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is the frequent rendering, in the New Test., of the Greek äéáèήêç (literally a disposal), and both are used in two distinct senses (see Cremer, Lex. of N.T. Greek, p. 576 sq.).
1. The natural, and in classical Greek, as in ordinary English, the only, signification is a devisement by will or legacy (Plutarch, De A dulat. 28; Plato, Legg. 922; Demosth. 1136, 12), and in this sense the word occurs in Heb_9:16-17. SEE INHERITANCE.
2. But the more common signification in the New Test. is one that has come over from the Sept., which often uses äéáèήêç . as a rendering of the Heb. áַּøַéú , or covenant; and in this sense “testament” is the rendering in the A.V. of the Greek word in Heb_7:22; Heb_9:20; Rev_11:19; and especially in the phrase the new testament (Mat_26:28; Mar_14:24; Luk_22:20; 1Co_3:6; Heb_9:15 [i.e. “new covenant,” as ill Heb_8:8; Heb_12:24]), which has gained currency as the title of the Christian Scriptures as a whole. See New- Englander; May, 1857, Lond. (Wesleyan) Quar. Rev. July, 1857. SEE COVENANT.