The Greek word νόμος (nomos), often translated as “law,” is rich in meaning and context in ancient Greek literature. Below is a detailed analysis of its first ten uses in the Septuagint (LXX), followed by insights into significant uses and references to other Greek authors like Herodotus who illuminate its broader cultural and philosophical meanings.

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First 10 Uses of “νόμος” in the Septuagint

Here are the first ten occurrences of nomos in the LXX, along with their context:

1. Genesis 26:5
   “ἀνθ’ ὧν ἤκουσεν Ἀβραὰμ τῆς φωνῆς μου καὶ ἐφύλαξεν τὰ προστάγματά μου καὶ τὰς ἐντολὰς μου καὶ τὰ δικαιώματά μου καὶ τοὺς νόμους μου.”
   (“Because Abraham obeyed my voice and kept my requirements, my commands, my statutes, and my laws.”)
   Significance: This early use of nomos refers to God’s divine instructions given before the codification of the Mosaic Law. It shows that nomos encompasses more than formal legal codes—it includes divine principles and moral expectations.
2. Exodus 12:49
   “νόμος εἷς ἔσται τοῖς ἐγχωρίοις καὶ τοῖς προσηλύτοις τοῖς προσκειμένοις ὑμῖν.”
   (“There shall be one law for the native and for the stranger who dwells among you.”)
   Significance: Here, nomos emphasizes equity, indicating that God’s law applies universally to all who are part of the community, regardless of ethnicity.
3. Exodus 13:9
   “ἔσται δέ σοι τοῦτο σημεῖον ἐπὶ τῆς χειρός σου καὶ μνημόσυνον ἐναντίον τῶν ὀφθαλμῶν σου, ὅπως ἂν γένηται ὁ νόμος τοῦτο κυρίου ἐν τῷ στόματί σου.”
   (“And it shall be a sign on your hand and a memorial between your eyes, so that the law of the Lord may be in your mouth.”)
   Significance: Nomos is linked with memory and internalization—God’s law is not just external but something to be constantly remembered and spoken.
4. Leviticus 6:9
   “Οὗτος ὁ νόμος τῆς ὁλοκαυτώσεως· ἡ ὁλοκαύτωσις ἔσται ἐπὶ τῆς ἐστίας ὅλην τὴν νύκτα ἕως τὸ πρωὶ.”
   (“This is the law of the burnt offering: The burnt offering shall be on the hearth upon the altar all night until morning.”)
   Significance: Nomos here refers to ritual law, specifically the detailed instructions regarding sacrifices, highlighting its role in worship.
5. Leviticus 11:46
   “Οὗτος ὁ νόμος περὶ τῶν κτηνῶν καὶ τῶν πετεινῶν…”
   (“This is the law concerning the animals and the birds…”)
   Significance: Nomos governs practical matters of daily life, including diet and ritual purity, emphasizing its role in shaping communal identity.
6. Leviticus 14:2
   “Οὗτος ὁ νόμος τοῦ λεπροῦ ἐν ἡμέρᾳ τοῦ καθαρισμοῦ αὐτοῦ…”
   (“This shall be the law of the leper in the day of his cleansing…”)
   Significance: Again, nomos reflects ceremonial laws that promote spiritual and physical health.
7. Numbers 5:29
   “Οὗτος ὁ νόμος τοῦ ζήλου…”
   (“This is the law of jealousy…”)
   Significance: Nomos regulates interpersonal relationships, ensuring justice in cases of suspicion or conflict.
8. Numbers 6:13
   “Οὗτος ὁ νόμος τοῦ ναζιραίου…”
   (“This is the law of the Nazirite…”)
   Significance: Nomos outlines the special vows and obligations of those set apart for God, underscoring its role in consecration.
9. Numbers 19:14
   “Οὗτος ὁ νόμος, ὅταν ἀποθάνῃ ἄνθρωπος ἐν οἰκίᾳ…”
   (“This is the law when a man dies in a tent…”)
   Significance: Nomos governs the community’s response to death, ensuring ritual purity and order.
10. Deuteronomy 1:5
    “ἐξήγησεν Μωυσῆς τὸν νόμον τοῦτον…”
    (“Moses began to explain this law…”)
    Significance: This use introduces the teaching or expounding of nomos, showing its role as instruction for life.

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Nomos in Greek Literature

In Greek literature, nomos often carries the dual connotation of law and custom. Some notable examples include:

1. Herodotus
   Herodotus, known as the “Father of History,” frequently uses nomos to refer to laws and customs of various peoples. In Histories (3.38), he famously writes:
   “Custom (νόμος) is king of all.”
   This highlights the binding power of cultural norms and traditions, suggesting that nomos governs human behavior universally.
2. Sophocles (Antigone)
   In Antigone, nomos is central to the conflict between divine law (νόμοι θεῶν) and human law (νόμοι ἀνθρώπων). Antigone defends her actions by appealing to eternal, divine nomos over Creon’s temporal edicts.
3. Plato (Laws)
   Plato dedicates an entire dialogue, Laws (Νόμοι), to exploring the relationship between law, morality, and governance. For Plato, nomos serves as a tool to cultivate virtue and order in society.

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Conclusion

In both the Septuagint and classical Greek literature, nomos transcends a simple definition of “law.” It encapsulates divine instruction, societal customs, and moral principles. Whether in the Torah’s covenantal framework or Herodotus’ cultural relativism, nomos is portrayed as a powerful force shaping human identity and relationships.