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ἔθω

éthō

G1486 verb

SILEX Entry

Definition

To be accustomed, to be wont, to be in the habit (of doing something); fundamentally denotes the process or state of acquiring a habitual practice or custom. In various contexts, can refer to both individuals and communities who regularly perform an action or uphold a practice as part of tradition or established manner.

Semantic Range

to be in the habit of, to be accustomed (to), to do customarily, to be wont, to be used to, to have as a regular practice

Root / Etymology

From the root ἐθ-, which is also seen in the noun ἔθος (custom, habit). The verb ἔθω is a primary Greek verb from which various cognates (such as ἔθος, ἔθιμος) are derived. Not related to any known Semitic word.

Historical & Contextual Notes

ἔθω is an old verb with early attestations in classical Greek literature, where it typically denotes being habituated or accustomed to something (e.g., Homer, Herodotus, Plato). In Koine Greek, the verb itself is rare, but its neuter perfect participle εἰωθός sometimes appears with a substantival function, signifying 'custom' or 'habitual practice.' This form is especially seen in judicial or legal contexts for established law or custom (cf. LXX, Josephus). The related noun ἔθος becomes more common as Koine develops. English translations like 'be custom,' 'be wont,' or 'be manner' sometimes obscure the sense of learned, habitual practice or socially maintained convention inherent in the Greek. Distinct from νόμος (law), ἔθω and its cognates concern practices perpetuated through repeated action rather than formal legislation. Modern English terms like 'to be accustomed' best approximate its general function.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

a primary verb; to be used (by habit or conventionality); neuter perfect participle usage:--be custom (manner, wont).

Root Family

ἔθω (ethō) — to be accustomed, to be wont, to practice habitually

Root ἐθ- to be accustomed, to be wont, to practice habitually

Word Forms

2 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G1486-02 εἰωθὸς eiothos V PRF ACT PTCP ACC N SG custom the customary practice custom 2
G1486-01 εἰώθει eiothei V PLPF ACT IND 3P SG He was accustomed had been accustomed had been accustomed 2

Occurrences in Scripture

4 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G1486-01 Matthew 27:15 εἰώθει eiothei V PLPF ACT IND 3P SG was accustomed had been accustomed had been accustomed
G1486-01 Mark 10:1 εἰώθει eiothei V PLPF ACT IND 3P SG He was accustomed had been accustomed had been accustomed
G1486-02 Luke 4:16 εἰωθὸς eiothos V PRF ACT PTCP ACC N SG custom the customary practice custom
G1486-02 Acts 17:2 εἰωθὸς eiothos V PRF ACT PTCP ACC N SG custom the customary practice customary practice
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