ἐθίζω (ethizō)
ethizō
be accustomed
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb ethizō means to accustom someone to a practice, establishing a habit through repetition. It describes the process by which repeated actions become ingrained behavior, moving from a new experience to a settled routine. In the New Testament, this word appears only once, in Luke’s Gospel.
Its single occurrence highlights how early Christians navigated tradition. In Luke 2:27, Simeon goes up to the temple "by the Spirit" and finds Jesus, but the text notes he did so according to the custom (ethizō) of the Law. This usage points to the established religious practices of Judaism that shaped the daily life of devout Jews in first-century Jerusalem.
The word is related to ethos, which refers to character or custom. While it does not carry strong theological weight on its own, it illustrates how faith was lived out within specific cultural and legal frameworks. The term helps readers understand that Jesus’ family participated in the regular rhythms of Jewish worship, grounding their spiritual life in the accepted customs of their time.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word ethizō describes the gentle process of becoming accustomed to something through repetition. It is not about rigid legalism, but rather the comfortable rhythm of faithful living. In Luke 2:27, we see Simeon moving through the temple courts according to this custom. His actions were not frantic or new, but settled and familiar, shaped by years of devotion.
This reminds us that our own faith is often lived out in these quiet, repeated moments. We do not always need dramatic experiences to connect with God. Sometimes, simply showing up in the routine of prayer, service, or community is where we find Him. These habits form the character of our hearts over time.
When you feel overwhelmed by the noise of daily life, remember that consistency matters. Small, faithful steps build a sturdy foundation. You are not alone in your journey; many before you have walked this same path of steady devotion. May you find peace in the simple act of showing up for God each day.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- accustomed1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- εἰθισμένον1×
Key Verses
-
Luke 2:27
He came in the Spirit into the temple. When the parents brought in the child, Jesus, that they might do concerning him according to the custom of the law,
This verse uses ethizō to show that Simeon's encounter with Jesus was framed by his lifelong habit of faithful temple attendance, grounding the divine moment in familiar religious practice.