Tradition

Any kind of teaching, written or spoken, handed down from generation to generation. In Mark 7:3, 9, 13, Col. 2:8, this word refers to the arbitrary interpretations of the Jews. In 2 Thess. 2:15; 3:6, it is used in a good sense. Peter (1 Pet. 1:18) uses this word with reference to the degenerate Judaism of the “strangers scattered” whom he addresses (comp. Acts 15:10; Matt. 15:2-6; Gal. 1:14).

TRADI'TION, a precept or custom not contained in the written law, but handed down from generation to generation. Matt 15:2. The Jews maintain that God gave Moses, besides the law which we have in the O.T., a variety of precepts, which he made known to Joshua, by whom they were communicated to the elders, and by them to the judges, prophets, etc.; that they were finally collected from various sources and recorded in what is called the Talmud, which see. Many of their traditions were in direct opposition to the law of God, a striking example of which is given by our Saviour in connection with the passage above cited. There were, however, a variety of traditions or doctrines and precepts which persons divinely inspired taught by word of mouth. 2 Thess 2:15 and 2 Thess 3:6. The only way in which we can know satisfactorily that any tradition is of divine authority is by its having a place in those writings which are generally acknowledged to be the genuine productions of inspired men. All traditions which have not such authority are without value, and tend greatly to distract and mislead the minds of men.

TRADI'TION, a precept or custom not contained in the written law, but handed down from generation to generation. Matt 15:2. The Jews maintain that God gave Moses, besides the law which we have in the O.T., a variety of precepts, which he made known to Joshua, by whom they were communicated to the elders, and by them to the judges, prophets, etc.; that they were finally collected from various sources and recorded in what is called the Talmud, which see. Many of their traditions were in direct opposition to the law of God, a striking example of which is given by our Saviour in connection with the passage above cited. There were, however, a variety of traditions or doctrines and precepts which persons divinely inspired taught by word of mouth. 2 Thess 2:15 and 2 Thess 3:6. The only way in which we can know satisfactorily that any tradition is of divine authority is by its having a place in those writings which are generally acknowledged to be the genuine productions of inspired men. All traditions which have not such authority are without value, and tend greatly to distract and mislead the minds of men.

Part of speech: noun (n.)

1. The act of delivering into the hands of another; delivery. "A deed takes effect only from the tradition or delivery." Blackstone.

2. The unwritten or oral delivery of information, opinions, doctrines, practices, rites, and customs, from father to son, or from ancestors to posterity; the transmission of any knowledge, opinions, or practice, from forefathers to descendants by oral communication, without written memorials.

3. Hence, that which is transmitted orally from father to son, or from ancestors to posterity; knowledge or belief transmitted without the aid of written memorials; custom or practice long observed. Will you mock at an ancient tradition begun upon an honorable respect Shak. Naught but tradition remains of the beautiful village of Grand-Pré. Longfellow.

4. An unwritten code of law represented to have been given by God to Moses on Sinai. Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered. Mark vii. 13.

5. That body of doctrine and discipline, or any article thereof, supposed to have been put forth by Christ or his apostles, and not committed to writing. Stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word or our epistle. 2 Thess. ii. 15. Tradition Sunday (Eccl.), Palm Sunday; -- so called because the creed was then taught to candidates for baptism at Easter.

Part of speech: verb (v.)

To transmit by way of tradition; to hand down. [Obs.] The following story is . . . traditioned with very much credit amongst our English Catholics. Fuller.