UBS Dictionary of the Greek New Testament

Sense 1: cosmos, universe

Semantic entry: 1.1

Semantic domains: Geographical Objects and Features

Subdomains: Universe, Creation

Definition: the universe as an ordered structure

Notes: In many languages there is no specific term for the universe. The closest equivalent may simply be ‘all that exists.’ In other instances one may use a phrase such as ‘the world and all that is above it’ or ‘the sky and the earth.’ The concept of the totality of the universe may be expressed in some languages only as ‘everything that is on the earth and in the sky.’

Sense 2: earth, world

Semantic entry: 1.39

Semantic domains: Geographical Objects and Features

Subdomains: The Earth's Surface

Definition: the surface of the earth as the dwelling place of mankind, in contrast with the heavens above and the world below{N:001}

Sense 3: world system, the world’s standards, world

Semantic entry: 41.38

Semantic domains: Behavior and Related States

Subdomains: Particular Patterns of Behavior

Definition: the way humans typically conduct themselves in the world; the way things typically happen in human society

Notes: It may be particularly difficult to speak of the world being crucified (RV GAL 6:14 · LV GAL 6:14 · Read together GAL 6:14), and therefore in a number of languages one must employ a somewhat fuller restructuring, for example, ‘because of Christ, the way in which people in this world live is as though it were dead as far as I am concerned, and I am dead, so to speak, as far as the way in which people in this world live.’

Sense 4: people of the world

Semantic entry: 9.23

Semantic domains: People

Subdomains: Human Beings

Definition: (a figurative extension of meaning of κόσμος[a] ‘cosmos, universe,’ 1.1: κόσμος) people associated with a world system and estranged from God

Sense 5: to beautify, to adorn, to decorate, adornment, adorning

Semantic entry: 79.12

Semantic domains: Features of Objects

Subdomains: Beautiful, Ugly

Definition: to cause something to be beautiful by decorating

Notes: For another interpretation of κόσμος in RV PE1 3:3 · LV PE1 3:3 · Read together PE1 3:3, see 6.188: κόσμος.

Sense 6: adornment

Semantic entry: 6.188

Semantic domains: Artifacts

Subdomains: Adornments

Definition: an object which serves to adorn or beautify{N:003}

Notes: Adornments may be described as ‘things to make one look beautiful’ or ‘things with which one tries to appear attractive.’ For another interpretation of κόσμος in RV PE1 3:3 · LV PE1 3:3 · Read together PE1 3:3, see 79.12: κοσμέω / 79.12: κόσμος.

Sense 7: a world of, a tremendous amount of

Semantic entry: 59.55

Semantic domains: Quantity

Subdomains: Abundance, Excess, Sparing

Definition: (a figurative extension of meaning of κόσμος[a] ‘world, universe,’ 1.1: κόσμος) a great sum of something, implying an almost incredible totality

Notes: In some languages the phrase ὁ κόσμος τῆς ἀδικίας may be rendered as ‘the very symbol of evil,’ ‘a sign of what is truly evil,’ or ‘what is completely evil.’

Sense 8: power, authority, lordship, ruler, wicked force

Semantic entry: 12.44

Semantic domains: Supernatural Beings and Powers

Subdomains: Supernatural Powers

Definition: title for supernatural forces and powers: a supernatural power having some particular role in controlling the destiny and activities of human beings

Notes: Some scholars have believed that it is possible to reconstruct at least in part some of the hierarchy represented by these various supernatural forces and powers, on the basis of the neoplatonic system of nine such powers arranged in three orders of three each. NT terminology and usage does not, however, lend itself to such a classification, and it is difficult, if not impossible, to determine what are the significant differences between these supernatural powers and forces.|For the most part, translators have endeavored to render the various terms in somewhat different ways, for example, ἐξουσία as ‘authority’; δύναμις as ‘power’; κυριότης as ‘ruler’; and phrases such as τὰ πνευματικὰ τῆς πονηρίας ἐν τοῖς ἐπουρανίοις as ‘wicked spiritual forces in the heavenly world.’ In a number of languages, however, there are simply not enough terms to designate various kinds of powers, authorities, and forces which could be employed in speaking of such supernatural impersonal powers. Accordingly, some translators have simply used a phrase such as ‘any and all kinds of supernatural powers.’ Where it is possible to make certain lexical distinctions between terms and phrases, this, of course, should be done, but in a number of contexts this may be impossible, and accordingly, some explanation in a marginal note may be required if the reader is to understand satisfactorily the intent of the passages in question.|In some instances a measure of meaning may be obtained by somewhat paraphrastic expressions. For example, RV EPH 2:2 · LV EPH 2:2 · Read together EPH 2:2 is rendered in some languages as ‘at that time you lived in the way in which the spirit that governs this world dictated you should live. This is the way the one who rules over the power in space commanded you to live. This is the very spirit that now commands the people who disobey God.’

Collocations: αἰὼν τοῦ κόσμου τούτου