Topical Encyclopedia
In biblical terms, "custom" refers to established practices, traditions, or habitual actions that are observed by individuals or communities. These customs can be social, religious, or cultural in nature and often hold significant meaning within the context of biblical narratives and teachings.
Old Testament ContextIn the Old Testament, customs often relate to the laws and traditions given by God to the Israelites. These include ceremonial practices, dietary laws, and social regulations. For example, the custom of circumcision was instituted as a sign of the covenant between God and Abraham (
Genesis 17:10-14). This practice became a defining characteristic of the Israelite identity.
Another example is the observance of the Sabbath, a custom commanded by God as a day of rest and worship (
Exodus 20:8-11). The Sabbath was a sign of the covenant between God and Israel, serving as a reminder of God's creation and deliverance.
New Testament ContextIn the New Testament, customs continue to play a significant role, both in the life of Jesus and the early church. Jesus Himself observed Jewish customs, such as attending synagogue on the Sabbath (
Luke 4:16) and participating in Jewish festivals (
John 7:10-14). However, He also challenged certain customs that had become legalistic or burdensome, emphasizing the spirit of the law over mere ritual (
Mark 7:8-13).
The Apostle Paul addresses customs in his letters, often navigating the tension between Jewish and Gentile practices. In
1 Corinthians 11:16, Paul refers to the custom of head coverings in worship, indicating that such practices should not cause division within the church. He emphasizes that customs should be evaluated in light of their impact on the community and their alignment with the gospel.
Cultural and Social CustomsThe Bible also reflects various cultural and social customs of the ancient Near East. These include marriage practices, hospitality, and mourning rituals. For instance, the custom of levirate marriage, where a man marries his deceased brother's widow to preserve the family line, is illustrated in the account of Ruth and Boaz (
Ruth 4:1-10).
Hospitality customs are evident in the account of Abraham welcoming three visitors, who are later revealed to be divine messengers (
Genesis 18:1-8). Such customs underscore the values of generosity and kindness, which are commended throughout Scripture.
Customs and the Early ChurchAs the early church expanded beyond Jewish communities, the question of which customs should be maintained became a significant issue. The Jerusalem Council, as recorded in
Acts 15, addressed the question of whether Gentile converts should be required to observe Jewish customs, such as circumcision. The council concluded that Gentiles were not bound by these customs, emphasizing faith in Christ as the basis for salvation.
Paul's letters often address the balance between respecting cultural customs and maintaining the integrity of the gospel. In
Romans 14:5-6, he advises believers to be considerate of differing customs regarding food and special days, urging them to act in love and avoid causing others to stumble.
ConclusionThroughout the Bible, customs serve as a means of expressing faith, identity, and community values. While some customs are divinely instituted, others are cultural practices that reflect the historical context of the biblical narrative. Believers are encouraged to discern the significance of customs in light of their faith in Christ and the unity of the church.
Easton's Bible Dictionary
A tax imposed by the Romans. The tax-gatherers were termed publicans (q.v.), who had their stations at the gates of cities, and in the public highways, and at the place set apart for that purpose, called the "receipt of custom" (
Matthew 9: 9;
Mark 2:14), where they collected the money that was to be paid on certain goods (
Matthew 17:25). These publicans were tempted to exact more from the people than was lawful, and were, in consequence of their extortions, objects of great hatred. The Pharisees would have no intercourse with them (
Matthew 5:46, 47;
9:10, 11).
A tax or tribute (q.v.) of half a shekel was annually paid by every adult Jew for the temple. It had to be paid in Jewish coin (Matthew 22:17-19;Mark 12:14, 15). Money-changers (q.v.) were necessary, to enable the Jews who came up to Jerusalem at the feasts to exchange their foreign coin for Jewish money; but as it was forbidden by the law to carry on such a traffic for emolument (Deuteronomy 23:19, 20), our Lord drove them from the temple (Matthew 21:12Mark 11:15).
