κοσμικός (kosmikos)
kosmikos
earthly
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The adjective kosmikos describes something that belongs to this present world or universe, carrying an "earthly" quality distinct from the heavenly realm. In Hebrews 9:1, it modifies the tabernacle and its furnishings, identifying them as physical objects within the created order rather than spiritual realities in heaven. This usage highlights a tangible, material existence that is temporary and bound by time.
When applied to human behavior, the word takes on an ethical weight, characterizing desires or attitudes that are "worldly" in the sense of being driven by the values of the current age. Titus 2:12 uses it to describe worldly passions, urging believers to live self-controlled lives instead. The term thus marks a contrast between the transient nature of earthly things and the enduring call to godliness.
Derived from kosmos, the word roots its meaning in the concept of the ordered universe, yet in Scripture it often points to the sphere of human experience apart from divine influence. Translators typically render it as "earthly" or "worldly," preserving the distinction between what is seen and what is eternal. This lexical choice helps readers grasp the tension between living in the world while not being defined by its temporary systems.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word kosmikos points to things that belong to this present, physical world. In Hebrews, it describes the tabernacle as an earthly sanctuary, reminding us that the old system was tangible and temporary. It was a shadow of the true reality found in heaven. This helps us see that our current experiences, while real, are not the final destination.
When applied to our lives, kosmikos carries a warning about worldly passions. Titus uses it to describe desires that pull us away from God. The text invites us to deny these ungodly impulses so we can live soberly and righteously. It is not about hating the world, but about refusing to let its temporary values define our character.
Understanding this word brings clarity to our daily walk. We are called to live in the world without being shaped by its fleeting systems. By focusing on what is eternal rather than what is merely earthly, we find a stable ground for our faith. This perspective helps us navigate life with hope and self-control.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- worldly1×
- earthly.1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- κοσμικόν.1×
- κοσμικὰς1×
Key Verses
-
Hebrews 9:1
Now indeed even the first covenant had ordinances of divine service and an earthly sanctuary.
This verse uses the word to classify the tabernacle as a physical, temporary structure, contrasting it with the heavenly reality.
-
Titus 2:12
instructing us to the intent that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we would live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present age;
Here the term describes 'worldly lusts' or passions that believers are called to deny in order to live godly lives.