Bible Verses About "What Does the Bible Mean by 'the World'"
In the Bible, 'the world' can refer to the created universe, the human race, or the sinful system of values, desires, and powers that oppose God and His kingdom.
In the Bible, 'the world' can refer to the created universe, the human race, or the sinful system of values, desires, and powers that oppose God and His kingdom.
"Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever." — 1 John 2:15-17 (KJV)
KJV Verses That Answer This Question
The Scriptures below are gathered specifically to address "What Does the Bible Mean by 'the World'?" Each is quoted in the King James Version with a link to its full chapter.
"Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever."
"If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you."
"And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God."
"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."
Related Questions & Their Verses
What Is Sin According to the Bible?
Romans 3:23 · Romans 6:23 · 1 John 3:4
What Is the Flesh in the Bible?
Galatians 5:16-17 · Romans 7:18 · Romans 8:13
What Is the Unforgivable Sin?
Matthew 12:31-32 · Mark 3:29 · Hebrews 6:4-6
Why Did Jesus Have to Die on the Cross?
Romans 5:8 · Isaiah 53:5 · 2 Corinthians 5:21
How Are You Saved According to the Bible?
Ephesians 2:8-9 · Romans 10:9-10 · John 14:6
What Is the Gospel?
1 Corinthians 15:3-4 · Romans 1:16 · John 3:16
Explore this question from another angle
Related Reading
Continue your study with related content from across our library:
What Is the Unforgivable Sin?
Sin & Salvation
Can God Forgive Any Sin?
Sin & Salvation
Can You Lose Your Salvation?
Sin & Salvation
God Promises Victory Over Sin
Bible promises that you can overcome sin through Christ's power.
God Promises to Forgive Your Sins
Bible promises about complete forgiveness, cleansing, and the removal of guilt t
Hark! the Herald Angels Sing
Charles Wesley • 1739
Keep Going
Continue Exploring Scripture
You've found one resource — here are more ways to go deeper into God's Word.
Today's Verse
Start each day with a hand-picked KJV verse and reflection.
Verses by Topic
Find what the Bible says about love, anxiety, strength, and 500+ more topics.
Bible Miracles
Discover the signs and wonders of God recorded in Scripture.
Angels & Spiritual Warfare
Angels, demons, and the armor of God — what the KJV really teaches about the unseen battle.
Bible Genealogies & Family Trees
Visual KJV family trees — the line of Jesus, the sons of Noah, the twelve tribes, and more.
Women of the Bible
Eve, Sarah, Ruth, Esther, Mary — the matriarchs, prophetesses, queens, and disciples of Scripture.