Lexical Summary kosmokratór: World ruler, ruler of this world Original Word: κοσμοκράτωρ Strong's Exhaustive Concordance ruler. From kosmos and krateo; a world-ruler, an epithet of Satan -- ruler. see GREEK kosmos see GREEK krateo HELPS Word-studies 2888 kosmokrátōr (from 2889 /kósmos, "world" and 2902 /kratéō, "to rule") – properly, world-ruler, referring to Satan (demons) influencing the lives of worldly people (used only in Eph 6:12). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom kosmos and krateó Definition a ruler of this world NASB Translation world forces (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2888: κοσμοκράτωρκοσμοκράτωρ, κοσμοκρατορος, ὁ (κόσμος and κρατέω), lord of the world, prince of this age: the devil and demons are called in plural οἱ κοσμοκρατορες τοῦ σκότους τοῦ αἰῶνος (but critical editions omit τοῦ αἰῶνος) τούτου (R. V. the world-rulers of this darkness), Ephesians 6:12; cf. 11; John 12:31; 2 Corinthians 4:4; see ἄρχων. (The word occurs in the Orphica, 8, 11; 11, 11; in ecclesiastical writings of Satan; in rabbinical writings כּוזְמוקְרָטור is used both of human rulers and of the angel of death; cf. Buxtorf, Lex. talm. et rabb., p. 2006 (p. 996, Fischer edition).) Topical Lexicon Semantic Background and Conceptual Meaning The single New Testament appearance of 2888 designates malevolent, supramundane intelligences that exercise dominion over the present, fallen world-order. The term pictures them as “world-rulers,” emphasizing the scope of their malign influence across political, cultural, and ideological spheres. Biblical Occurrence and Immediate Context Ephesians 6:12 situates these “world-rulers of this darkness” among a tiered hierarchy (“rulers…authorities…powers…spiritual forces of evil”) against which believers wage war. The verse underscores two truths: Relation to the Wider Canon Although 2888 itself is unique to Ephesians, cognate ideas permeate Scripture: Historical and Intertestamental Perspective Second Temple literature (e.g., 1 Enoch, Jubilees) and Qumran writings reflect a worldview in which angelic powers stand behind nations and empires. Greco-Roman usage applied “world-ruler” to supreme deities such as Helios-Mithras; Paul appropriates the term to unveil the demonic realities masquerading behind pagan gods and imperial propaganda. Christological Fulfillment Jesus Christ is enthroned “far above all rule and authority, power and dominion” (Ephesians 1:21). His death, resurrection, and exaltation decisively subjugate the kosmokratores, though their final confinement awaits the consummation (Revelation 20:10). Ministry and Discipleship Implications 1. Dependence on Divine Armor: Truth, righteousness, gospel readiness, faith, salvation, the word, and constant prayer form the only adequate defense. Pastoral Concerns and Spiritual Warfare • Balance: Avoid both paranoia (seeing a demon behind every difficulty) and naivety (denying supernatural opposition). Eschatological Outlook The influence of the kosmokratores intensifies as “the night is nearly over” (Romans 13:12), yet Revelation assures their impending overthrow. Their rule is bounded by divine sovereignty and a fixed timetable. Key Points for Teaching and Preaching • Identify the true enemy to redirect misplaced hostility toward people. Forms and Transliterations κοσμοκρατορας κοσμοκράτορας kosmokratoras kosmokrátorasLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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