World

In biblical texts, the term "world" can carry various meanings depending on the context in which it is used. Primarily, it is derived from the Greek word "kosmos," which signifies the created order, including the physical universe and all living beings (John 1:10). This usage encompasses the entirety of God's creation. For instance, in Genesis 1:1, the phrase "In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth" reflects the concept of the world as the sum of God's creative work.However, the term also has a more nuanced meaning, representing the moral and spiritual condition of humanity that is often in rebellion against God. In 1 John 2:15-17, the apostle admonishes believers not to love the world or the things in it, highlighting the distinction between the physical world and the fallen human system that opposes God's will. This duality illustrates that while the physical world is part of God's creation, the "world" can also refer to the systems, values, and practices that lead people away from divine truth and righteousness. Thus, understanding "world" in the Bible requires discerning between its role as God's creation and its representation of human sinfulness and opposition to God.

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