κόσμιος (kosmios)
kosmios
respectable
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The adjective kosmios describes a life that is orderly, decent, and modest. Derived from the root for "order" or "arrangement," it suggests a character that is well-regulated and free from chaos or excess. In the New Testament, this term appears only twice, both in the pastoral epistles of First Timothy, where it serves as a standard for Christian conduct.
Paul uses kosmios to define the expected demeanor of women in worship (1 Timothy 2:9) and to list qualities required of church overseers (1 Timothy 3:2). In these contexts, it emphasizes self-control and propriety. The word points to an external appearance and internal discipline that reflects a well-ordered heart, distinguishing believers from those driven by impulsive or disorderly behavior.
Translators often render kosmios as "respectable" or "modest," capturing its sense of social decency. However, the underlying idea is deeper than mere politeness; it implies a structural integrity in one’s actions. The sources highlight that this orderliness is not just about dress or speech, but about a life arranged according to divine principles, making it a vital marker for leadership and communal harmony.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word kosmios points to a life that is orderly and decent, reflecting an inner discipline that shapes how we present ourselves to others. It is not merely about outward appearance or social politeness, but about a character arranged according to divine principles. When Paul uses this term in his letters to Timothy, he highlights the importance of self-control and propriety in both personal conduct and church leadership.
For your daily walk, kosmios invites you to consider how your actions and choices reflect a well-ordered heart. Whether in what you wear or how you speak, this quality encourages a modesty that honors God and builds trust within the community. It reminds us that true respectability comes from integrity, not from flashy displays or impulsive behavior.
As you seek to live out your faith, let kosmios guide you toward a life of quiet strength and harmony. By cultivating order in your thoughts and deeds, you become a witness to the peace and stability that Christ offers. This simple yet profound virtue helps create an environment where others can encounter God’s love through your consistent and decent example.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- respectable,1×
- respectable1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- κόσμιον,1×
- κοσμίῳ1×
Key Verses
-
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 uses kosmios here to define the modest demeanor expected of women in worship, linking it directly to decent clothing rather than expensive adornments.
-
I Timothy 3:2
The overseer therefore must be without reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, sensible, modest, hospitable, good at teaching;
The overseer is required to be kosmios, showing that orderly conduct and self-control are essential qualifications for church leadership.