G2885 κοσμέω (kosméō)

Adorn ("to ornament") (2885) (kosmeo from kosmos = adorning or order, ornament, decoration, adornment -- this root word gives us our English cosmetic something women use to "adorn" their face and make themselves more physically attractive) speaks of that which is to put in order. To make congruous, fitting or orderly. To decorate. To embellish (to make beautiful with ornamentation; to heighten the attractiveness of by adding decorative details) Kosmeo conveys the idea of arranging something in proper order so as to give it symmetry, comeliness, and beauty. In the present context kosmeo describes behavior that is in keeping with the simplicity, purity and beauty of our Lord Jesus, radiating from a new heart in Christ (Ezekiel 36:26, 27 = the New Covenant, cp Jer 31:31, 32, 33) and a new way of thinking enabled by the mind of Christ (1Cor 2:16). Kosmeo in the context of Titus 2:9, 10 specifically referred to the Spirit enabled behavior of bond slaves which was to be such that it caused the truth about God to be beautifully "decorated". The present tense indicates this was to be the slave's habitual practice, continually radiating the beauty of Christ in them the hope of glory (Col 1:27), for Paul well knew that the lost world was always looking for a flaw in professed Christ followers, whether they were slaves (cp employees today) or masters (cp employers). In ancient times kosmeo was used of arranging jewels in a brooch, necklace, ring, or crown in a way that best displayed the beauty of the gems. So the idea is that the excellent behavior of the bond slaves (God's "jewels") would be seen and would make the "doctrine of God" "attractive" or beautiful to unbelievers (Mt 5:16-note and see illustrations in the notes below). The noun kosmos reflects an ordered system where harmony prevails which helps expand the picture of what effect the behavior of a bond slave was to have on the doctrine of God. Pagans would see the "harmony" produced by this doctrine which would be in stark contrast to the disharmony and discord produced by the "doctrine of Crete" which led to lying, laziness, etc! Paul's exhortation has practical application to the lives of all believers (see more discussion of this point below, including illustrations). BDAG summary of Kosmeo... (1) to put in order so as to appear neat or well organized = make neat/tidy (Mt 12:44, 25:7, Luke 11:25) (2) to cause something to have an attractive appearance through decoration = to adorn, decorate (Rev 21:2). Figuratively kosmeo meant to make beautiful or attractive inwardly, morally (1Ti 2:9, 1Pe 3:5). To do credit to (Titus 2:10) The definition of the English word adorn (Latin adornare from ad- ‘to’ + ornare = add luster) is interesting to ponder in light of the context of Titus 2:9, 10 1: to enhance the appearance of especially with beautiful objects (Adorn implies an enhancing by something beautiful in itself ~ a diamond necklace adorned her neck) 2 : to enliven or decorate as if with ornaments (people of fashion who adorned the Court) (Webster) Adorn = to decorate or beautify. In the New Testament, the Temple (Luke 21:5), the monuments of the righteous (Matt. 23:29), and an empty house (Matt. 12:44; Luke 11:25) are all adorned. (Nelson's Illustrated Bible Dictionary) Kosmeo - 10x in 10v in the NAS = Mt 12:44; 23:29; 25:7; Lk 11:25; 21:5; 1Ti 2:9; Titus 2:10; 1Pet 3:5; Rev 21:2-note, Rev 21:19-note) and is translated: adorn, 4; adorned, 3; put in order, 2; trimmed, 1. For example, Peter uses kosmeo to describe inner beauty of women in the Old Testament writing For in this way (referring to the hidden person of the heart...precious in the sight of God) in former times the holy women also, who hoped in God, used to adorn themselves, being submissive to their own husbands. (1Pe 3:5-note). Kosmeo - 9x in the non-apocryphal Septuagint - 2Chr 3:6; Esther 1:6; Eccl 7:13; Jer 4:30; Ezek 16:11, 13; 23:40f; Mic 6:9 Wuest adds that "The word kosmos (”order”), is opposed to chaos (our “chaos”) which latter word the Greek philosophers used to designate what they thought was the original condition of the universe, one of disorder. In passing, it might be well to note that when the NT writers speak of the universe as it came into existence, they use kosmos indicating that the original condition was that of order, perfection. By the use of this word (in 1Ti 2:9 "Likewise, I want women to adorn themselves with proper clothing, modestly and discreetly, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly garments"), Paul indicates that the adornment of the Christian woman should be one in which order, not disorder, obtains. And this orderliness must not extend merely to the relationship of the various articles of wearing apparel to one another, but also to the relationship of that apparel to her Christian character and testimony. In other words, the apparel must be congruous with, fitting to, and consistent with what she is, a child of God. The word “modest” is the translation of kosmios “well arranged, seemly, modest.” ...He goes on to add that "an artificial display (when our external appearance and behavior are worldly - one which then confronting the lost with the world not the Savior) also destroys the personal testimony of the soul winner. We may be fundamental in our doctrine, and yet defeat the power of the Word we give out by the modernism of our appearance. It is forbidden because God seeks to glorify Himself in the personality and life of the Christian. He made men in His own image. That image is the ideal medium through which He can reveal Himself. But if that image is marred and distorted by artificiality (or inappropriate disorderly behavior slaves were prone to do -- how is your behavior and reputation in the workplace, school, community beloved?), it becomes an imperfect medium, and the beauty of the Lord Jesus is hidden beneath a veneer of worldliness." Are you convicted? I am! (Wuest, K. S. Wuest's Word Studies from the Greek New Testament: Eerdmans) (Bolding added) "Copy and paste the address below into your web browser in order to go to the original page which will allow you to access live links related to the material on this page - these links include Scriptures (which can be read in context), Scripture pop-ups on mouse over, and a variety of related resources such as Bible dictionary articles, commentaries, sermon notes and theological journal articles related to the topic under discussion." http://www.preceptaustin.org/titus_29-10.htm#Adorn%20kosmeo