Will
TextsWhat is the meaning of Will in the Bible?
A will is a formal legal instrument through which an individual specifies the distribution of their property and assets upon death. In biblical studies, the term translates the Greek word 'diatheke', which carries dual meanings of a legal covenant or testament, serving as the linguistic basis for the distinction between the Old and New Testaments.
TEXTUAL SIGNIFICANCE
Recognizing the legal definition of a will clarifies why biblical authors use specific terminology to describe the covenants between God and humanity, distinguishing between the binding nature of the Old Covenant and the new arrangement established through Christ.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
- Why did the biblical author mention Will in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Will clarify?
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.