An important New Testament term from the Greek word kosmos meaning that which is ordered or arranged. It has five different meanings:
1. The universe created by God with design and order (for example, Matthew 13:35; John 17:24; Acts 17:24).
2. The planet Earth (for example, John 11:9). This includes the idea of Earth as the dwelling place of human beings (16:21) and of Earth as contrasted with heaven (6:14; 12:46).
3. The total of humanity (Matthew 5:14; John 3:16; 1 Corinthians 4:13).
4. The total of human existence in this present life, with all of its experience and possessions (Matthew 16:26; 1 Corinthians 7:33).
5. The world order as alienated from God, in rebellion against him, and condemned for its godlessness. It is “this world,“ as opposed to “that which is to come” (John 8:23; 12:25; 1 Corinthians 3:19). The ruler of this world is the devil (John 12:31; 14:30; 16:11; 1 Corinthians 5:10). As John said it, “The whole world is under the power of the evil one” (1 John 5:19). Christians are not of this world (John 15:19; 17:16), even though they live in the world and participate in its activities (17:11). The believer is regarded as dead to the world (Galatians 6:14; compare Colossians 3:2–3). The Christian is to be separated from the world (James 1:27).
One’s relationship with the world is an indicator of one’s relationship with God. Those who love the world are void of love for God the Father (1 John 2:15). The Scripture points out that “all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh, the desires of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not from the Father but from the world” (verse 16). The world and its desires or lusts are transient, passing away, but the doer of God’s word abides forever (1 John 2:17; compare 2 Corinthians 4:18). Friendship with the world is enmity toward God (James 4:4).
The discourse of Jesus on the night before his crucifixion contains much teaching about the world. The world cannot receive the Spirit of truth (John 14:17). Christ gives a peace that the world cannot give (verse 27). Jesus offers love, while the world gives hatred and persecution (15:19–20). The world’s hatred of God is also directed against the followers of Christ (verse 18–21). Although the disciples of Jesus have tribulation “in the world,” they are to be of good cheer, for Jesus has overcome the world (16:33).
Another Greek word sometimes translated “world” is aion. This word emphasizes the temporal aspect of the world. It is used of time without end, eternity (for example, Romans 1:25; 2 Corinthians 11:31; Philippians 4:20). See Age.