Covenant vs. Promise — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 27, 2023
A covenant is a formal, binding agreement between parties, often rooted in law or religion, while a promise is a commitment or assurance that one will do something or that a particular event will occur.
Difference Between Covenant and Promise
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Key Differences
The word "covenant" typically denotes a formal, binding agreement or contract between two or more parties. It is often used in legal, religious, or formal contexts, and it implies a mutual understanding with specific obligations or duties. On the other hand, a "promise" is a declaration or assurance that one will perform a particular action or that a certain event will happen.
While both covenant and promise involve commitments, the weight and formality associated with each differ significantly.
Covenants are frequently rooted in law or religion and carry heavier consequences if broken. In contrast, promises can be both formal and informal, ranging from casual verbal assurances to more solemn vows. Yet, it's essential to note that not all promises carry the legal weight that covenants do.
For instance, while a covenant might be enforceable in a court of law, an informal promise may not have legal repercussions if not kept.
In essence, while both terms revolve around commitments, a covenant is a more weighty, formal agreement, whereas a promise can range from informal to formal without necessarily carrying legal obligations.
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Comparison Chart
Nature
Formal agreement
Assurance or commitment
Rooted in
Often in law or religion
Can be casual or formal
Legal Implications
Typically legally binding
Not always legally binding
Consequences
Heavier consequences if broken
Might lack severe repercussions
Scope
Involves specific obligations or duties
Can be a simple declaration
Compare with Definitions
Covenant
A legally binding contract enforcing obligations.
The tenant signed a covenant outlining the property's usage.
Promise
A declaration ensuring a certain action will be taken.
She made a promise to return the book by Tuesday.
Covenant
A promise contained in a formal document.
The property had a covenant restricting its resale.
Promise
An indication of future success or potential.
The young athlete showed great promise in the tournament.
Covenant
A condition in a contract such as a deed or lease, nonperformance or violation of which gives rise to a cause of action for breach.
Promise
A commitment to a specific course of action.
He made a promise to always support her dreams.
Covenant
A religious pledge or bond with God.
The biblical covenant between God and Abraham is significant.
Promise
A vow or pledge made to someone.
The promise to remain faithful is a cornerstone of marriage.
Covenant
A binding agreement; a compact.
Promise
A promise is a commitment by someone to do or not do something. As a noun promise means a declaration assuring that one will or will not do something.
Covenant
A contract.
Promise
A declaration or assurance that one will do something or that a particular thing will happen
I did not keep my promise to go home early
What happened to all those firm promises of support?
Covenant
In the Bible, a divine promise establishing or modifying God's relationship to humanity or to a particular group.
Promise
The quality of potential excellence
He showed great promise even as a junior officer
Covenant
One of the agreements supported by a Covenanter.
Promise
Assure someone that one will definitely do something or that something will happen
She made him promise that he wouldn't do it again
He promised to forward my mail
He promised her the job
‘I'll bring it straight back,’ she promised
Covenant
To promise by a covenant.
Promise
Give good grounds for expecting (a particular occurrence)
It promised to be a night that all would remember
Forthcoming concerts promise a feast of music
Covenant
To enter into a covenant.
Promise
A declaration assuring that one will or will not do something; a vow.
Covenant
(legal) An agreement to do or not do a particular thing.
Promise
Something promised.
Covenant
(legal) A promise, incidental to a deed or contract, either express or implied.
Promise
Indication of something favorable to come; expectation
A promise of spring in the air.
Covenant
A pact or binding agreement between two or more parties.
Promise
Indication of future excellence or success
A player of great promise.
Covenant
An incidental clause in an agreement.
Promise
To commit oneself by a promise to do or give; pledge
Left but promised to return.
Covenant
To enter into, or promise something by, a covenant.
Promise
To afford a basis for expecting
Thunderclouds that promise rain.
Covenant
(legal) To enter a formal agreement.
Promise
To make a declaration assuring that something will or will not be done.
Covenant
(legal) To bind oneself in contract.
Promise
To afford a basis for expectation
An enterprise that promises well.
Covenant
(legal) To make a stipulation.
Promise
(countable) an oath or affirmation; a vow
If I make a promise, I always stick to it;
He broke his promise
Covenant
A mutual agreement of two or more persons or parties, or one of the stipulations in such an agreement.
Then Jonathan and David made a covenant.
Let there be covenants drawn between us.
If we conclude a peace,It shall be with such strict and severe covenantsAs little shall the Frenchmen gain thereby.
Promise
(countable) A transaction between two persons whereby the first person undertakes in the future to render some service or gift to the second person or devotes something valuable now and here to his use.
Covenant
An agreement made by the Scottish Parliament in 1638, and by the English Parliament in 1643, to preserve the reformed religion in Scotland, and to extirpate popery and prelacy; - usually called the "Solemn League and Covenant."
He [Wharton] was born in the days of the Covenant, and was the heir of a covenanted house.
Promise
(uncountable) Reason to expect improvement or success; potential.
She shows great promise as an actress.
Covenant
The promises of God as revealed in the Scriptures, conditioned on certain terms on the part of man, as obedience, repentance, faith, etc.
I will establish my covenant between me and thee and thy seed after thee in their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be a God unto thee, and to thy seed after thee.
