In the following article an attempt is made totrace the part which the Greek διαθήκη plays in the teaching of the Epistle to the Hebrews.

We leave the Greek word untranslated, because it is in part with theproblem of its proper translation that we are concerned and it appears best notto prejudice the question. We notice first of all that Hebrews is the only NewTestament document in which the concept and the term diatheke appear with anydegree of prominence. In the teaching of our Lord we meet with the idea onlyonce, in the institution of the Supper. More frequently it occurs with Paul, inRomans (9:4; 11:27), 2 Corinthians (3:6, 14), Galatians (3:15, 17; 4:24),Ephesians (2:12), altogether nine times in six contexts. In Luke's writings wefind it, apart from the institution of the Supper, once in the Gospel (1:72),and twice in the Acts (3:25; 7:8). Once also it is met with in the Revelationof St. John (11:19). This makes sixteen instances of its occurrence outside ofHebrews. Over against this stand seventeen occurrences in Hebrews alone. Inother words in this single Epistle the conception is more frequent than in allthe rest of the New Testament writings put together.