Brief Overview of ἦθος (Strong’s G2239: ēthos)

Introduction

Understanding Greek words such as ἦθος (ēthos) is essential in Biblical studies as it allows us to grasp the deeper nuances of scripture and ancient writings. The word ἦθος is significant because it conveys the concept of character, habits, and moral conduct, which is crucial in understanding teachings and narratives in the New Testament. Its usage reflects both ethical philosophy in ancient Greek culture and the moral standards expected of believers in the early Christian community.

Key Information

The Greek Word: ἦθος (ēthos), pronounced [AY-thos].
Etymology: Derived from the root word ἔθω (éthō), meaning “to be accustomed” or “to dwell,” referring to habitual character or disposition.
Part of Speech: Noun; third declension, neuter.
The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Primary Meanings

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Character: Refers to a person’s moral qualities or dispositions.
Habit: Indicates a regular practice or way of behaving that is deeply ingrained.
Custom or Usage: In a broader sense, it can also mean the practices or traditions of a group or culture.

Similar Words: ἔθος (éthos), pronounced [EH-thos], is closely related and sometimes interchangeable with ἦθος. While ἔθος also refers to custom or habit, it is often used in a more general sense for societal customs or traditions, rather than individual moral character. Another related term is ἠθικός (ēthikós), pronounced [ay-thi-KOS], meaning “ethical,” which pertains to the study or consideration of morals.

Further Insights: ἦθος is a third declension neuter noun. Its forms can vary widely, especially in ancient texts. The word often reflects broader philosophical discussions in classical literature about ethics and moral behavior.

Case	Singular	Plural
Nominative	ἦθος	ἤθη
Genitive	ἤθους	ἠθῶν
Dative	ἤθει	ἤθεσι(ν)
Accusative	ἦθος	ἤθη
Vocative	ἦθος	ἤθη

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Lexicon Insights

BDAG: ἦθος is defined as “habit, usage, custom” and “character, moral disposition.” The lexicon emphasizes its use in describing both individual and collective moral behaviors, particularly in philosophical contexts where discussions of virtue and vice are prominent.

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Thayers: Thayer’s Lexicon explains ἦθος as “moral character” or “moral custom.” It highlights its function in moral and ethical teachings in the New Testament and notes its importance in understanding the qualities that define a person or group.

Vines: Vines’ Expository Dictionary notes ἦθος as a term often translated as “habit” or “character,” explaining how it is associated with ethical teachings about personal conduct and integrity.

LSJ: The Liddell-Scott-Jones Lexicon provides a detailed entry on ἦθος, focusing on its use in classical Greek literature to mean “character,” “habit,” “custom,” or “manners.” It emphasizes the word’s importance in discussions about human behavior, both individually and societally.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: ἦθος is rendered as “habit” or “custom” in Strong’s Concordance, providing insight into its application within the context of personal and communal ethics.

Related Scripture References

1 Corinthians 15:33: “Do not be deceived: ‘Bad company corrupts good morals [ἦθος].'”
Acts 13:10: “You who are full of all deceit and fraud, you son of the devil, you enemy of all righteousness, will you not cease to make crooked the straight ways [ἦθος] of the Lord?”

Classical Usage

Author	Name of Work	English Text
Aristotle	Nicomachean Ethics	“Virtue is concerned with feelings and actions, in which it observes the mean relative to us, as defined by reason and as the man of practical wisdom would determine it. It is a mean between two vices, that which depends on excess and that which depends on defect.” (Virtue refers to the ideal ethical character or ἦθος.)
Plato	Republic	“Justice is the excellence of the soul and injustice is its defect. A good character (ἦθος) is formed by wisdom.”
Xenophon	Memorabilia	“Socrates called upon all men to learn the goodness of character (ἦθος) by practicing virtue.”
Septuagint	Proverbs 4:23	“Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life; this is the ethical way (ἦθος) of wisdom.”
Septuagint	Isaiah 55:8	“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways (ἦθος) my ways, declares the Lord.”
Septuagint	Ecclesiastes 7:29	“See, this alone I found, that God made man upright, but they have sought out many schemes.” (Upright here reflects ethical ἦθος.)

Summary of ἦθος (G2239: ēthos)

The Greek word ἦθος (ēthos) is a significant term in both Biblical and classical Greek contexts, referring primarily to “character” or “habit.” It provides essential insight into discussions of moral philosophy, ethical conduct, and the nature of virtuous living. In the New Testament, ἦθος highlights the importance of genuine inner character in the lives of believers, as opposed to mere outward appearances. This concept is deeply rooted in both Greek philosophical traditions and early Christian teachings, underscoring the continuity between ethical philosophy and Biblical moral instruction.

Did You Know?

The modern English word “ethics” is derived from ἦθος (ēthos), highlighting its foundational role in the study of morality and human behavior.
Aristotle’s concept of “virtue ethics” is largely built upon the idea of ἦθος as the development of good habits that form a virtuous character.
In the New Testament, ἦθος is often used to contrast genuine moral conduct with hypocritical or superficial religiosity, especially in the teachings of Jesus and Paul.