διαθήκη
diathiki
The Greek word for covenant is διαθήκη (diathiki).
διαθήκη refers to an agreement to do or not to do. In a modern context, this word is most commonly used to refer to a legal 'will' (a person's last will and testament) or a religious 'covenant'.
Meaning: agreement to do or not to do (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form is διαθήκες. The genitive singular form is διαθήκης.
How do you pronounce it?
diathiki
Did you know?
- In the Greek New Testament, διαθήκη was used to translate the Hebrew word for 'covenant' because it implied a unilateral disposition or a will, rather than a bilateral contract.
- The term Παλαιά Διαθήκη refers to the Old Testament and Καινή Διαθήκη refers to the New Testament, literally translating to 'Old Covenant' and 'New Covenant'.
- The prefix δια- in διαθήκη suggests a 'through' or 'across' motion, implying a disposition that carries through from one state of being to another.
Example conversation
Two people are discussing a historical agreement.
- Δημήτρης DimitrisΔιάβασες τη διαθήκη του λαού;Diávases ti diathíki tou laoú?Did you read the covenant of the people?
- Κυριακή KyriakiΝαι, Δημήτρη, είναι πολύ ενδιαφέρουσα.Nai, Dimítri, eínai polý endiaférousa.Yes, Dimitris, it is very interesting.
- Δημήτρης DimitrisΠιστεύεις ότι η διαθήκη ισχύει ακόμα;Pistéveis óti i diathíki ischyí akóma?Do you believe the covenant is still valid?
- Κυριακή KyriakiΝομίζω ότι ισχύει για όλους μας.Nomízo óti ischyí gia ólous mas.I think it applies to all of us.
