Tag Archives: definition of diatheke

The Greek word “diatheke”

Found about 30 times in the New Testament and used especially often in the book of Hebrews, the Greek noun “diatheke” meant “covenant,” “will,” testament.”  Jesus used this term when instituting the Lord’s Supper (Mt. 26:28).  In the book of Hebrews, we are told the “New Testament” is a “better” testament (Heb. 7:22; 8:6).  In Acts 7:8 we read about a “covenant of circumcision.”  Paul spoke about the binding nature of “covenants” made by men in Gal. 3:15.