Zavet

Zavet is a term used in several Slavic languages, including Russian, Serbian, Croatian, Bulgarian, and Macedonian, to denote a binding promise, pledge, or covenant, and in religious contexts, a testament. The word derives from Proto-Slavic *zavetъ and Old Church Slavonic zavětъ, carrying the sense of a solemn agreement or vow.

In religious language, zavet is commonly employed to translate the concept of a covenant or testament. In Slavic Bible translations, it appears in phrases referring to the biblical covenants, such as the Old Covenant and the New Covenant, which frame key theological concepts in Judaism and Christianity.

Beyond theology, zavet can denote a personal or communal vow or commitment undertaken in ceremonial or formal settings. It may also refer to a binding agreement or contract in traditional or customary law, though the term is more often found in religious or literary contexts than in modern legal usage.

Orthography and usage vary by language but share the same basic meaning. In Cyrillic-script languages it is written as завет, while in Latin transliteration it appears as zavet. The word can appear in singular to denote the concept of a covenant or vow, and in phrases that specify particular covenants (e.g., Old or New Covenant) in religious texts and discourse. See also covenant and testament for related concepts.