.G.MPrimary
F.O.G MessageBrothers, let me use an everyday example: even a human covenant, once it has been ratified, cannot be canceled or amended.
F.O.GSecondary
The F.O.GBrothers, I speak in human terms: even a human covenant, once ratified, no one annuls or adds conditions to.
KJV
King James VersionBrethren, I speak after the manner of men; Though it be but a man's covenant, yet if it be confirmed, no man disannulleth, or addeth thereto.
BSB
Berean Standard BibleBrothers, let me put this in human terms. Even a human covenant, once it is ratified, cannot be canceled or amended.
Footnotes
διαθήκη (diathēkē) carries two overlapping legal meanings: a "covenant" (a binding agreement between parties) and a "will" or "testament" (a unilateral declaration of inheritance). In Hellenistic legal usage, once a will was confirmed it could not be altered by a third party. Paul's argument exploits both senses simultaneously — the Abrahamic covenant is both a solemn mutual agreement and a unilateral gift of inheritance, and neither form can be retroactively amended by a later law.
