2239. éthos

Lexicon

éthos: Custom, habit, manner, character

Original Word: ἦθος
Part of Speech: Noun, Neuter
Transliteration: éthos
Pronunciation: AY-thos
Phonetic Spelling: (ay'-thos)
Definition: Custom, habit, manner, character
Meaning: habit, manner, custom, morals.

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

manners.

A strengthened form of ethos; usage, i.e. (plural) moral habits -- manners.

see GREEK ethos

HELPS Word-studies

2239 ēthos (from 1485 /éthos, "habit, custom") – "familiar morals," referring to daily life-style (moral habits, behavioral patterns). 2239 /ēthos ("habits, morally regarded") only occurs in 1 Cor 15:33.

[The English term "ethics" is derived from 2239 /ēthos.]

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
prol. form of ethos
Definition
custom
NASB Translation
morals (1).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon

STRONGS NT 2239: ἦθος

ἦθος, ᾔθεος (ἐθους), τό (akin to ἔθος, probably from ἘΩ, whence ἧμαι, έ῾ζω (cf. Vanicek, p. 379));

1. a customary abode, dwelling-place, haunt, customary state (Homer, Hesiod, Herodotus, others).

2. custom, usage (cf. German Sitzen,Sitte); plural τά ἤθη morals, character (Latinmores) 1 Corinthians 15:33 from Menander; cf. Menander fragment, Meineke edition, p. 75. (Sir. 20:26 (25); 4 Macc. 1:29; 2:7, 21.)

Topical Lexicon

Word Origin: Derived from a primary word meaning "custom" or "habit."

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: While there is no direct Hebrew equivalent for ἦθος, the concept of moral character and ethical conduct is prevalent throughout the Old Testament. Hebrew terms such as תֹּם (tom, Strong's 8537) meaning "integrity" and יָשָׁר (yashar, Strong's 3477) meaning "upright" convey similar ideas of moral uprightness and ethical behavior. These terms reflect the biblical call to live a life that is pleasing to God, characterized by righteousness and integrity.

Usage: The word ἦθος is used in the New Testament to describe the moral character or habitual conduct of individuals or groups. It is often associated with ethical behavior and the intrinsic qualities that define a person's actions.

Context: The Greek term ἦθος appears in the New Testament to convey the concept of moral character and ethical behavior. It is a term that reflects the inner qualities and habitual actions that define an individual's character. In the context of the New Testament, ἦθος is often used to describe the expected conduct of believers, emphasizing the importance of living in a manner consistent with the teachings of Christ.

For example, in 1 Corinthians 15:33, the Apostle Paul warns, "Do not be deceived: 'Bad company corrupts good character (ἦθος).'" Here, ἦθος is used to highlight the influence of associations on one's moral character, underscoring the need for believers to maintain integrity and righteousness in their relationships.

The concept of ἦθος is integral to the ethical teachings of the New Testament, where believers are called to exhibit the character of Christ in their daily lives. This involves cultivating virtues such as love, patience, kindness, and self-control, which are reflective of a transformed life in Christ.

The emphasis on ἦθος in the New Testament aligns with the broader biblical narrative that calls for a life of holiness and moral integrity. It serves as a reminder that true faith is evidenced by a life that consistently reflects the values and principles of the Kingdom of God.

Forms and Transliterations

ηθη ήθη ἤθη ethe ēthē ḗthe ḗthē

Englishman's Concordance

1 Corinthians 15:33 N-ANP
GRK: πλανᾶσθε φθείρουσιν ἤθη χρηστὰ ὁμιλίαι
NAS: corrupts good morals.
KJV: corrupt good manners.
INT: Be misled corrupts character good companionships

Strong's Greek 2239
1 Occurrence

ἤθη — 1 Occ.