Greek word · G2886

κοσμικός

kosmikos

earthly

Belonging to the kosmos, the created world or universe. Depending on context it may mean earthly, of this world, or relating to the whole universe. In Titus 2:12 it describes "worldly desires," where the negative tone comes from the phrase and its context.

Appears 2 times in 2 verses of the Greek New Testament. ·

What it means

κοσμικός, -ή, -όν

(κόσμος)

1. pertaining to the world or universe.

2. of this world, earthly. Hebrews 9:1.

3. In ethical sense, worldly: ἐπιθυμίαι, Titus 2:12.†

(AS)

From G. Abbott-Smith, A Manual Greek Lexicon of the New Testament (1922), via STEPBible.org (CC BY 4.0).

In depth

From the study of Hebrews 9:1

Range of meaning

Belonging to the kosmos, the created world or universe. Depending on context it may mean earthly, of this world, or relating to the whole universe. In Titus 2:12 it describes "worldly desires," where the negative tone comes from the phrase and its context. The related noun kosmos can also mean order or adornment.

Against the English

"Earthly" (BSB, NIV, ESV, NASB, WEB) fits the contrast Hebrews draws. "Worldly" (KJV, YLT) was a fair equivalent, but it now suggests moral compromise. NLT's "here on earth" is clear and accurate.

How it drifted

In modern English "worldly" usually means materialistic, unspiritual or sophisticated in the ways of the world. That sense is not in view here.

Used elsewhere in the period

It is rare in the New Testament, occurring only here and in Titus 2:12. Josephus uses the phrase "cosmic worship" for the Jerusalem priesthood's service, honoured by visitors from across the inhabited world (Jewish War 4.324). Josephus also treats the tabernacle and the temple veil as images of the universe (Antiquities 3.180-187; Jewish War 5.212-213), and Philo calls the universe God's highest temple (Special Laws 1.66). Aristotle uses the word for what relates to the universe.

Where it appears

Titus · 1

  1. Titus 2:12 κοσμικὰς worldly

    It instructs us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live sensible, upright, and godly lives in the present age,

    Here: Desires shaped by and limited to the present world-order, the passing system that does not reckon with God. It does not mean 'physical' or 'secular' in the modern sense.

Hebrews · 1

  1. Hebrews 9:1 κοσμικόν. earthly.

    Now the first covenant had regulations for worship and also an earthly sanctuary.

    Here: The sentence's final word, and it lands with weight: the sanctuary was one belonging to this created world. There is no suggestion of sinfulness; the contrast is with the heavenly sanctuary "not of this creation" (9:11, 24).

Word data: STEPBible.org (CC BY 4.0), main text only.