In biblical times, customs played a significant role in the daily lives of individuals and communities. These customs were often deeply rooted in religious, cultural, and social practices, and they provided a framework for behavior and interaction within society. The Bible, both in the Old and New Testaments, references various customs that were prevalent among the Israelites and other ancient Near Eastern cultures.

Old Testament Customs

1. Marriage and Family: Marriage customs in the Old Testament were significant, often involving arranged marriages and dowries. Genesis 24:53 describes the custom of giving gifts as part of the marriage arrangement: "Then the servant brought out gold and silver jewelry and articles of clothing, and he gave them to Rebekah. He also gave precious gifts to her brother and her mother."

2. Hospitality: Hospitality was a vital custom, as seen in Genesis 18:1-8, where Abraham welcomes three visitors by offering them food and rest. This custom emphasized the importance of treating strangers with kindness and generosity.

3. Sabbath Observance: The observance of the Sabbath was a central custom for the Israelites, as commanded in Exodus 20:8-10: "Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God."

4. Festivals and Feasts: The Israelites observed several religious festivals, such as Passover, the Feast of Unleavened Bread, and the Feast of Tabernacles. These customs were instituted by God and are detailed in Leviticus 23.

5. Ritual Purity: Customs related to ritual purity were essential for maintaining holiness. Leviticus 11-15 outlines various laws concerning clean and unclean animals, skin diseases, and bodily discharges.

New Testament Customs

1. Synagogue Worship: The custom of attending synagogue services was a regular practice for Jews in the New Testament. Luke 4:16 notes, "He went to Nazareth, where He had been brought up. As was His custom, He entered the synagogue on the Sabbath."

2. Prayer and Fasting: Prayer and fasting were common customs among early Christians and Jews. Jesus taught about these practices in Matthew 6:5-18, emphasizing sincerity and humility.

3. Baptism: Baptism became a significant custom in the early Christian church, symbolizing repentance and the washing away of sins. Acts 2:38 records Peter's instruction: "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins."

4. Breaking of Bread: The custom of breaking bread, or the Lord's Supper, was instituted by Jesus and practiced by the early church as a remembrance of His sacrifice. Acts 2:42 states, "They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer."

5. Head Coverings: In 1 Corinthians 11:4-6, Paul addresses the custom of head coverings during worship, reflecting cultural norms of modesty and propriety.

Cultural and Social Customs

1. Greeting and Respect: Customs of greeting and showing respect were important in biblical times. For example, bowing or kneeling was a common sign of respect, as seen in Genesis 33:3 when Jacob bowed to Esau.

2. Funeral Practices: Burial customs were significant, with practices such as mourning, embalming, and the use of tombs. John 19:40 describes the burial of Jesus: "They took the body of Jesus and wrapped it in linen cloths with the spices, according to the Jewish burial custom."

3. Trade and Commerce: Customs related to trade and commerce, such as weights and measures, were regulated to ensure fairness and honesty, as instructed in Leviticus 19:35-36.

Customs in the Bible reflect the values and beliefs of the communities that practiced them. They provided structure and order, helping to maintain social cohesion and religious observance. Understanding these customs offers insight into the historical and cultural context of biblical narratives.