2887. kosmios

Lexicon

kosmios: Orderly, respectable, well-behaved

Original Word: κόσμιος
Part of Speech: Adjective
Transliteration: kosmios
Pronunciation: KOS-mee-os
Phonetic Spelling: (kos'-mee-os)
Definition: Orderly, respectable, well-behaved
Meaning: orderly, virtuous, decent, modest, well-ordered.

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

of good behavior, modest.

From kosmos (in its primary sense); orderly, i.e. Decorous -- of good behaviour, modest.

see GREEK kosmos

HELPS Word-studies

Cognate: 2887 kósmios (from 2889 /kósmos, "world"; see also the other adjectival form, 2886 /kosmikós) – literally, ordered (properly organized); hence, well-prepared (well-ordered).

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
from kosmos
Definition
orderly
NASB Translation
proper (1), respectable (1).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon

STRONGS NT 2887: κόσμιος

κόσμιος, κόσμον, of three term. in classical Greek, cf. WHs Appendix, p. 157; Winers Grammar, § 11, 1; (Buttmann, 25 (22f)) (κόσμος), well-arranged, seemly, modest: 1 Timothy 2:9 (WH marginal reading κοσμίως); of a man living with decorum, a well-ordered life, 1 Timothy 3:2. (Aristophanes, Xenophon, Plato, Isocrates, Lysias, others) (Cf. Trench, § xcii.)

STRONGS NT 2887a: κοσμίως [κοσμίως, adverb (decently), from κόσμιος, which see: 1 Timothy 2:9 WH marginal reading (Aristophanes, Isocrates, others.)]

Topical Lexicon

Word Origin: Derived from the Greek word κόσμος (kosmos), meaning "order" or "world."

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: While there is no direct Hebrew equivalent for κόσμιος, the concept of orderliness and respectability can be related to Hebrew terms such as תָּם (tam, Strong's 8535), meaning "blameless" or "upright," and יָשָׁר (yashar, Strong's 3477), meaning "straight" or "upright." These terms similarly convey the idea of living a life that is pleasing to God and in accordance with His commandments.

Usage: The word κόσμιος is used in the New Testament to describe a quality of character that is fitting and appropriate, particularly in the context of Christian conduct and leadership.

Context: The term κόσμιος appears in the New Testament in the context of Christian virtues and leadership qualifications. It is used to describe the demeanor expected of believers, particularly those in positions of authority within the church. In 1 Timothy 3:2, the Apostle Paul lists κόσμιος as a necessary attribute for an overseer (bishop), indicating that such a leader must be respectable and exhibit a well-ordered life. The emphasis is on external behavior that reflects an inner moral integrity, aligning with the broader biblical call for believers to live lives that are above reproach and reflective of their faith.

The concept of κόσμιος extends beyond mere outward appearance to encompass a lifestyle that is consistent with the teachings of Christ. It suggests a harmony between one's inner convictions and outward actions, promoting peace and order within the community of believers. This quality is essential for maintaining the credibility and witness of the church in the world.

In the broader Greco-Roman context, κόσμιος was a valued trait, often associated with civic virtue and the ideal citizen. However, in the Christian context, it takes on a deeper significance, rooted in the transformation brought about by the Holy Spirit and the believer's commitment to living according to God's standards.

Forms and Transliterations

κοσμιον κόσμιον κοσμιω κοσμίω κοσμίῳ kosmio kosmiō kosmíoi kosmíōi kosmion kósmion

Englishman's Concordance

1 Timothy 2:9 Adj-DFS
GRK: ἐν καταστολῇ κοσμίῳ μετὰ αἰδοῦς
NAS: themselves with proper clothing,
KJV: themselves in modest apparel, with
INT: in apparel seemly with modesty

1 Timothy 3:2 Adj-AMS
GRK: νηφάλιον σώφρονα κόσμιον φιλόξενον διδακτικόν
NAS: prudent, respectable, hospitable,
KJV: sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality,
INT: sober self-controlled respectable hospitable able to teach

Strong's Greek 2887
2 Occurrences

κοσμίῳ — 1 Occ.
κόσμιον — 1 Occ.