### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **éthos**, represented by `{{G1485}}`, is defined as a usage prescribed by habit or law. It appears **12 times** across **12 unique verses** in the Bible. This term signifies established practices, ranging from personal habits and manners to the foundational customs and legal traditions of a people or religious group.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{G1485}}` is used to describe various established practices. It refers to religious duties, such as the "custom `{{G1485}}` of the priest's office `{{G2405}}`" [[Luke 1:9]] and the traditional "manner `{{G1485}}` of the Jews `{{G2453}}`" for burial [[John 19:40]]. The term also denotes legal and civil procedures, as when it is described as not the "manner `{{G1485}}` of the Romans `{{G4514}}`" to deliver a man to die without a trial [[Acts 25:16]]. On a personal level, it describes Jesus's own habit, as he went to the Mount `{{G3735}}` of Olives `{{G1636}}` "as he was wont `{{G1485}}`" [[Luke 22:39]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words expand upon the concept of custom and established practice:
* `{{G1484}}` **éthnos** (a race (as of the same habit), i.e. a tribe): This term shows the direct link between the shared customs of a people and their identity as a nation. It appears in contexts where the "customs `{{G1485}}`" of the Jews `{{G2453}}` are contrasted with the practices of the Gentiles `{{G1484}}` [[Acts 21:21]].
* `{{G4043}}` **peripatéō** (to... walk... figuratively, to live, deport oneself, follow): This word connects custom to daily life and behavior. It is used in an accusation against Paul, claiming he taught Jews not "to walk `{{G4043}}` after the customs `{{G1485}}`" [[Acts 21:21]].
* `{{G1832}}` **éxesti** (it is right... be lawful, let, X may(-est)): This term highlights the legal and authoritative nature of some customs. In Philippi, Paul was accused of teaching "customs `{{G1485}}`, which are not lawful `{{G1832}}` for us to receive `{{G3858}}`... being `{{G5607}}` Romans `{{G4514}}`" [[Acts 16:21]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G1485}}` is significant, particularly in the book of Acts, where it highlights the tension between old traditions and the new faith in Christ.
* **Cultural and Religious Identity:** The word is used to define the boundaries of communities. Paul defends himself by stating he committed nothing against the "customs `{{G1485}}` of our fathers `{{G3971}}`" [[Acts 28:17]]. These customs were so integral that being "expert `{{G1109}}`" in them was a notable quality [[Acts 26:3]].
* **The Mosaic Law vs. Grace:** A central conflict in the early church revolved around whether adherence to Mosaic "customs `{{G1485}}`," such as circumcision, was required for salvation [[Acts 15:1]]. The accusation that Jesus of Nazareth `{{G3480}}` would "change `{{G236}}` the customs `{{G1485}}` which `{{G3739}}` Moses `{{G3475}}` delivered `{{G3860}}`" was a primary charge against the early believers [[Acts 6:14]].
* **Habit as Spiritual Practice:** The term is used to describe both positive and negative spiritual habits. Jesus demonstrated a consistent personal discipline, as it was his "wont `{{G1485}}`" to pray on the Mount of Olives [[Luke 22:39]]. In contrast, some believers had fallen into the bad "manner `{{G1485}}`" of forsaking the assembly, a practice they were exhorted to cease [[Hebrews 10:25]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G1485}}` is a multifaceted term that encompasses personal habit, cultural tradition, and religious law. It defines everything from the "custom `{{G1485}}` of the feast `{{G1859}}`" in Jerusalem [[Luke 2:42]] to the foundational legal traditions of the Roman empire. The word is crucial for understanding the concepts of identity, tradition, and the pivotal transition from the customs of the Mosaic law to life in the New Covenant.
TRV