κοσμέω (kosmeō)
kosmeō
to arrange
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 10 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb kosmeō means to arrange or put in order, extending naturally to the idea of adorning or furnishing something with care. In the New Testament, it describes both physical preparation and moral beauty. Jesus uses it when describing a house that has been cleaned out but left empty (Matthew 12:44), highlighting how mere arrangement without content is insufficient.
This word appears in contexts ranging from the ordering of armies in classical Greek to the adornment of bridal chambers in Revelation (21:2). It also shifts to metaphorical usage, urging women to focus on inner character rather than outward jewelry (1 Timothy 2:9; 1 Peter 3:5). The underlying sense remains consistent: bringing something into its proper, beautiful state through deliberate arrangement.
Its root connects to cosmos, the ordered universe. This etymology suggests that true adornment reflects a deeper harmony. Translators often render it as "adorn" or "prepare," capturing the active effort required to bring order and beauty to life, whether in physical spaces or spiritual character.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word kosmeō invites us to look beyond surface appearances and consider what truly brings order and beauty to our lives. In the New Testament, it bridges the gap between physical preparation and spiritual character. When Jesus spoke of a house swept clean but empty (Matthew 12:44), He warned that outward neatness means little without inner substance. Similarly, Peter reminds us that holy women of old adorned themselves through reverence and gentle spirits, not just fine clothing (1 Peter 3:5). This suggests that true beauty is an act of intentional arrangement within the heart.
We are called to let this divine order shape our daily conduct. Paul urges believers to live in a way that adorns the teaching of God our Savior (Titus 2:10), showing that our actions reflect the harmony of Christ. Whether we are preparing for eternity like the bride in Revelation or simply managing our homes, the call is to bring purposeful order to every area. May your life be a testament to this deeper harmony, where inner peace shines through outward grace.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 10 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- ordered.2×
- were adorning1×
- trimmed1×
- they may adorn1×
- it has been adorned1×
- adorning1×
- adorned.1×
- adorned1×
- adorn1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- κεκοσμημένον.2×
- ἐκόσμουν1×
- ἐκόσμησαν1×
- κοσμῶσιν1×
- κοσμεῖτε1×
- κοσμεῖν1×
- κεκόσμηται1×
- κεκοσμημένοι.1×
- κεκοσμημένην1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 12:44
Then he says, ‘I will return into my house from which I came;’ and when he has come back, he finds it empty, swept, and put in order.
Jesus uses this term to show that mere external order without internal presence is insufficient and dangerous.
-
I Timothy 2:9
In the same way, that women also adorn themselves in decent clothing, with modesty and propriety, not with braided hair, gold, pearls, or expensive clothing,
Paul contrasts outward adornment with modesty, highlighting that inner character is the primary focus for believers.
-
Titus 2:10
not stealing, but showing all good fidelity, that they may adorn the doctrine of God, our Savior, in all things.
This unique usage applies the word to behavior, showing how good works make the gospel teaching attractive and credible.
-
Revelation of John 21:2
I saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared like a bride adorned for her husband.
The imagery of the New Jerusalem as an adorned bride illustrates the ultimate beauty of God's people prepared for Him.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does kosmeō mean in the New Testament?
How is kosmeō different from simple decoration?
Why does Paul mention this word in 1 Timothy?
Every Occurrence (10 verses across 6 books)
Matthew 3 verses
Then he says, ‘I will return into my house from which I came;’ and when he has come back, he finds it empty, swept, and…
Matthew 23:29“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you build the tombs of the prophets and decorate the tombs of the…
Matthew 25:7Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps.