κόσμος (kosmos)
kosmos
world
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 152 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The Greek word kosmos originally denoted an orderly arrangement or decoration, such as the stars set in the sky or a woman’s jewelry (1 Peter 3:3). This sense of "adornment" evolved to describe the universe as a harmonious system, reflecting its creation. In the New Testament, it frequently refers simply to the physical earth and its inhabitants, as when Jesus speaks of the gospel reaching all people (John 4:42; Matthew 5:14).
However, John’s Gospel and First Epistle give the word a distinct theological weight. Here, kosmos often describes humanity in rebellion against God, captivated by worldly desires rather than divine truth (1 John 2:15-17). This usage highlights a spiritual conflict: while God loves the world enough to save it (John 3:16), he remains hostile to his creator unless transformed. The term thus captures both the scope of God’s mission and the resistance of a fallen system.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word kosmos carries a beautiful tension in Scripture. It can mean the physical earth, the stars above, and every person living on it. When Jesus says God loved the world, He means every human being, regardless of background or status. This reminds us that our faith is not meant to be hidden away but shared with everyone we meet.
At the same time, the word describes a system of values that opposes God’s truth. It is easy to feel pulled toward what this world offers—status, comfort, or immediate gratification. Yet the Bible invites us to look deeper. We are called to live in the world without being controlled by its fleeting desires. This balance allows us to engage with others compassionately while keeping our hearts anchored in eternal hope.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 152 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- world106×
- world.23×
- world,21×
- world;8×
- of [the] world6×
- [the] world5×
- [the] world,4×
- of [the] world.3×
- of [the] world,3×
- world?2×
- world:1×
- to [the] world.1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- κόσμου49×
- κόσμος26×
- κόσμον25×
- κόσμῳ18×
- κόσμῳ,10×
- κόσμον,10×
- κόσμου.9×
- κόσμου,9×
- κόσμῳ.5×
- κόσμον.5×
- κόσμου.¶3×
- κόσμον.¶3×
Key Verses
-
John 3:16
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only born Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life.
This verse defines the scope of God’s love, showing that 'world' refers to all humanity, not just a select group.
-
Matthew 5:14
“You are the light of the world. A city located on a hill can’t be hidden.
Here Jesus uses 'world' to describe the visible community where believers are called to shine with light.
-
John 1:10
He was in the world, and the world was made through him, and the world didn’t recognize him.
This occurrence highlights the tragedy of the world's rejection of its Creator despite being made through Him.
-
Matthew 16:26
For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his life? Or what will a man give in exchange for his life?
Jesus contrasts gaining the entire physical world with losing one’s soul, emphasizing eternal value over temporary gain.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does kosmos mean in John 3:16?
Is the world always bad in the Bible?
How is kosmos different from ge?
Why does Jesus say we are the light of the world?
Every Occurrence (152 verses across 20 books)
Matthew 9 verses
Again, the devil took him to an exceedingly high mountain, and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory.
Matthew 5:14“You are the light of the world. A city located on a hill can’t be hidden.
Matthew 13:35that it might be fulfilled which was spoken through the prophet, saying, “I will open my mouth in parables; I will…
Matthew 13:38the field is the world, the good seeds are the children of the Kingdom, and the darnel weeds are the children of the…
Matthew 16:26For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his life? Or what will a man give in exchange…
Matthew 18:7“Woe to the world because of occasions of stumbling! For it must be that the occasions come, but woe to that person…
Matthew 24:21for then there will be great suffering, such as has not been from the beginning of the world until now, no, nor ever…
Matthew 25:34Then the King will tell those on his right hand, ‘Come, blessed of my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from…
Matthew 26:13Most certainly I tell you, wherever this Good News is preached in the whole world, what this woman has done will also…