5286 custom
Dictionary of Bible Themes

Dictionary of Bible Themes  »  5000 Humanity  »  5200 Human civilisation  »  5286 custom

An established way or rule (often unwritten) of behaviour, either for an individual or in a society.

Examples of the customs of individuals

1 Samuel 27:11; Job 1:5; Mark 10:1; Luke 4:16; Acts 17:2

Examples of group customs

1 Samuel 2:13; 1 Kings 18:28; Luke 1:9; Acts 16:20-21

Examples of social customs

Genesis 29:26 The older daughter is married before the younger; Judges 8:24 The Ishmaelites wore gold ear-rings; Judges 14:10 wedding feasts; Ruth 4:7 exchanging sandals as symbol of closing deals; 1 Samuel 20:25

Court customs:

2 Kings 11:14; Esther 1:13

Mourning customs:

Ezekiel 24:17,22 Matthew 27:15 pp Mark 15:6 pp John 18:39 release of prisoners at Passover

Mary and Joseph obey the customs of the law:

Luke 2:27,42 John 19:40 burial customs; Acts 25:16 Roman legal customs

A custom can commemorate a particular event

Judges 11:39-40; Esther 9:27

God's people are not to follow improper customs

Leviticus 18:30 See also Leviticus 20:23; 2 Kings 17:7-8,19,33,40-41; Esther 3:8; Psalm 106:34-35,40-41; Jeremiah 10:2-3

The issue of whether or not Gentile Christians should follow Jewish customs

Galatians 2:14-16 See also Acts 6:11-14; Acts 15:1-2,28-29; Acts 21:21,24; Acts 28:17; Galatians 4:9-10; Colossians 2:8

See also

5155  hair
5303  embalming
5540  society
5588  traditions
5699  guests
5710  marriage, customs
5769  behaviour
5873  habits
7328  ceremonies
7394  memorial
7422  ritual
8217  conformity



Top of Page
Top of Page






Topical Bible

Bible Hub