From a Karaite Jewish perspective, covenant truth is grounded exclusively in the Written Torah (Tanakh), understood by its plain meaning (peshat), without rabbinic oral law. The covenant is national, eternal, and behavioral, not mystical or creedal. The following are the 10 most critical covenant truths as Karaites understand them:
1. The Torah Alone Is Authoritative
Only the Written Torah (Tanakh) is divinely binding. The Talmud, Mishnah, and Oral Law are human traditions, not covenantal revelation.
“You shall not add to the word which I command you, nor take from it.” (Deut. 4:2)
2. The Covenant Was Given to Israel as a Nation
The covenant at Sinai was made with the people of Israel, not individuals, churches, or humanity in general.
3. God Is Absolutely One
God is a single, indivisible being—not composite, incarnate, or triune.
“YHWH is one.” (Deut. 6:4)
4. The Torah Is Eternal and Unchangeable
No covenant replaces, fulfills, supersedes, or cancels the Torah.
“It is an eternal statute for your generations.” (Exod. 12:14)
5. Each Person Is Accountable for Their Own Obedience
There is no vicarious atonement. No one dies for another’s sins.
“The soul who sins shall die.” (Ezek. 18:20)
6. Repentance (Teshuvah) Is the Means of Forgiveness
Forgiveness comes through repentance, obedience, prayer, and mercy, not sacrifice of a human or divine intermediary.
7. The Messiah Is a Human King from David’s Line
The Messiah is not divine, not pre-existent, and not an object of worship. His role is national restoration, peace, and Torah observance.
8. The Land of Israel Is Central to the Covenant
The covenant includes physical land, real borders, and national restoration, not spiritualized symbolism.
9. The Sabbath and Festivals Are Observed as Written
Karaites determine Sabbath, calendar, and festivals directly from Scripture, including lunar observation and agricultural signs (e.g., aviv barley).
10. Israel Remains God’s Covenant People Forever
Exile is punishment, not rejection. The covenant with Israel is never revoked or transferred.
“I will not reject them nor abhor them to destroy them utterly.” (Lev. 26:44)
In Summary (Karaite Covenant Logic):
No Oral Law
No incarnation
No substitutionary atonement
No new covenant replacing Sinai
No mediator between God and man
Torah-centered obedience is the covenant
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