The biblical words most often translated 'covenant' are berit in the Old Testament (appearing about 280 times) and diatheke in the New Testament (at least 33 times). In political situations, it can be translated treaty in a social setting, it means a lifelong friendship agreement or it can refer to a marriage. It is used variously in biblical contexts. In religious and theological circles there has not been agreement on precisely what is to be understood by the biblical term. It presupposes two or more parties who come together to make a contract, agreeing on promises, stipulations, privileges, and responsibilities.
The term 'covenant' is of Latin origin ( con venire), meaning a coming together. The word 'covenant, ' infrequently heard in conversation, is quite commonly used in legal, social (marriage), and religious and theological contexts.
