A solemn, binding agreement between two parties. Berith is the word that structures God's entire relationship with humanity — from Noah to Abraham to Moses to David. The word appears approximately 287 times and is the theological backbone of the Hebrew Scriptures. The phrase "to cut a covenant" (karath berith) reflects the ancient practice of cutting animals in half.
Biblical covenants differ radically from modern contracts. A berith is typically established by the stronger party, who sets the terms and pledges faithfulness. God's covenants are acts of grace: He binds Himself to promises that His people have not earned. The Abrahamic covenant (Genesis 15) is striking because God alone passes between the animal pieces — taking the entire covenant obligation upon Himself.
Scholars identify several major covenants: (1) Noahic — with all creation; (2) Abrahamic — with Abraham's descendants; (3) Mosaic/Sinai — with Israel; (4) Davidic — with David's royal line; (5) New Covenant — prophesied in Jeremiah 31, fulfilled in Christ. Some are unconditional, others conditional. The Greek equivalent is diathēkē (G1242).