Jump to: ISBE • Easton's • Webster's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Greek • Hebrew • Library • Subtopics • Terms 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 Context In 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 Context In 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 Customs The 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 Church As 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. Conclusion Throughout 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 21:12 Mark 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): 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 as Judges 11:39 Jeremiah 32:11, and especially Ezra 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." In Leviticus 18:30 Jeremiah 10:3 the reference is to heathen religious practices. RECEIPT OF CUSTOM re-set. 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 ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1485.htm - 7k 1486. etho -- to be accustomed, part. custom 2239. ethos -- custom 1480. ethizo -- to accustom, ie the established custom (perf. pass ... 3546. nomisma -- a custom, current coin 4914. sunetheia -- habit, habitual use 754. architelones -- a chief tax collector 5056. telos -- an end, a toll 111. athemitos -- lawless 3551. nomos -- that which is assigned, hence usage, 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 ... /hebrew/4941.htm - 7k 2706. choq -- something prescribed or owed, a statute 1093. belo -- tribute 2708. chuqqah -- something prescribed, an enactment, statute 1983. halak -- a toll 1870. derek -- way, road, distance, journey, manner 8442. toah -- a wandering, error 8452. torah -- law 1697. dabar -- speech, word 6901. qabal -- to receive, take Library Bondage of Custom. February 4. Custom in Sin. Whether Custom Can Obtain Force of Law? Truth and Custom. Of the Custom which is Kept up in the Province of Egypt for ... Fragment vii. This Custom of not Bending the Knee Upon Sunday... Of the Custom of Set Appointed Retreats for Meditation... Custom in Sin. Custom is Indeed in Everything Hard to Resist. ... Of the Custom of Having Twelve Prayers. 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 ... /c/custom.htm - 28k Manners (6 Occurrences) Manner (351 Occurrences) Receipt (3 Occurrences) Gleaning (10 Occurrences) Fashion (24 Occurrences) Shoe-latchet (1 Occurrence) Shoelatchet (1 Occurrence) Altar (343 Occurrences) Banquet (58 Occurrences) Resources What is the significance of the folded napkin in Christ's tomb after the resurrection? | GotQuestions.orgHow should a Christian view tradition? | GotQuestions.org Should we have a Christmas tree? | GotQuestions.org Custom: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Custom (51 Occurrences)Matthew 9:9 Matthew 17:25 Matthew 27:15 Mark 2:14 Mark 10:1 Luke 1:9 Luke 2:27 Luke 2:42 Luke 4:16 Luke 5:27 Luke 22:39 John 2:6 John 18:39 John 19:40 Acts 15:1 Acts 16:13 Acts 17:2 Acts 25:16 Romans 13:7 1 Corinthians 11:16 Hebrews 10:25 Genesis 19:31 Genesis 29:26 Genesis 31:35 Genesis 40:13 Exodus 21:9 Judges 8:24 Judges 11:39 Judges 13:12 Ruth 4:7 1 Samuel 2:13 1 Samuel 8:9 1 Samuel 8:11 1 Samuel 27:11 2 Samuel 7:19 1 Kings 18:28 2 Kings 11:14 2 Kings 17:26 2 Kings 17:27 2 Kings 17:33 2 Kings 17:40 2 Chronicles 30:16 Ezra 3:4 Ezra 4:13 Ezra 4:20 Ezra 7:24 Esther 1:13 Esther 9:23 Esther 9:27 Job 1:5 Jeremiah 32:11 Subtopics Related Terms |
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