Topical Encyclopedia
In the context of the Bible, "customs" refer to the traditional practices, rituals, and social norms that were prevalent among the people and cultures described in the Scriptures. These customs often held significant religious, social, and legal implications and were integral to the daily lives of the Israelites and early Christians.
Old Testament Customs1.
Religious Practices: The Old Testament is replete with customs related to worship and religious observance. The Israelites were given specific instructions on sacrifices, festivals, and rituals. For example, the Passover (
Exodus 12:14-20) was a significant custom commemorating the Israelites' deliverance from Egypt. The Sabbath (
Exodus 20:8-11) was another critical custom, emphasizing rest and worship.
2.
Social and Legal Customs: The Mosaic Law outlined various customs that governed social behavior and legal matters. These included laws on marriage, inheritance, and property rights. For instance, the practice of levirate marriage, where a man was obliged to marry his deceased brother's widow to produce offspring for the deceased (
Deuteronomy 25:5-10), was a notable custom.
3.
Cultural Customs: Customs such as hospitality were highly valued. Abraham's reception of the three visitors in
Genesis 18:1-8 exemplifies the importance of hospitality. Additionally, mourning customs, such as wearing sackcloth and ashes (
Genesis 37:34), were common expressions of grief.
New Testament Customs1.
Jewish Customs: The New Testament reflects the continuation of many Jewish customs. Jesus and His disciples observed Jewish festivals and customs, such as Passover (
Luke 22:7-20). The Apostle Paul also adhered to certain Jewish customs to reach his fellow Jews (
Acts 21:20-26).
2.
Christian Practices: As Christianity emerged, new customs developed. Baptism and the Lord's Supper became central practices for Christians. Baptism was a public declaration of faith and repentance (
Acts 2:38), while the Lord's Supper commemorated Jesus' sacrifice (
1 Corinthians 11:23-26).
3.
Social Customs: The early church navigated various social customs, often challenging prevailing norms. For example, the inclusion of Gentiles into the Christian community without requiring adherence to all Jewish customs was a significant development (
Acts 15:1-29).
Customs in the Life of JesusJesus often engaged with and sometimes challenged the customs of His time. He upheld the Law but emphasized its spirit over mere ritualistic observance. For instance, He healed on the Sabbath, highlighting the principle of mercy over strict Sabbath observance (
Mark 3:1-6). Jesus also critiqued customs that contradicted God's commandments, such as the tradition of Corban, which allowed individuals to neglect their familial responsibilities under the guise of religious devotion (
Mark 7:9-13).
Customs and the Early ChurchThe early church grappled with the integration of Jewish and Gentile believers, leading to discussions on which customs were essential for salvation. The Jerusalem Council (Acts 15) addressed these issues, concluding that Gentile converts need not adhere to all Jewish customs, such as circumcision, but should abstain from practices associated with idolatry and immorality.
ConclusionCustoms in the Bible reflect the dynamic interplay between tradition, law, and faith. They provide insight into the cultural and religious life of biblical times and illustrate the transformative impact of God's revelation through Jesus Christ and the early church.
Greek
244. allotriepiskopos -- one who meddles in things alien to his...... From allotrios and episkopos; overseeing others' affairs, ie A meddler (specially,
in Gentile
customs) -- busybody in other men's matters. see GREEK allotrios.
...5442. phulasso -- to guard, watch
... I am on my guard, (b) act. and mid. ofcustoms and regulations: I keep, observe.
5442 (akin to 5441 , "a military guard") -- properly...
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...
1485. ethos -- custom, a usage (prescribed by habit or law)
... See 1486 (). Word Origin from etho Definition custom, a usage (prescribed by habit
or law) NASB Word Usage custom (6),customs (5), habit (1). custom, manner....
1484. ethnos -- a race, a nation, pl. the nations (as distinct...
... 1484 (from , "forming a custom, culture") -- properly, people joined by practicing
similarcustoms or common culture; (), usually referring to unbelieving (non...
1218. demos -- a district or country, the common people, esp. the...
... 1218 (from 1210 , "to bind, tie") -- people bound (tied) together by similar laws
orcustoms (like citizens in an ancient Greek city forming an , cf. 1577 )....
