covenant

A cutting; bond established through sacrifice and ritual

From verb meaning to cut—covenants were sealed by cutting animals in two

Formal binding agreement between parties, often with hierarchical power dynamics

Suzerainty treaties influenced biblical covenant concept

Testament, will, or binding agreement; used for last will and testament

LXX translation of Hebrew brit; shaped Christian theology of Old/New Testaments

Redemption, settlement, or contractual agreement

Direct translation of Greek diatheke; entered English via legal tradition