ἔθω (ethō)
ethō
to have a custom
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb ethō describes a state of being accustomed or wont to do something. It captures the habitual nature of an action rather than a single event. In the New Testament, it appears only four times, primarily in the Synoptic Gospels and Acts.
Its most notable usage occurs in Luke 4:16, where Jesus goes to Nazareth "as was his custom" (kata to eithis). This phrase uses the neuter participle of the verb as a noun. It highlights that Jesus’ attendance at synagogue was not an occasional novelty but a steady practice rooted in Jewish life.
The word also appears in Matthew 27:15 and Mark 10:42 regarding a customary pardon granted by Pilate or requested by the crowd. Here, ethō underscores the weight of tradition. The people relied on a long-standing precedent, showing how deeply ingrained practices influence social and political interactions.
Etymologically, it relates to the concept of habit. It does not imply moral obligation but simply describes what is normal or expected in a given context. Translators often render it as "custom" or "accustomed," preserving the sense of regularity without adding theological judgment.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Greek word ἔθω (ethō) describes what we are accustomed to doing. It points to habits that shape our daily lives. In Scripture, this term highlights how regular practices ground us in faith and community.
Jesus attended the synagogue as was his custom (Luke 4:16). This shows that spiritual growth often comes from steady, faithful routines. Paul also reasoned with people as was his custom (Acts 17:2), demonstrating that consistent engagement with others is vital for sharing hope.
When we reflect on our own habits, we can ask God to help us align them with His will. Small, repeated actions build a life of integrity and trust in Him.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- being customary2×
- had been accustomed1×
- He had been accustomed1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- εἰώθει2×
- εἰωθὸς2×
Key Verses
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Luke 4:16
He came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up. He entered, as was his custom, into the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and stood up to read.
This verse shows Jesus' regular attendance at the synagogue, highlighting how habitual practice rooted Him in Jewish life and Scripture.
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Acts 17:2
Paul, as was his custom, went in to them; and for three Sabbath days reasoned with them from the Scriptures,
Paul's consistent reasoning with people from Scriptures demonstrates how steady engagement builds understanding and connection.
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Matthew 27:15
Now at the feast the governor was accustomed to release to the multitude one prisoner whom they desired.
The governor's customary release of a prisoner illustrates how established traditions influenced social and political interactions during that time.