covenant
/ˈkʌvənənt/
A covenant is a formal agreement or promise, often legal or religious, that creates binding obligations.
Examples
- He breached the covenant by failing to deliver the goods.
- The covenant of the rainbow was a sign of God’s promise.
- All covenants must be recorded with the county clerk.
- The parties negotiated a new covenant after the dispute.
- The Mosaic covenant set forth the law for Israel.
Meanings
From Old French covenant and Latin conventum meaning ‘coming together’.
Examples
- The covenant between the two companies was signed yesterday.
- He breached the covenant by failing to deliver the goods.
- The lease includes a covenant that prohibits subletting.
- All covenants must be recorded with the county clerk.
- The parties negotiated a new covenant after the dispute.
Adopted in English translations of the Bible to convey God’s promise to his people.
Examples
- God made an everlasting covenant with Abraham.
- The Mosaic covenant set forth the law for Israel.
- The New Testament speaks of a new covenant through Christ.
- The covenant of the rainbow was a sign of God’s promise.
- The prophet reminded the people of the ancient covenant.