CategoryBackground / Teaching and Practice Term
Modern Equivalenthanded-down teaching; inherited practice.
KJV Word TypeNoun / religious practice term
DefinitionTeaching, custom, or practice handed down from one generation or authority to another. In the KJV, tradition can refer negatively to human customs that override God’s word, or positively to apostolic teaching delivered to believers.
Key Verses"Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye." (Mark 7:13); "Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle." (2 Thessalonians 2:15)
KJV Usage NoteCan be negative when human tradition contradicts God’s command, or positive when referring to apostolic teaching faithfully delivered.
Common MisunderstandingIt is not always negative in the KJV; context determines whether tradition is human custom opposed to God’s word or faithful apostolic teaching.
EtymologyFrom Latin traditio, meaning handing over or delivery.