UBS Dictionary of the Greek New Testament

Sense 1: 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}

Notes: In RV HEB 2:5 · LV HEB 2:5 · Read together HEB 2:5 there is a reference to τὴν οἰκουμένην τὴν μέλλουσαν ‘the world to come, the future world.’ This has generally been interpreted as being equivalent to ‘the coming age,’ but the use of οἰκουμένη would seem to imply an inhabited world.

Sense 2: empire, people of the empire

Semantic entry: 1.83

Semantic domains: Geographical Objects and Features

Subdomains: Governmental Administrative Areas

Definition: the Roman Empire, including its inhabitants (οἰκουμένη[b] differs from οἰκουμένη[a] ‘earth,’ 1.39: γῆ / 1.39: κόσμος / 1.39: οἰκουμένη, in that those outside of the Roman Empire are specifically excluded, that is to say, no census was to be taken of the barbarians, but only of the inhabitants of the Empire)

Notes: In order to represent accurately the meaning of οἰκουμένη[b] in RV LUK 2:1 · LV LUK 2:1 · Read together LUK 2:1 it may be possible to translate ‘Emperor Augustus sent out an order that all the people over whom he ruled should register themselves for the census.’

Sense 3: people, all mankind

Semantic entry: 9.22

Semantic domains: People

Subdomains: Human Beings

Definition: (figurative extension of meaning of οἰκουμένη[a] ‘inhabited earth,’ 1.39: γῆ / 1.39: κόσμος / 1.39: οἰκουμένη) all people who dwell on the earth