Tradition

The word tradition is used five times by Jesus and four times by the apostle Paul. In addition, there is one occurrence where it is translated "ordinances" (I Cor. 11:2). It is not to be found in the Old Testament, although the idea of tradition is implied in such phrases as "sayings of old which our fathers have told us" (Ps. 78:2, 3); "the rock whence you are hewn" (Isaiah 51:1); and "the ancient landmarks" (Prov. 22:28). The Greek word is composed of a root with the meaning of "to give, to...