κτίσμα (ktisma)
ktisma
creature
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun ktisma refers simply to a created thing or creature. It derives from the verb for founding or establishing, pointing to something that has been brought into existence by an act of creation. In the New Testament, this term appears only four times, always in contexts that emphasize the reality and scope of God’s creative work.
Its usage spans different genres, linking the apostolic teaching of James with the apocalyptic vision of Revelation. James uses it to describe believers as a kind of "firstfruits" of creation (James 1:18), highlighting their special status within the created order. Meanwhile, the book of Revelation employs the word broadly in doxologies, where every ktisma in heaven and on earth joins in praising the Lamb (Revelation 5:13; 8:9).
The term carries no inherent moral judgment; it is neutral, denoting simply that which exists because it was made. This neutrality allows it to encompass both humanity and the broader cosmos. By using this word, the biblical authors affirm that all reality, whether human or natural, shares a common origin in the Creator’s purposeful act.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word ktisma reminds us that everything around us has a purposeful origin. It is not an accident, but something established by God. When we look at the world, we see evidence of a Creator who brings things into existence with intention.
In James, believers are described as firstfruits among these creatures. This highlights a special role for Christians within creation, called to reflect God’s character. In Revelation, all created things join in worship, showing that praise is the natural response of everything made by God.
This perspective helps us see our daily lives and the world around us with new eyes. We are part of a larger story of creation and redemption. It invites us to live with gratitude and reverence for what God has made.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- creature2×
- creatures.1×
- creatures1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- κτίσμα2×
- κτισμάτων.¶1×
- κτισμάτων1×
Key Verses
-
James 1:18
Of his own will he gave birth to us by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of first fruits of his creatures.
This verse uniquely identifies believers as firstfruits among creatures, highlighting a special status within the created order.
-
Revelation of John 5:13
I heard every created thing which is in heaven, on the earth, under the earth, on the sea, and everything in them, saying, “To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be the blessing, the honor, the glory, and the dominion, forever and ever! Amen!”
Here the term encompasses all existence in heaven and earth, uniting them in a single act of praise to the Lamb.
-
I Timothy 4:4
For every creature of God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving.
Paul uses this word to affirm the goodness of material creation when received with thanksgiving.