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
n.) Frequent repetition of the same act; way of acting common to many; ordinary manner; habitual practice; usage; method of doing or living.
2. (n.) Habitual buying of goods; practice of frequenting, as a shop, manufactory, etc., for making purchases or giving orders; business support.
3. (n.) Long-established practice, considered as unwritten law, and resting for authority on long consent; usage. See Prescription.
4. (n.) Familiar aquaintance; familiarity.
5. (v. t.) To make familiar; to accustom.
6. (v. t.) To supply with customers.
7. (v. i.) To have a custom.
8. (n.) The customary toll, tax, or tribute.
9. (n.) Duties or tolls imposed by law on commodities, imported or exported.
10. (v. t.) To pay the customs of.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
CUSTOM (1)kus'-tum (tax):
(a) halakh,Ezra 4:13, 10;Ezra 7:24 the King James Version;
(b) belo,Ezra 4:13, etc.;
(c) telonion,Matthew 9:9Mark 2:14Luke 5:27, "receipt of custom" the King James Version, the Revised Version (British and American) "place of toll," the collectors' office;
(d) telos,Matthew 17:25 (the Revised Version (British and American) "toll");Romans 13:7; 1 Maccabees 11:35 (the Revised Version (British and American) "tolls"; compare 1 Maccabees 10:31).
The tax designated by halakh inEzra 4:13, etc., is usually taken to mean a road tax, a toll, from root halakh, but compare Winckler, Altorientalische Forschungen, II, 463, which derives from root ilku, a command, a decree, hence, an imposed tax. Belo from root yabhal is supposed to be a tax on merchandise or produce (as distinguished from "tribute" or the tax on houses, lands and persons), usually paid in kind and levied for the support of the native or provincial government. See Ryle, Cambridge Bible, Ezra-Nehemiah, in the place cited Telos in New Testament and Maccabees is an indirect tax farmed out to the publicans.
Walter R. Betteridge
CUSTOM (2)
kus'-tum (usage): In the Old Testament, except,Genesis 31:35 where the Revised Version (British and American) renders, better, "manner" (derekh, "way"), the words translated "custom" are choq, chuqqah, "statute," and mishpaT, "judgment." Such passages asJudges 11:39Jeremiah 32:11, and especiallyEzra 3:4 (the King James Version "custom," the Revised Version (British and American) "ordinance"), illustrate the difficulty of deciding upon the proper translation, in cases where "custom" might become "statute," "usage" establish itself as "law." InLeviticus 18:30Jeremiah 10:3 the reference is to heathen religious practices.
In the New TestamentLuke 1:9;Luke 2:42Acts 6:14;Acts 15:1 (the King James Version "manner");Luke 16:21;Luke 21:21 (ethos), andLuke 2:27 from the same Greek root, refer likewise to definitely established religious practices; in every case exceptActs 16:21, those of the Jewish law. The Revised Version (British and American) makes the translation of ethos uniform, reading "custom" inLuke 22:39 (the King James Version "wont") and inJohn 19:40Acts 25:16Hebrews 10:25 (the King James Version "manner"). Greek eiothos, from the same root, is rendered "custom" inLuke 4:16 by English Versions of the Bible, and by the Revised Version (British and American) also inActs 17:2, its only other occurrence in the New Testament. InJohn 18:391 Corinthians 11:16 "custom" is the translation of Greek sunetheia, in the sense of "usage" rather than of "law."
F. K. Farr
RECEIPT OF CUSTOM
re-set.
SeeCUSTOM.
Greek
1485. ethos --custom, a usage (prescribed by habit or law)...custom, a usage (prescribed by habit or law). Part of Speech: Noun, Neuter
Transliteration: ethos Phonetic Spelling: (eth'-os) Short Definition: a
custom...1486. etho -- to be accustomed, part.custom
...custom. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: etho Phonetic Spelling: (eth'-o) Short
Definition: I am accustomed,custom, what was customary Definition: I am...
