The Sacred Bond That Changes Everything

When we think of the covenants mentioned in Scripture, we often imagine grand moments: a rainbow after the flood, tablets on a mountain, or a Last Supper in an upper room.

But what ties them all together is one powerful Hebrew word: Brit (ברית): covenant.

The word brit appears over 280 times in the Hebrew Bible. It does not simply mean a contract. In Biblical Hebrew, a brit is a sacred bond, sealed by word, by sign, and often by blood.

Why We "Cut" and Never Just "Make" a Covenant

In English, we say someone makes a covenant. But in Hebrew, the phrase is much more visceral: כרת ברית (karat brit). Literally, to cut a covenant. 

Why do we use the word “cut”? 

Because ancient covenants were sealed in blood, through the sacrifice of animals or even one’s own body. A brit wasn’t signed; it was marked.

This illuminates one of the Bible's most defining commands: ברית מילה (brit milah) — the covenant of circumcision. The sign of the brit isn't symbolic. It's cut into the flesh as a lasting mark of belonging to God.

What Translation Cannot Capture

The profound meaning of "cutting" a covenant becomes flattened in translation to the neutral word "make." We lose the weight—the cost—of covenant that's ingrained in the original text.

In biblical thought, every true relationship with God is cut, not crafted. It's marked by commitment, sacrifice, and an invitation for lifelong faithfulness.

These revelations are just the beginning. Every Hebrew word holds layers of meaning waiting to be discovered—and we'll guide you through each one.

Your Journey with Israel Institute of Biblical Studies Includes:

  • Intimate Learning Experience: In our personalized classes of just 16 students, you'll receive the focused mentoring needed to grasp these profound spiritual truths.
  • Seamless Digital Learning: Master ancient wisdom through modern convenience with 55-minute lessons and enriching weekly study circles that fit your schedule.
  • Guidance from Leading Scholars: Study with world-renowned scholars who've devoted their lives to uncovering Scripture's deepest mysteries.
  • Academic Excellence: Every course carries the prestigious accreditation of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem—where ancient wisdom meets world-class scholarship.

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