Brief Overview of συνήθεια (Strong’s G4914: synētheia)

Strong’s G4914: A compound noun combining σύν (with) and ἦθος (custom/habit), meaning established practice or customary usage. In NT usage, describes both cultural customs and ingrained habits, appearing in contexts ranging from religious practices to societal traditions.

U- Unveiling the Word

συνήθεια represents established patterns of behavior and social practices. As a compound word, it combines σύν (with) and ἦθος (custom), creating a term that describes customary practices or habitual behavior. Its usage in the New Testament spans from Pilate’s customary prisoner release (John 18:39) to ingrained habits regarding idols (1 Corinthians 8:7) and church practices (1 Corinthians 11:16). The early church understood this term as describing both cultural norms and established religious practices. Today, this word helps us understand the relationship between tradition, habit, and faith.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: συνήθεια, synētheia, /sün-ay’-thei-ah/
• Detailed pronunciation: soon-AY-thay-ah (stress on second syllable)
• Part of Speech: Noun (Feminine)

Etymology:

• σύν (syn): prefix meaning “with”
• ἦθος (ēthos): noun meaning “custom/habit”
• -εια (-eia): suffix forming abstract nouns
• The combination creates the meaning “established custom”

D – Defining Meanings

• Primary meanings:

1. Custom or established practice
2. Habitual behavior
3. Traditional usage
4. Common practice

For compound words:

• σύν (syn): Emphasizes shared or established nature
• ἦθος (ēthos): Provides core meaning of custom
• -εια (-eia): Makes it an abstract concept

Translation Options:

1. “Custom” – Best captures established practice
2. “Habit” – Emphasizes repeated behavior
3. “Usage” – Highlights traditional practice

E – Exploring Similar Words

• ἔθος (ethos, /eth’-os/) – See G1485: Custom
• παράδοσις (paradosis, /par-ad’-os-is/) – See G3862: Tradition
• ἀναστροφή (anastrophē, /an-as-trof-ay’/) – See G391: Manner of life

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Noun Features:

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Gender: Feminine
• Declension: First declension

Example morphological changes:

• Nominative singular: συνήθεια
• Genitive singular: συνηθείας
• Dative singular: συνηθείᾳ
• Accusative singular: συνήθειαν
• Cross-references: συνήθης (synēthēs) – related adjective meaning “customary”

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its use for established practices. Thayer’s notes its application to both social and religious customs. LSJ provides examples from classical literature showing various customary practices. Vine’s highlights its use in both secular and religious contexts. Strong’s connects it to habitual practice. Moulton and Milligan document its use in cultural settings.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:

“But ye have a custom [συνήθεια], that I should release unto you one at the passover: will ye therefore that I release unto you the King of the Jews?” John 18:39

Additional References:
1 Corinthians 8:7, 1 Corinthians 11:16

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

συνήθεια reminds us that while customs and habits can be powerful, they must be evaluated in light of the gospel. The good news of King Jesus often challenges established practices while establishing new patterns of life. This word helps us discern between beneficial traditions that support faith and harmful habits that hinder it.

D – Did You Know?

1. Used in ancient legal documents for established precedents
2. Early church used it to discuss adaptation of cultural practices
3. Influenced Christian thinking about tradition versus Scripture

Strong’s G4914: A compound noun expressing established custom or habitual practice. Used in NT for various cultural and religious practices, highlighting the interaction between traditional customs and Christian faith.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: custom, habit, tradition, practice, usage, cultural norms, established patterns, religious practice, social custom, traditional behavior​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​