G2889 Adorning World 1c187
κόσμος kosmos (G2889) world
1 Peter 3:3
3 Whose adorning (kosmos) let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel;
Adorning comes from the Greek word κόσμος kosmos (G2889). It is in the Bible 187 times. κόσμος kosmos (G2889) is translated world 186 times and adorning 1 time. It is primarily “order, arrangement, ornament, adornment”. It is used in the various contexts:
- To denote the earth. Probably here the universe: it had this meaning among the Greeks, owing to the order observable in it.
- The earth in contrast with heaven
- It may by metonymy, the human race, mankind.
- Sometimes it refers to the Gentiles distinguishing from the Jews.
- It can be the present condition of human affairs, in alienation from and opposition to God.
- Can be used as the “sum of temporal possessions,”.
- Metaphorically, of the “tongue” as “a world (of iniquity),”. It expresses the magnitude and variety.
As with most words, κόσμος kosmos (G2889) is sometimes used in a figurative manner. Therefore, the reader must make a decision as to the use and meaning. This infers that the New Testament as with the Hebrew Scriptures is not to be read as only a literal book. It is both literal and figurative. This will require the reader to determine for themselves as to the proper context of κόσμος kosmos (G2889).
It appears that in 1 Peter 3:3, the translator was providing the figurative understanding. 1 Peter 3:3 should have been translated:
3 Whose outward let it not be that worldly (kosmos) of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel;
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