Why is the New Testament Called "New Testament"? Historical, Editorial and Theological Dimensions

This chapter offers an account as to why the New Testament book collec-tion is labelled “New Testament.” It argues that the original Greek title ἡ καινὴ διαθήκη (Latin novum testamentum) is deeply historically, theologically and editori-ally rooted, and that it therefore continues to play a key role as the latter half of the dual title “Old” and “New Testament.” The following explanations for the collective title are explored: (I) it is a neutral label without any particular meaning – the New Testament just happens to be called “the New Testament”; (II) it is the traditional and, reception-historically, most popular designation; (III) it reflects the two-covenant theology prevalent at the time of its adoption; (IV) as an intra-scriptural link to “new covenant” language, influential Christian editors introduced the title into the biblical manuscript tradition to provide an overall designation for the spe-cifically Christian portion of the Scriptures; and (V) as part of the canon formation, it helped presenting the Christian Bible as a book in two parts, with each part relat-ing to the Christ event in its own unique way. Building on previous scholarly contri-butions, the paper elaborates on these explanations, suggesting the relevance of all five – especially II–V – for a comprehensive understanding of the title.