In the context of biblical studies, the term "customarily" refers to practices, traditions, or behaviors that are habitually observed by individuals or communities, often rooted in cultural, religious, or social norms. These customs can provide insight into the daily lives and spiritual practices of biblical characters and societies.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, customs often reflect the covenantal relationship between God and His people, Israel. For example, the practice of circumcision was customarily performed on the eighth day after a male child's birth as a sign of the covenant between God and Abraham (Genesis 17:10-12). This custom was a physical manifestation of the Israelites' identity and commitment to God.

Another example is the observance of the Sabbath, which was customarily kept as a day of rest and worship, as commanded in the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:8-11). This practice set the Israelites apart from other nations and served as a reminder of God's creation and deliverance.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, customs continue to play a significant role in the life and ministry of Jesus and the early church. Jesus Himself participated in customary practices, such as attending synagogue on the Sabbath (Luke 4:16). This highlights His respect for Jewish traditions while also providing a platform for His teaching and ministry.

The Apostle Paul also navigated customs in his missionary work. In Acts 17:2, it is noted, "As was his custom, Paul went into the synagogue, and on three Sabbath days he reasoned with them from the Scriptures." Paul's adherence to this custom allowed him to engage with Jewish audiences and share the gospel message.

Cultural and Religious Significance

Customs in the Bible often carry deep cultural and religious significance. They can serve as expressions of faith, identity, and community belonging. For instance, the Passover meal, customarily observed by Jewish families, commemorates God's deliverance of the Israelites from Egypt (Exodus 12:14-27). This annual tradition reinforces the collective memory and identity of the Jewish people.

In the early Christian church, customs such as the breaking of bread and communal prayer were integral to worship and fellowship (Acts 2:42). These practices fostered unity and spiritual growth among believers.

Challenges and Adaptations

While customs can strengthen faith and community, they can also present challenges, particularly when they conflict with the teachings of Christ or the spread of the gospel. Jesus often confronted customs that had become legalistic or burdensome, emphasizing the spirit of the law over mere ritual (Mark 7:8-13).

The early church faced similar challenges as it expanded beyond Jewish communities. The Jerusalem Council in Acts 15 addressed the issue of whether Gentile converts should adhere to Jewish customs, ultimately deciding that faith in Christ, rather than adherence to the law, was the basis for salvation.

Conclusion

The study of customs in the Bible provides valuable insights into the historical and cultural contexts of biblical narratives. Understanding these practices helps illuminate the lived experiences of biblical figures and the development of religious traditions that continue to influence Christian faith and practice today.(adv.) In a customary manner; habitually.

Dwight -- the Sovereignty of God
... Metaphysical arguments, which are customarily employed for the purpose of establishing
this and several other doctrines of theology, are, if I mistake not ...
/.../kleiser/the worlds great sermons volume 3/dwight the sovereignty of.htm

The Literature
... The earliest Christian writings after the New Testament are customarily known under
the title "Apostolic Fathers." It is to a French scholar of the seventeenth ...
//christianbookshelf.org/richardson/early christian fathers/the literature.htm

Naturally we Love Ourselves Only. ...
... This duty of mortification requires of us that, deliberately and customarily, we
neither admit into our minds internally vain thoughts, nor outwardly speak or ...
/.../chapter iii naturally we love.htm

John Chapter viii. 31-36
... one is said to be delivered from some infirmity. So is it said customarily,
but not properly. But the Lord made such use of this ...
/.../augustine/homilies on the gospel of john/tractate xli john chapter viii.htm

Of the Affections of the Will.
... in the intellectual or reasonable appetite which is called the will, than there
are in the sensitive or sensual, but the first are customarily named affections ...
/.../francis/treatise on the love of god/chapter v of the affections.htm

Education, Training, Conduct, and Wisdom of the Great John ...
... For a word which is ornamented by deeds customarily shows itself as worthy of belief;
but without these the speaker appears as an impostor and a traitor to his ...
/.../chapter ii education training conduct and.htm

Of the Deeds of Sylla, in which the Demons Boasted that He had ...
... If such signs as this were customarily sent by just gods, and not by wicked demons,
then certainly the entrails he consulted should rather have given Sylla ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/city of god/chapter 24 of the deeds of.htm

Whether it is Credible that the Peace During the Reign of Numa was ...
... of the gods that the successor of Romulus, Numa Pompilius, enjoyed peace during
his entire reign, and shut the gates of Janus, which are customarily kept open ...
/.../augustine/city of god/chapter 9 whether it is credible.htm

That Although God is Always Judging, it is Nevertheless Reasonable ...
... know how many days this judgment may occupy; but no one who reads the Scriptures,
however negligently, need be told that in them "day" is customarily used for ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/augustine/city of god/chapter 1 that although god is.htm

By what Steps the Passion for Governing Increased among the Romans ...
... authoritative and forcible were his words, that the senate was moved to prohibit
the use even of those benches which hitherto had been customarily brought to ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/city of god/chapter 31 by what steps the.htm

Customarily (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (adv.) In a customary manner; habitually.
Multi-Version Concordance Customarily (1 Occurrence). Judges ...
/c/customarily.htm - 6k

Practice (71 Occurrences)
... courts. 10. (vt) To do or perform frequently, customarily, or habitually;
to make a practice of; as, to practice gaming. 11. (vt ...
/p/practice.htm - 28k

Customary (8 Occurrences)

/c/customary.htm - 8k

Use (620 Occurrences)
... a beast cruelly. 12. (vt) To practice customarily; to make a practice of;
as, to use diligence in business. 13. (vt) To accustom ...
/u/use.htm - 8k

Wont (19 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (a.) Using or doing customarily; accustomed; habituated;
used. 2. (n.) Custom; habit; use; usage. 3. (imp.) of Wont. ...
/w/wont.htm - 12k

Work (4564 Occurrences)
... conduce. 14. (n.) To carry on business; to be engaged or employed customarily;
to perform the part of a laborer; to labor; to toil. 15. ...
/w/work.htm - 12k

Mate (9 Occurrences)
... 6. (n.) One who customarily associates with another; a companion; an associate;
any object which is associated or combined with a similar object. ...
/m/mate.htm - 10k

Apt (7 Occurrences)
... 2. (a.) Having an habitual tendency; habitually liable or likely; -- used of things.
3. (a.) Inclined; disposed customarily; given; ready; -- used of persons. ...
/a/apt.htm - 9k

Custom (51 Occurrences)

/c/custom.htm - 28k

Dove (27 Occurrences)
... This proves that these birds were a common article of commerce, probably the most
used for caged pets, and those customarily employed for sacrifice. ...
/d/dove.htm - 28k

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Customarily: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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