How do you reconcile world (κόσμος) in 1 John 2:15-17 with John 3:16-17?

How do you reconcile world (κόσμος) in 1 John 2:15-17 with John 3:16-17?

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How do you reconcile world (κόσμος) in 1 John 2:15-17 with John 3:16-17?

κόσμος has obviously different meanings as used in the following two passages.

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (Jn 3:16–17). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.

Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world. 17 And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (1 Jn 2:15–17). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.

Keep this passage also in mind:

Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. 2 And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (Eph 5:1–2). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.

Here’s the definitions minus the extensive references in BAG:

κόσμος, ου, ὁ (Hom.+; inscr., pap., LXX)—1. adornment, adorning (…).
2. in philosoph. usage the world as the sum total of everything here and now, the (orderly) universe …
3. the world as the sum total of all beings above the level of the animals …
4. the world as the earth, the planet upon which we live (…).
a. gener. …
b. the world as the habitation of mankind …
c. earth, world in contrast to heaven …
d. the world outside in contrast to one’s home ….
5. the world as mankind …
6. the world as the scene of earthly joys, possessions, cares, sufferings …
7. the world, and everything that belongs to it, appears as that which is hostile to God, i.e. lost in sin, wholly at odds w. anything divine, ruined and depraved …
8. totality, sum total …

Arndt, W., Gingrich, F. W., Danker, F. W., & Bauer, W. (1979). A Greek-English lexicon of the New Testament and other early Christian literature : a translation and adaption of the fourth revised and augmented edition of Walter Bauer’s Griechisch-deutsches Worterbuch zu den Schrift en des Neuen Testaments und der ubrigen urchristlichen Literatur (pp. 445–447). Chicago: University of Chicago Press.

I would post a quote of the following reference on κόσμος, but it’s too much:

Kittel, G., Friedrich, G., & Bromiley, G. W. (1985). Theological Dictionary of the New Testament (pp. 459–465). Grand Rapids, MI: W.B. Eerdmans.

5 Comments

  • Reply June 16, 2025

    Philip Williams

    One cosmos refers to the things of this world. John 3:16 refers to the people of this world.

    • Reply June 17, 2025

      Pentecostal Theology

      Philip Williams does not know where the kosmos is @john mushenhous He can barely find some old shaft in turkey

    • Reply June 18, 2025

      Troy Day

      Philip Williamsyou. Are just being confused here

      • Reply June 18, 2025

        Philip Williams

        Troy Day I’m not confused. But you do seem.

      • Reply June 19, 2025

        Troy Day

        Philip Williamswrong

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