2239. ethos --custom
...custom. Part of Speech: Noun, Neuter Transliteration: ethos Phonetic Spelling:
(ay'-thos) Short Definition: habit, manner,custom, morals Definition: habit...
1480. ethizo -- to accustom, ie the establishedcustom (perf. pass...
... ethizo. 1481 . to accustom, ie the establishedcustom (perf. pass.... Word Origin
from ethos Definition to accustom, ie the establishedcustom (perf. pass....
3546. nomisma -- acustom, current coin
... acustom, current coin. Part of Speech: Noun, Neuter Transliteration: nomisma Phonetic
Spelling: (nom'-is-mah) Short Definition: money, coin Definition: money...
4914. sunetheia -- habit, habitual use
... habit, habitual use. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: sunetheia Phonetic
Spelling: (soon-ay'-thi-ah) Short Definition: acustom, habit Definition...
754. architelones -- a chief tax collector
... Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration: architelones Phonetic Spelling:
(ar-khee-tel-o'-nace) Short Definition: head of acustom-house, chief tax...
5056. telos -- an end, a toll
... word Definition an end, a toll NASB Word Usage continually* (1),custom (2), customs
(1), end (24), ends (2), finished (1), fulfillment (1), goal (1), outcome...
111. athemitos -- lawless
... 111 (an adjective, derived from 1/A "not" and , "acustom, what is acceptable because
accepted") -- properly, not acceptable based on the prevailingcustom or...
3551. nomos -- that which is assigned, hence usage, law
... Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration: nomos Phonetic Spelling:
(nom'-os) Short Definition: a law, the Mosaic Law Definition: usage,custom, law;...
Strong's Hebrew
4941. mishpat -- judgment... Definition judgment NASB Word Usage arrangements (1), case (5), case* (1), cause
(7), charge (1), claim (1), court (2), crimes (1),
custom (11), customs (2
...2706. choq -- something prescribed or owed, a statute
... from chaqaq Definition something prescribed or owed, a statute NASB Word Usage
allotment (5), boundaries (1), boundary (2), conditions (1),custom (1), decree...
1093. belo -- tribute
... 1092, 1093. belo. 1094 . tribute. Transliteration: belo Phonetic Spelling:
(bel-o') Short Definition:custom. Word Origin (Aramaic...
2708. chuqqah -- something prescribed, an enactment, statute
... 62), statutory (2). appointed,custom, manner, ordinance, site, statute. Feminine
of choq, and meaning substantially the same -- appointed...
1983. halak -- a toll
...custom. (Aramaic) from halak; properly, a journey, ie (by implication) toll on goods
at a road --custom. see HEBREW halak. 1982, 1983. halak. 1984 ....
1870. derek -- way, road, distance, journey, manner
... wherever* (1). along, away, because of, by, conversation,custom, eastward,
journey,. From darak; a road (as trodden); figuratively...
8442. toah -- a wandering, error
... Word Origin from the same as toebah Definition a wandering, error NASB Word Usage
disturbance (1), error (1). abominablecustom, thing, abomination....
8452. torah -- law
... Word Origin probably fem. of tor, qv. law Probably feminine of towr; acustom --
manner. see HEBREW towr. 8451, 8452. torah. 8453 . Strong's Numbers.
1697. dabar -- speech, word
... 1), concerning* (3), conclusion* (1), conditions (1), conduct (2), conferred (1),
consultation (1), conversation (1), counsel (1),custom (1), customs (1...
6901. qabal -- to receive, take
... root Definition to receive, take NASB Word Usage accept (4), accepted (1), made
acustom (1), opposite (2), received (2), take (1), took (1), undertook (1)....
Library
Bondage ofCustom. February 4.
... Bondage ofCustom.... Strive all your life to free men from the bondage ofcustom and
self, the two great elements of the world that lieth in wickedness. MS....
Custom in Sin.