Strong's Hebrew
4941. mishpat -- judgment... judgment NASB Word Usage arrangements (1), case (5), case* (1), cause (7), charge
(1), claim (1), court (2), crimes (1), custom (11),
customs (2), decide (1
...1697. dabar -- speech, word
... 3), conclusion* (1), conditions (1), conduct (2), conferred (1), consultation (1),
conversation (1), counsel (1), custom (1),customs (1), dealings (2), decree...
2708. chuqqah -- something prescribed, an enactment, statute
... of choq Definition something prescribed, an enactment, statute NASB Word Usage
appointed (1),customs (5), due (1), fixed order (1), fixed patterns (1...
Library
ApprenticeshipCustoms
... Chapter 9. Wesley's Marriage; Dealings with Cornwall Smugglers; His Illness
and Recovery ApprenticeshipCustoms. Wednesday, 25."We...
The Difference of SomeCustoms of the Galileans from those of...
... A Chorographical Century. Chapters 81-90 Chapter 86 The difference of some
customs of the Galileans from those of Judea. It is not...
JewishCustoms.
... Book IX. Chapter XXVIII."JewishCustoms. "I shall add another thing which
may satisfy even the most incredulous. All the Jews...
Customs of the Gelones.
... Book IX. Chapter XXII."Customs of the Gelones. "Amongst the Geli also
there is a custom, that women cultivate the fields, build...
Let the AncientCustoms in Egypt, Libya and Pentapolis Prevail...
... Canon VI. Let the ancientcustoms in Egypt, Libya and Pentapolis prevail?
Let the ancientcustoms in Egypt, Libya and Pentapolis...
DifferentCustoms of Different Countries.
... Book IX. Chapter XXIV."DifferentCustoms of Different Countries. "In the
regions of Britain several men have one wife; in Parthia...
DevoutCustoms and Usages
... DevoutCustoms and Usages.... Times andcustoms have changed, but the dress of the Priest,
made sacred by association with his holy work, has remained unaltered....
A List Worthy of Study, Given by the Historian, ofCustoms among...
... Book VII. Chapter XIX."A List Worthy of Study, Given by the Historian,
ofCustoms among Different Nations and Churches. We have...
Justin Justifies his Departure from GreekCustoms.
... Chapter I."Justin justifies his departure from Greekcustoms. Do not
suppose, ye Greeks, that my separation from yourcustoms...
Answer to the Objection of the Heathen, that it was not Right to...
... Chapter X."Answer to the Objection of the Heathen, that It Was Not Right
to Abandon theCustoms of Their Fathers. But you say...
Thesaurus
Customs (25 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Customs (25 Occurrences). Matthew
... Simon? From whom
do this world's kings receive
customs or capitation tax?
...Fasting (34 Occurrences)
... The theory that fasting, like many other ancientcustoms, had a religious origin,
is in favor with scholars, but we must not assume a religious origin for all...
Fast (157 Occurrences)
... The theory that fasting, like many other ancientcustoms, had a religious origin,
is in favor with scholars, but we must not assume a religious origin for all...
Semites
... It is not certain therefore which gods,customs, laws, etc., of the Babylonians
were Semites, and not adopted from those whom they superseded....
Revenue (10 Occurrences)
... 3. (n.) The annual yield of taxes, excise,customs, duties, rents, etc., which a
nation, state, or municipality collects and receives into the treasury for...
Righteousness (442 Occurrences)
... the state of him who is such as he ought to be" (Thayer)): 1. Double Aspect of
Righteousness: Changing and Permanent 2. SocialCustoms and Righteousness 3...
Persians (6 Occurrences)
... Clan Divisions 3. Achemenian Dynasty II. CIVILIZATION 1. Writing 2.
Institutions andCustoms III. HISTORY 1. Cyrus 2. Capture of...
Semitic
... It is not certain therefore which gods,customs, laws, etc., of the Babylonians
were Semites, and not adopted from those whom they superseded....
Bedstead (1 Occurrence)
... 1. Old Testament Terms for Bed, and SleepingCustoms of the Hebrews: With a later
development and civilization, "beds" came to be built upon supports and...
Stephen (13 Occurrences)
... Spirit with apostolical gifts, not only that of preaching, but also that of working
miracles (Acts 6:8). In his freer views of Jewish law andcustoms, due to...
Resources
What were common marriage customs in Bible times? | GotQuestions.orgAre there parallels between Jewish wedding traditions and our relationship to Christ? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is cultural appropriation? | GotQuestions.orgCustoms: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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