Custom (2)
Culture & SocietyWhat is the meaning of Custom (2) in the Bible?
Custom denotes established social and religious practices that function alongside or interchangeably with statutory law, a concept attested in both Old and New Testament texts.
SIGNIFICANCE
Distinguishing between formal law and customary practice enables accurate interpretation of the social dynamics and legal obligations depicted in biblical narratives.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Ancient Cultural Lens: Avoid applying 21st-century Western assumptions to Custom (2). Examine how first-century or Near Eastern listeners understood this practice within their daily social dynamics.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Custom (2) in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Custom (2) clarify?
Related Topics
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Custom (2)." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/custom-2/