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What does the Bible say about covenants?

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The Bible teaches that God faithfully binds himself by covenant, graciously promising blessing to his people and calling them to trust and obey him. His covenant purposes begin with Abraham, through whom all nations would be blessed (Genesis 12:1-3), and endure because God remembers his word forever (Psalm 105:8-11). Though human beings break covenant and deserve judgment, the Lord remains faithful and promises an everlasting covenant of peace (Ezekiel 16:59; Isaiah 54:10). His promises rest on his unchanging character, confirmed by oath (Hebrews 6:17; Psalm 89:34). The covenants find their fulfillment in Christ, the promised blessing for the nations, through whom believers receive God’s mercy and faithfulness (Micah 7:20; Galatians 3:15).

Top passages, ranked by readers

Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible

  • Psalms 89:34

    I will not break my covenant, Nor alter what my lips have uttered.

  • Psalms 105:8-11

    [8] He has remembered his covenant forever, The word which he commanded to a thousand generations, [9] The covenant which he made with Abraham, His oath to Isaac, [10] And confirmed the same to Jacob for a statute; To Israel for an everlasting covenant, [11] Saying, "To you I will give the land of Canaan, The lot of your inheritance;"

  • Isaiah 54:10

    For the mountains may depart, and the hills be removed; but my loving kindness shall not depart from you, neither shall my covenant of peace be removed, says Yahweh who has mercy on you.

  • Ezekiel 16:59

    For thus says the Lord Yahweh: I will also deal with you as you have done, who have despised the oath in breaking the covenant.

  • 1 Samuel 18:3

    Then Jonathan and David made a covenant, because he loved him as his own soul.

  • Galatians 3:15

    Brothers, I speak like men. Though it is only a man's covenant, yet when it has been confirmed, no one makes it void, or adds to it.

  • Hebrews 6:17

    In this way God, being determined to show more abundantly to the heirs of the promise the immutability of his counsel, interposed with an oath;

  • Malachi 2:4

    You will know that I have sent this commandment to you, that my covenant may be with Levi," says Yahweh of Hosts.

  • Micah 7:20

    You will give truth to Jacob, and mercy to Abraham, As you have sworn to our fathers from the days of old.

  • Genesis 12:1-3

    [1] Now Yahweh said to Abram, "Get out of your country, and from your relatives, and from your father's house, to the land that I will show you. [2] I will make of you a great nation. I will bless you, and make your name great. You will be a blessing. [3] I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse him who curses you. In you will all of the families of the earth be blessed."

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