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Nuances of kosmos
1a. The inhabited earth (with a focus on humans without distinction and their regions of habitation)
1b. The parts of the earth that are inhabited by civilized humans (Greek or Roman Empire) [peoples and locations]
2. The orderly designed universe (including the creation of the physical earth, sky and all the galaxies in outer space)
3. Earthly physical possessions (often the temporary contrasted with the everlasting or spiritual things)
4a. Mankind–all ethnic groups (Beings with reason above the level of mere animals)
4b. Believers, saved humans, the elect ones or saved Gentiles
4c. Jews and Gentiles (as grouped together as one people)
4d. The general public or out in public view, or out in the open, usually involves crowds
4e. A large group of men or the majority of men [John 12:19]
5. The unsaved beings and evil systems (humans and angels)—the reprobate, profane, depraved, including pagan Gentiles, wicked society, the kingdom of darkness, hostile individuals and systems to God’s kingdom
6. The physical earth (the planet on which we dwell including land, water and living animals)
7. Totality and sum total of organized things
8. Orderly arrangement, adorning or decorating that involves intelligent design to make something more attractive
The final results of steps 1-5 in this word study results in the inclusion of thirteen separate nuances for the 187[NU] (or 188M) uses of kosmos in the Greek New Testament. Even if a person would argue to reduce the number of nuances to the more popular eight possibilities, certain facts remain. To claim that every use of kosmos includes rocks, trees, lettuce, snakes and crocodiles is contrary to the facts. Likewise, to assume that in every context in which kosmos is used it includes every human conceived from Adam to the last human conception cannot be supported by careful research. Moreover, to include the fallen angels as part of the komos in some of its New Testament uses is a very serious theological error.
