20 Bible Verses about Covenant (With Commentary)

Struggling to understand the concept of covenants in the Bible? You’re not alone. The sacred scriptures mention “covenant” over 270 times, underscoring its importance. This article will unpack these divine promises, offering clarity and insight.

Dive in for a journey through biblical commitments that shape faith..

The Abrahamic Covenant

Genesis 15:18

"On that day the LORD made a covenant with Abram and said, 'To your descendants I give this land, from the Wadi of Egypt to the great river, the Euphrates—'"

On that day, the Lord struck a deal with Abram. He promised the land from Egypt’s river to the Euphrates to Abram’s kids. This wasn’t just any promise; it was a solid covenant marking out exactly where they would call home one day.

Abram watched as God laid down the boundaries for this covenant. The land spanned vast and wide—a place his descendants would see in time. It was more than words; it was a divine pledge from God Almighty to Abraham’s future generations.

Genesis 17:2

"I will confirm my covenant between me and you and will greatly increase your numbers."

God makes a big promise to Abram in Genesis 17:2. He tells Abram he will father many nations, starting an important bond between them. This covenant is not just words; it’s about following God and being good in return for blessings.

To show they mean business, Abram and his family get circumcised, marking their commitment to God’s promise. It’s a serious deal that shapes the future of many people for years to come.

Genesis 17:7

"I will establish my covenant as an everlasting covenant between me and you and your descendants after you for the generations to come, to be your God and the God of your descendants after you."

In Genesis 17:7, a powerful promise forms the cornerstone of an everlasting covenant. Here, the Almighty vows to establish a loving relationship with Abraham and his future generations—a commitment that spans eternity.

This passage marks not just a pledge; it’s the foundation for the bond between God and Abraham’s descendants, offering them Canaan as their forever home.

This verse echoes through time, reinforcing its significance across Scripture. It captures God’s intention to be more than a divine figure; He desires to be their personal Lord throughout all ages.

The words “I will be their God” signify this unbreakable link—an assurance of devotion and inheritance that is celebrated in later texts like Revelation 21:7.

Genesis 12:2-3

"I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you."

God made a big promise to Abraham in Genesis 12:2-3. He told Abraham that he would get many blessings. These blessings were not just for him, but they would also touch everyone on earth through his family.

People still talk about this promise today.

The words God spoke to Abraham didn’t need him to do anything special first—Abraham just had to trust God. This part of the Bible is powerful because it shows how one man’s faith can change the world for good.

It says that whoever treats Abraham and his family well will be blessed too!

Genesis 22:16-17

"By myself I have sworn, declares the LORD, because you have done this and have not withheld your son, your only son, I will surely bless you and make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as the sand on the seashore. Your descendants will take possession of the cities of their enemies."

In Genesis 22:16-17, God makes a powerful promise to Abraham. He swears by himself because there is no one greater. This shows us that what he’s about to say is super serious and true.

Next, God blesses Abraham for not holding back his only son, Isaac. He says that Abraham’s kids will be as many as the stars in the sky—wow, that’s a lot of people! And these descendants will conquer their enemies’ cities.

Because Abraham trusted and obeyed, he got one amazing promise from God.

The Mosaic Covenant

Exodus 19:5

"Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession. Although the whole earth is mine,"

“Exodus 19:5 sets the stage for a transformative moment in biblical history. Imagine being chosen as a special treasure above all others – this is the promise to those who follow and keep His covenant.

The Israelites stood at the threshold of an extraordinary destiny; to become a kingdom of priests, set apart from every nation on earth.

Obeying God’s voice wasn’t just about following rules; it was an invitation into an exclusive relationship with the Creator. For Israel, adherence meant more than compliance—it promised elevation to unprecedented heights as God’s treasured possession.”.

Deuteronomy 4:13

"He declared to you his covenant, the Ten Commandments, which he commanded you to follow and then wrote them on two stone tablets."

God gave the Ten Commandments to Israel in Deuteronomy 4:13. He made a covenant and wrote it on two stone tablets. This moment was powerful because it shaped how the people of Israel would live and honor God.

The Ten Commandments were more than just rules; they were a promise between God and His people. They showed that God wanted to be close to them and guide their lives. The commandments became a core part of Israel’s history, teaching us about God’s love and expectations even today.

Exodus 34:27-28

"Then the LORD said to Moses, 'Write down these words, for in accordance with these words I have made a covenant with you and with Israel.' Moses was there with the LORD forty days and forty nights without eating bread or drinking water. And he wrote on the tablets the words of the covenant—the Ten Commandments."

Moses spent 40 days and nights on Mount Sinai with not a bite of food or sip of water. During this time, the Lord told him to write down the words of the covenant. These were the laws and commands for Israel.

Moses did as he was told, writing everything down on stone tablets – these would be known as the Ten Commandments.

The meeting between Moses and God on that mountain was special. It marked the renewal of God’s promise to His people. The stone tablets became a symbol of this powerful agreement, one that shaped Israel’s future and their relationship with the Lord forever.