... From the 70th to the 109th Hymn, I hope the reader will forgive the neglect of the
rhyme in the first and third lines of the stanza. Hymn 2:160.Custom in sin....
WhetherCustom Can Obtain Force of Law?
... OF CHANGE IN LAWS (FOUR ARTICLES) Whethercustom can obtain force of law? Objection
1: It would seem thatcustom cannot obtain force of law, nor abolish a law....
Truth andCustom.
... Homily IV. Chapter XI."Truth andCustom. "There is a certain great
difference, O men of Greece, between truth andcustom. For...
Of theCustom which is Kept up in the Province of Egypt for...
... II. Second Conference of Abbot Moses. Chapter II. Of thecustom which is kept
up in the Province of Egypt for signifying the time of Easter....
Fragment vii. ThisCustom of not Bending the Knee Upon Sunday...
... Fragment VII. Thiscustom of not bending the knee upon Sunday? This [4811]
[custom], of not bending the knee upon Sunday, is a...
Of theCustom of Set Appointed Retreats for Meditation...
... MEDITATION. CHAPTER IV. Of thecustom of set appointed Retreats for Meditation?
Sec. 1. Of thecustom of set appointed Retreats for Meditation, &c. Sec....
Custom in Sin.
... Hymns, Book II HYMN 160Custom in sin. LMCustom in sin. Let the wild leopards
of the wood. Put off the spots that nature gives,....
Custom is Indeed in Everything Hard to Resist. ...
... II."Ascetic and Moral. Chapter IX.Custom is indeed in everything hard
to resist.?Custom is indeed in everything hard to resist....
Of theCustom of Having Twelve Prayers.
... Prolegomena. Chapter VI. Of theCustom of having Twelve Prayers. Whereupon
the venerable assembly of the Fathers understood that...
Thesaurus
Custom (51 Occurrences)... had their stations at the gates of cities, and in the public highways, and at the
place set apart for that purpose, called the "receipt of
custom" (Matthew 9: 9
...Manners (6 Occurrences)
... Testament: "Manner" (probably from manus, "the hand," mode of handling things, or
acting) is in the Bible in general equivalent (1) to way,custom, habit, etc...
Manner (351 Occurrences)
... Testament: "Manner" (probably from manus, "the hand," mode of handling things, or
acting) is in the Bible in general equivalent (1) to way,custom, habit, etc...
Receipt (3 Occurrences)
... paid. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. RECEIPT OFCUSTOM. re-set. SeeCUSTOM.
Multi-Version Concordance Receipt (3 Occurrences). Matthew...
Gleaning (10 Occurrences)
... glen'-ing (laqat, `alal): Thecustom of allowing the poor to follow the reapers
in the field and glean the fallen spears of grain is strikingly illustrated in...
Fashion (24 Occurrences)
... 2. (n.) The prevailing mode or style, especially of dress;custom or conventional
usage in respect of dress, behavior, etiquette, etc.; particularly, the mode...
Shoe-latchet (1 Occurrence)
... Ruth 4:7 states as a "custom in former times in Israel," that when any bargain was
closed "a man drew off his shoe, and gave it to his neighbor." This was of...
Shoelatchet (1 Occurrence)
... Ruth 4:7 states as a "custom in former times in Israel," that when any bargain was
closed "a man drew off his shoe, and gave it to his neighbor." This was of...
Altar (343 Occurrences)
... Distinction II. LAY ALTARS 1. Pre-Mosaic 2. In the Mosaic Age 3. Dangers
of theCustom 4. The Mosaic Provisions III. HORNED ALTARS...
Banquet (58 Occurrences)
... John 12:2). These meals were in the days of Christ usually called "suppers," after
thecustom of the Romans, and were partaken of toward the close of the day....
Resources
What is the significance of the folded napkin in Christ's tomb after the resurrection? | GotQuestions.orgHow should a Christian view tradition? | GotQuestions.orgShould we have a Christmas tree? | GotQuestions.orgCustom: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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