What does the word 'precepts' mean in the Bible?

Answer 1

It means commandment, instruction, and injunction. = = " A Precept (from the Latin præcipere, to teach) is a commandment, instruction, or order intended as an authoritative rule of action. == ==

In religion, precepts are usually commands respecting moral conduct. The term is encountered frequently the Jewish, Christian Scriptures; e.g.: : Thou hast commanded thy precepts to be kept diligently. O that my ways may be steadfast in keeping thy statutes! (Psalm 119(118):4-5, RSV). The term given in the RSV as "precepts" corresponds with the reading in the Hebrew Bible. The LXX/Septuagint (Samuel Rengster edition) has Greek entolas, which, too, may be rendered with precepts. Roman Catholic Canon law, which is based on Roman Law, makes a distinction between precept and law in Canon 49: : A singular precept is a decree by which an obligation is directly and lawfully imposed on a specific person or persons to do or to omit something, especially in order to urge the observance of a law." :

Like they said, precepts are guidelines, but they can also be called principles, and it might be related to another similar word, "precedent".

The first time any did something in a certain situation a unique way would be a precedent. Therefore, a precept, one could say, would be following in the footstep of the first person to ever do that first, which is not usually a bad thing as long as the first person was on the right path.