Deuteronomy 5:2-3

"The LORD our God made a covenant with us at Horeb. It was not with our ancestors that the LORD made this covenant, but with us, with all of us who are alive here today."

Deuteronomy 5:2-3 highlights a special moment. The LORD our God made an agreement at Horeb, not with our ancestors but with us, the living. This set apart the current generation of Israel for a unique relationship with God.

It was both an honor and a duty.

This sacred covenant was given as guidance to live by ethical standards that honored their commitment to YHWH, the God who had been with their fathers. It framed how children must carry on this legacy in honoring and fearing God, shaping their lives around His divine instructions.

Leviticus 26:45

"But for their sake I will remember the covenant with their ancestors whom I brought out of Egypt in the sight of the nations to be their God. I am the LORD.'"

Leviticus 26:45 reminds us that God stands by His promises, no matter what. He is faithful to the covenant made with Israel’s ancestors—Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Even if people stray, God won’t forget the oaths He swore to their forefathers.

This verse shows how deep His mercy runs; it’s a promise of renewal and hope.

God’s commitment shines in Leviticus 26:45 as He pledges never to abandon the covenant. It ties into Jesus’ sacrifice too; Christ took on our judgment as part of this lasting agreement between God and His people.

This scripture piece assures believers that repentance paves the way back to favor with a merciful Lord who remembers His word from generations past.

The Davidic Covenant

2 Samuel 7:12-16

"When your days are over and you rest with your ancestors, I will raise up your offspring to succeed you, your own flesh and blood, and I will establish his kingdom. He is the one who will build a house for my Name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. I will be his father, and he will be my son. When he does wrong, I will punish him with a rod wielded by men, with floggings inflicted by human hands. But my love will never be taken away from him, as I took it away from Saul, whom I removed from before you. Your house and your kingdom will endure forever before me; your throne will be established forever.'"

God made a powerful promise to David in 2 Samuel 7:12-16. He told David his kingdom would last forever. This meant that someone from David’s family would always be king. The covenant with David didn’t depend on what people did; it was based on God’s love and His plan.

Years went by, and this promise became true in Jesus Christ. Jesus was a descendant of King David, and through Him, the kingdom God promised is eternal. Christians believe that because of this covenant, Jesus’ throne will never end.

Psalm 89:3-4

"You have said, 'I have made a covenant with my chosen one, I have sworn to David my servant, I will establish your line forever and make your throne firm through all generations.'"

Psalm 89:3-4 shows God’s promise to establish David’s throne for all time. This covenant is a sign of His unchanging love and truth. It tells us that David’s kingdom will last through each generation, standing firm like the heavens.

These verses highlight God’s commitment to keep His word forever. The security of David’s reign is tied to God’s steadfast love and faithfulness, showing us that divine promises are eternal.

1 Chronicles 17:11-14

"When your days are over and you go to be with your ancestors, I will raise up your offspring to succeed you, one of your own sons, and I will establish his kingdom. He is the one who will build a house for me, and I will establish his throne forever. I will be his father, and he will be my son. I will never take my love away from him, as I took it away from your predecessor. I will set him over my house and my kingdom forever; his throne will be established forever.'"

God made a powerful promise to David in 1 Chronicles 17:11-14. He told David that after his time on earth, he would raise up one of his sons to rule. This son’s kingdom would never end.

God was not just talking about Solomon here; He was hinting at Jesus, who would be born in David’s family line.

This part of the Bible is key because it shows us God keeps His promises. It tells us about Jesus long before he was born. The words from these verses are like a binding agreement with no end date – they show how much we can trust what God says.

Psalm 132:11-12

"The LORD swore an oath to David, a sure oath he will not revoke: 'One of your own descendants I will place on your throne. If your sons keep my covenant and the statutes I teach them, then their sons will sit on your throne for ever and ever.'"

God made a promise to David in Psalm 132:11-12. It’s about God’s vow to have one of David’s own sons rule after him. This king must follow God’s ways to keep the throne secure forever.

These verses hint at Jesus, who comes from David’s line and rules eternally. The words are strong, showing God sticks by His word when we stick by ours. They teach us about promises and following through with our duties for lasting results.

Jeremiah 33:21

"'then my covenant with David my servant—and my covenant with the Levites who are priests ministering before me—can be broken and David will no longer have a descendant to reign on his throne."

Jeremiah 33:21 tells us about God’s promise to David. It says that the line of priests will always be there, offering sacrifices to God. This shows how serious God is about His promises.

He wants us forever connected to Him through these spiritual leaders.

The verse also shines a light on the joy and honor it brings to God when we follow the agreement. We see that even when everything changes, this covenant of priesthood stands strong.

It’s a big deal because it keeps our link with God secure and lasting.

The New Covenant

Jeremiah 31:31-34

"'The days are coming,' declares the LORD, 'when I will make a new covenant with the people of Israel and with the people of Judah. It will not be like the covenant I made with their ancestors when I took them by the hand to lead them out of Egypt, because they broke my covenant, though I was a husband to them,' declares the LORD. 'This is the covenant I will make with the people of Israel after that time,' declares the LORD. 'I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. No longer will they teach their neighbor, or say to one another, 'Know the LORD,' because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest,' declares the LORD. 'For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.'"

