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    World (Kosmos)

    κόσμος (kosmos)

    The ordered creation, or the human system organized in opposition to God.

    Greek
    Strong's G2889
    Pronunciation: KOS-mos
    Quick Answer

    Kosmos is the Greek word for world, meaning 'order' or 'arrangement.' In the New Testament it carries dual meanings: God's beloved creation and the human system organized apart from and against 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." — John 3:16 (KJV)

    Key Verses

    John 3:16

    “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.”
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    1 John 2:15

    “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.”
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    John 17:15

    “I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil.”
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    Strong's Concordance

    Strong's G2889 — World (Kosmos) (κόσμος (kosmos))

    Browse the full lexicon entry and every KJV verse where κόσμος (kosmos) appears.

    Open Strong's G2889

    Etymology and Original Meaning

    Kosmos means 'order,' 'arrangement,' or 'adornment' (our word 'cosmetic' comes from it). It described the beautiful, ordered universe. In the New Testament, kosmos takes on layered meanings: the physical creation, the human race, and — most distinctively — the organized system of values, desires, and structures that operate in opposition to God.

    God Loves the World

    John 3:16 uses kosmos to describe the object of God's redeeming love — the world of people, fallen and rebellious though they are. God does not hate His creation; He loves it enough to send His Son. The world as God's creation is 'very good' (Genesis 1:31) and remains the object of His salvific purpose.

    Love Not the World

    Yet 1 John 2:15 warns, 'Love not the world.' This is not contradiction but distinction: the 'world' here is the system of values organized around 'the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life' (1 John 2:16). It is the anti-God matrix of desires and priorities that promises fulfillment but delivers emptiness.

    In the World, Not of It

    Jesus prayed not for His disciples' removal from the world but for their protection within it (John 17:15). Believers are sent into the world as agents of transformation (John 17:18) while refusing to adopt its values. This tension — being in the world but not of it — defines the Christian's relationship to culture, society, and earthly life.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What does world mean in the Bible?

    World (kosmos) has multiple meanings: the physical creation, the human race, or the organized system of values opposed to God. Context determines which meaning applies.

    Can Christians love the world?

    Christians love the world as God does — with compassion for people and care for creation (John 3:16). But they must not love the 'world system' — its self-centered values, desires, and priorities that oppose God (1 John 2:15-16).

    Which Bible verse uses the word "World (Kosmos)"?

    John 3:16 — "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" (KJV). It also appears in 1 John 2:15, John 17:15.

    Why does the Greek word behind "World (Kosmos)" matter?

    Kosmos means 'order,' 'arrangement,' or 'adornment' (our word 'cosmetic' comes from it). English uses one word, "World (Kosmos)", where the Greek κόσμος (kosmos) carries the fuller sense: the ordered creation, or the human system organized in opposition to god.

    Related Words

    Flesh
    Kingdom

    Related Reading

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    Word Meaning

    World (Kosmos) (κόσμος (kosmos))

    The ordered creation, or the human system organized in opposition to God.

    Strong's

    Strong's G2889 — World (Kosmos)

    κόσμος (kosmos) • The ordered creation, or the human system organized in opposition to God.

    Commentary

    John 3:16 Commentary

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    Commentary

    1 John 3:1 Commentary

    In-depth study • God's Love & Identity

    Dream Meaning

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    Often the mind processing grief; test carefully against Scripture.

    Devotional

    John 15:13 — Meaning & Devotional

    Sacrificial Love

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