Term

Old Testament

Also known as Old Covenant

The first division of the Bible, chronicling God's covenant with Israel through history, law, and prophecy to reveal his character and the coming Messiah.

Filed underDoctrine of ScriptureOld Testament Studies

Definition

Old Covenant, the first division of the Bible comprising of 39 books written primarily in Hebrew with some Aramaic. It chronicles God's covenant with ancient Israel, covering creation, history, laws, and prophecy. It serves to reveal God's character, establish a covenant, and prophesy the coming Messiah and is generally divided into the Pentateuch (Law/Torah), historical books, Wisdom & Poetry, and Prophetic (Major & Minor) books.

Connections

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Related to: Dead Sea ScrollsTerm
MessiahTerm
old covenant experience of the Holy SpiritTerm
Old Testament TheologyTerm
primogenitureTerm
Contrasted with: New TestamentTerm
Includes: Noahic CovenantTerm
old covenantTerm
Fulfilled by: priest (Christ's office)Term

Last revised August 14, 2026