UBS Dictionary of the Greek New Testament

Sense 1: to make a covenant, to covenant together, making of a covenant

Semantic entry: 34.43

Semantic domains: Association

Subdomains: Establish or Confirm a Relation

Definition: to make a solemn agreement involving reciprocal benefits and responsibilities

Sense 2: covenant, pact

Semantic entry: 34.44

Semantic domains: Association

Subdomains: Establish or Confirm a Relation

Definition: the verbal content of an agreement between two persons specifying reciprocal benefits and responsibilities

Notes: In RV LUK 1:72 · LV LUK 1:72 · Read together LUK 1:72, ποιῆσαι ἔλεος μετὰ τῶν πατέρων ἡμῶν καὶ μνησθῆναι διαθήκης ἁγίας αὐτοῦ ‘(God said he) would show mercy to our ancestors and remember his sacred covenant with them,’ it is possible that διαθήκη denotes either the making of the covenant (34.43: διαθήκη / 34.43: διατίθημι) or the verbal formulation (34.44: διαθήκη).|In rendering the OT term brith, the Septuagint translators employed διαθήκη, literally ‘final will’ or ‘testament,’ in place of συνθήκη ‘contract,’ ‘agreement,’ since they evidently wished to emphasize the fact that the initiative for such a covenantal relationship existed with one person rather than being the result of negotiation and compromise.|In many societies, and particularly in tribal ones, a covenant is a very significant bond between persons. It may, in fact, be the most important and lasting interpersonal relationship. It is seldom entered into lightly, for in many societies a covenant binds a person for a lifetime and may even involve willingness to die for the sake of the covenantal relationship.

Sense 3: will, testament

Semantic entry: 57.124

Semantic domains: Possess, Transfer, Exchange

Subdomains: Give

Definition: (derivative of διατίθημι[a] ‘to make a will,’ 57.123: διατίθημι) a legal document by which property is transferred by the deceased to an heir or heirs