Promise
A placeholder object representing the eventual result of an asynchronous operation.
Covenant
A solemn compact between members of a church to maintain its faith, discipline, etc.
Promise
Bestowal or fulfillment of what is promised
Covenant
An undertaking, on sufficient consideration, in writing and under seal, to do or to refrain from some act or thing; a contract; a stipulation; also, the document or writing containing the terms of agreement.
Promise
(ambitransitive) To commit to (some action or outcome), or to assure (a person) of such commitment; to make an oath or vow.
If you promise not to tell anyone, I will let you have this cake for free.
She promised to never return to this town again.
He promised me a big kiss if I would drive him to the airport.
I can't promise success, but I'll do the best I can.
Covenant
To agree (with); to enter into a formal agreement; to bind one's self by contract; to make a stipulation.
Jupiter covenanted with him, that it should be hot or cold, wet or dry, . . . as the tenant should direct.
And they covenanted with him for thyrty pieces of silver.
Promise
(intransitive) To give grounds for expectation, especially of something good.
The clouds promise rain.
Covenant
To grant or promise by covenant.
My covenant of peace that I covenanted with you.
Promise
In general, a declaration, written or verbal, made by one person to another, which binds the person who makes it to do, or to forbear to do, a specified act; a declaration which gives to the person to whom it is made a right to expect or to claim the performance or forbearance of a specified act.
For if the inheritance be of the law, it is no more of promise: but God gave it to Abraham by promise.
Covenant
A signed written agreement between two or more parties (nations) to perform some action
Promise
An engagement by one person to another, either in words or in writing, but properly not under seal, for the performance or nonperformance of some particular thing. The word promise is used to denote the mere engagement of a person, without regard to the consideration for it, or the corresponding duty of the party to whom it is made.
Covenant
(Bible) an agreement between God and his people in which God makes certain promises and requires certain behavior from them in return
Promise
That which causes hope, expectation, or assurance; especially, that which affords expectation of future distinction; as, a youth of great promise.
My native country was full of youthful promise.
Covenant
Enter into a covenenant
Promise
Bestowal, fulfillment, or grant of what is promised.
He . . . commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father.
Covenant
Enter into a covenant or formal agreement;
They covenanted with Judas for 30 pieces of silver
The nations covenanted to fight terrorism around the world
Promise
To engage to do, give, make, or to refrain from doing, giving, or making, or the like; to covenant; to engage; as, to promise a visit; to promise a cessation of hostilities; to promise the payment of money.
Covenant
A formal agreement between two or more parties.
The tribes entered into a covenant to maintain peace.
Promise
To afford reason to expect; to cause hope or assurance of; as, the clouds promise rain.
Covenant
An established relationship based on specific terms.
The companies created a covenant to collaborate on the project.
Promise
To make declaration of or give assurance of, as some benefit to be conferred; to pledge or engage to bestow; as, the proprietors promised large tracts of land; the city promised a reward.
I dare promise myself you will attest the truth of all I have advanced.
Promise
To give assurance by a promise, or binding declaration.
Promise
To afford hopes or expectation; to give ground to expect good; rarely, to give reason to expect evil.
Will not the ladies be afeard of the lion?I fear it, I promise you.
Promise
A verbal commitment by one person to another agreeing to do (or not to do) something in the future
Promise
Grounds for feeling hopeful about the future;
There is little or no promise that he will recover
Promise
Make a promise or commitment
Promise
Promise to undertake or give;
I promise you my best effort
Promise
Make a prediction about; tell in advance;
Call the outcome of an election
Promise
Give grounds for expectations;
The new results were promising
The results promised fame and glory
Promise
An assurance given by one person to another.
His promise to help was sincere.
Common Curiosities
Are covenants legally binding?
Covenants are typically legally binding, especially when established in formal documents.
Are all covenants religious in nature?
No, while covenants can be religious, they can also be secular agreements or contracts.
What is a covenant?
A covenant is a formal, binding agreement or contract between two or more parties, often rooted in law or religion.
What happens if you break a promise?
Consequences of breaking a promise vary based on the promise's nature and can range from emotional repercussions to legal actions.
How is a covenant different from a contract?
While both are formal agreements, covenants often have deeper moral or spiritual implications than standard contracts.
Can a promise be informal?
Yes, promises can range from informal verbal commitments to formal vows.
Is breaking a covenant serious?
Breaking a covenant often carries heavier consequences, especially if it's legally or religiously binding.
What does promise mean?
A promise is a commitment or assurance by one person to another that a specific action will occur or a condition will be met.
Can a promise be legally enforced?
While some promises, especially those in formal contracts, can be legally enforced, casual verbal promises may not be.
Is every promise a guarantee?
No, a promise is an assurance, but it doesn't always equate to a guarantee.
Can a covenant be between individuals?
Yes, a covenant can be between individuals, groups, or even nations.
Are promises always about future actions?
Typically, promises relate to future actions or outcomes, but they can also indicate potential or capability.
Are covenants always mutual?
While many covenants involve mutual agreements, some can be one-sided commitments.
What's a well-known religious covenant?
A well-known example is the biblical covenant between God and Abraham.
Can a promise be non-verbal?
Yes, promises can be implied through actions, gestures, or written forms.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
