Van Rad, an eminent biblical scholar, has called the theme of the covenant--the relationship between God and Abraham, its terms, its fulfillment-- the chief purpose of the Hexateuch (=Pentateuch + Joshua). In Hebrew, the term “covenant” (Brit) has survived in the names Old Covenant/New Covenant for what English (and Latin) calls the Old Testament/New Testament.
Is ‘Testament’ a good English equivalent for ‘Covenant’? And if it isn’t, why is the term used in English?
Hint: To answer this question, you need to consult the full Oxford English Dictionary, s.v. ‘testament.’ See also WIllis Barnstone The Poetics of Translation, 154-155 (both are in Classics seminar library)
As for the first question, I do not believe 'Testament' is a good English equivalent for 'Covenant' because a covenant is an agreement. It speaks to the promises and/or responsibilities held by all parties. A testament is generally accepted as a set of actions with guidelines carried out by one party by request of another. To me there seems to be less incentive when the word testament is used. The relationship changes from "I told God I would..." to "God asked me to...", completely changing the level of responsibility involved. This answer is just what immediately came to mind as I read the question. I do not feel I can fully answer the second question until I have read The Poetics of Translation, as suggested.
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