A time is coming, declares the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the people of Israel and Judah. This won’t be like the old one that they broke. Instead, I’ll put my laws in their minds and write them on their hearts.

They will all know me, from the least to the greatest.

I’ll forgive their wickedness and remember their sins no more. Through Jesus Christ’s sacrifice, this new covenant has been fulfilled. It transforms hearts and makes obeying God natural for us—no need to teach neighbor or brother saying ‘Know the Lord,’ for everyone knows Him already!

Hebrews 8:6-13

"But in fact the ministry Jesus has received is as superior to theirs as the covenant of which he is mediator is superior to the old one, since the new covenant is established on better promises. For if there had been nothing wrong with that first covenant, no place would have been sought for another. But God found fault with the people and said: 'The days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the people of Israel and with the people of Judah. It will not be like the covenant I made with their ancestors when I took them by the hand to lead them out of Egypt, because they did not remain faithful to my covenant, and I turned away from them, declares the Lord. This is the covenant I will establish with the people of Israel after that time, declares the Lord. I will put my laws in their minds and write them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. No longer will they teach their neighbor, or say to one another, 'Know the Lord,' because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest. For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.' By calling this covenant 'new,' he has made the first one obsolete; and what is obsolete and outdated will soon disappear."

Hebrews 8:6-13 tells us about a new and better promise from God. Jesus Christ is the mediator of this new covenant. It’s not like the old one that relied on people who often failed.

Instead, Jesus’s sacrifice cleanses us once we repent and believe.

This powerful part of scripture shows God’s plan for our relationship with Him to change. Our mistakes will no longer define us because “remember no more” means just that – He won’t hold our sins against us anymore through Christ’s ultimate act of love.

Luke 22:20

"In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, 'This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.'"

Luke 22:20 tells of a powerful moment. Jesus takes the cup during the Last Supper and makes a groundbreaking declaration. He says, “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.” Here, he introduces the New Covenant – a promise sealing forgiveness through his sacrifice.

This verse marks a turning point from old religious practices to a faith centered on Christ’s love and ultimate gift. The New Testament echoes this event as pivotal for believers; it represents hope and redemption promised by our Lord through his shed blood.

1 Corinthians 11:25

"In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, 'This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.'"

In 1 Corinthians 11:25, we learn about a powerful promise. Jesus gave us a new agreement with God during the Last Supper. He took the cup of wine and said, “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many.” His words marked a big change.

This new deal was different from old rules with Moses. It wasn’t about following a list; it’s based on faith in Christ. Now everyone called to trust Jesus is part of this special bond with God.

Remembering that night, the Lord’s Supper reminds us we’re all connected by Jesus’ sacrifice—the heart of this New Covenant.

2 Corinthians 3:6

"He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant—not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life."

God makes us fit to be ministers of a new covenant, not by writing laws on stone but by living in the Spirit. The old way brings death through written words, but God’s Spirit gives life.

This truth is powerful – it transforms our lives and shows that we serve a living God, not just follow old texts.

The new covenant shines brighter than the old one ever could. It’s about right standing with God and spreading His righteousness, rather than feeling guilty from rules we’ve broken.

We’re free because the Spirit writes upon our hearts now, and this freedom glows with hope and glory for everyone who believes.

Conclusion

The Bible’s pages are full of covenant stories. These promises shape history and connect us to a bigger plan. They remind us – we’re never alone, and love guides the journey. Each verse invites us into a deeper understanding, where faith meets action.

Remember, covenants in the Scripture aren’t just old tales; they inspire our lives today!

FAQs

1. What is a covenant in the Bible?

In the Bible, a covenant is a promise made between God and His people. Examples include covenants with Noah after the flood, Abraham’s family, and the House of Israel involving laws and blessings.

2. Can you name some famous Bible covenants?

Yes! The Covenant with Noah promised no more floods to destroy the earth, while the Covenant with Abraham pledged many descendants and land in Canaan. There’s also the New Covenant through Christ Jesus for forgiveness of sins.

3. Where do I find verses about God’s covenants?

Look in both Old Testament books like Genesis with Abraham or Exodus where “I am the Lord your God” appears, and New Testaments texts such as John 3:16 which speaks of God’s love through Christ Jesus.

4. What does ‘Covenant of Peace’ mean?

The ‘Covenant of Peace’ mentioned in Ezekiel was a promise from God to end hostility and bring lasting peace to His people – often linked with hope during difficult times.

5. Did Jesus talk about old covenants?

Jesus referred to Old Testament promises by affirming them – for instance, he embodied “love thy neighbour as thyself,” fulfilling law through love according to St. Matthew’s Gospel recording his words.

6. Are there symbols representing these covenants in Scripture?

Yes! Symbols abound like rainbow for Noah’s covenant; circumcision for Abraham; sprinkled blood and Ark of Testimony showing Moses’ covenant; bread and wine at communion represent New Covenant connections.