ἔθω
ethō
to have a custom
Lexicon Entry
Lexicon data from STEPBible TIPNR, Tyndale House, Cambridge. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
What Original Readers Understood
ExploredThe word ἔθω, transliterated as ethō, represents a Greek verb in the Bible that translates to "to have a custom." Based on this definition, it appears that ethō refers to a habitual or traditional practice that is ingrained in an individual or community's culture. Looking at the four occurrences of this word in the Bible, it is used in contexts that suggest familiarity and adherence to established customs or norms. This usage implies that ethō is connected to social and cultural expectations, rather than personal choice or innovation. The word is not used to describe a positive or negative aspect of customs, but rather as a matter-of-fact description of existing practices. In the biblical record, the significance of ethō lies in its connection to cultural identity and traditional practice. It highlights the importance of social norms and expectations in shaping individual and communal behavior. Understanding ethō offers a glimpse into the cultural dynamics of the biblical world, where customs and traditions played a crucial role in defining community and relationships.
Source data & methodology
Occurrences in Scripture
4 total occurrences across the text
Now at the feast the governor was accustomed to release to the multitude one prisoner, whom they desired.
Mark 10:1He arose from there and came into the borders of Judea and beyond the Jordan. Multitudes came together to him again. As he usually did, he was again teaching them.
Luke 4:16He came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up. He entered, as was his custom, into the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and stood up to read.
Acts 17:2Paul, as was his custom, went in to them, and for three Sabbath days reasoned with them from the Scriptures,