"a custom, usage, habit, Lk. 2:42; 22:39; an institute, rite, Lk. 1:9; Acts 6:14; 15:1"
Definition and meaning
a custom, usage, habit, Lk. 2:42; 22:39; an institute, rite, Lk. 1:9; Acts 6:14; 15:1
In the original Greek the word is written: ἔθος
Historical context
Luke wrote as a historian addressing a Greek audience. He carefully interviewed eyewitnesses and arranged events in order. The social and economic realities he describes — Roman taxation, Jewish religious hierarchy, the marginalization of women and the poor — are consistent with first-century Judea under Roman administration.
The people who first heard this word were not reading a book — they were living through empires, oppression, exile, and covenant. Every word carried the weight of that reality. Understanding it changes how you read Scripture.
Scripture references
These are the most notable occurrences of ethos (G1485) across the King James Bible.
According to the custom of the priest's office, his lot was to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord.
And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast.
And he came out, and went, as he was wont, to the mount of Olives; and his disciples also followed him.
Then took they the body of Jesus, and wound it in linen clothes with the spices, as the manner of the Jews is to bury.
For we have heard him say, that this Jesus of Nazareth shall destroy this place, and shall change the customs which Moses delivered us.
And certain men which came down from Judaea taught the brethren, and said, Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved.
And teach customs, which are not lawful for us to receive, neither to observe, being Romans.
And they are informed of thee, that thou teachest all the Jews which are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, saying that they ought not to circumcise their children, neither to walk after the customs.
To whom I answered, It is not the manner of the Romans to deliver any man to die, before that he which is accused have the accusers face to face, and have licence to answer for himself concerning the crime laid against him.
Especially because I know thee to be expert in all customs and questions which are among the Jews: wherefore I beseech thee to hear me patiently.
Refiner gives you the full lexicon entry, AI-powered verse insight, historical commentary, cross-references, and voice study — all in one place.
Free to start · Disciple $4.99/mo · Shepherd $9.99/mo
Common questions
Strong's G1485 (ethos) is a Greek word that means: a custom, usage, habit, Lk. 2:42; 22:39; an institute, rite, Lk. 1:9; Acts 6:14; 15:1 It appears 12 times in the King James Bible.
The word ethos (G1485) appears 12 times in the original Greek text.
Strong's G1485 is ethos, a Greek word defined as: a custom, usage, habit, Lk. 2:42; 22:39; an institute, rite, Lk. 1:9; Acts 6:14; 15:1. James Strong catalogued this in his 1890 concordance to help English readers study the original languages of the Bible.
ethos is a Greek word found in the New Testament.