Thank you for the interpretive question on “world”, “What does the New Testament mean by the word, “world”?
The Greek word for world is “cosmos”. According to Vine’s Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words, the definition of “cosmos” is primarily used in the sense of order, arrangement, ornament and adornment.
He lists seven usages for the world, cosmos. I list them for your consideration:
- The physical earth (cosmos) as in Matt. 13:25, John 21:25.
- The earth (cosmos) in contrast to heaven as in I John 3:17.
- The world (cosmos) as representing the human race as in Matt. 5:14, John 3:16.
- The world (Gentiles) in contrast to Jews as in Romans 11: 12, 15.
- The world as representing the present condition of human affairs as in I John 4:5, John 7:7.
- The world as the sum of temporal possessions as in Matt. 16:26.
- The world as metaphorically expressing magnitude and variety as in James 3:6.
There is a degree of subjectivity as one has to make a determination of the intended meaning by the writer. I cite for example the word, cosmos, in John 1:9–11. The NASB-NIV Parallel In New Testament Greek and English says this, “9 It (He) was light the true, which enlightens every man , coming into the world (cosmon). 10 In the world (cosmo) he was and the world (cosmos) through him became, and the world (cosmos) him not knew. 11 To his own thing he came, and his own people him not received…”.
As one observes the word, cosmos, in its varies noun form, is used four times. The reader has to determine how is the word, world, is used in this context. In verse 9, I interpret the word, world, referring to the physical world due to the verb, coming, would imply from one place to another. The logos came from heaven to the physical earth. In verse 10, the words “in the world”, I understand it to mean being in the physical world. Verse 9 states his coming, and in verse 10a states his arrival in the world. John points out that this one is the Creator of the world (the world became through him in 10b) which would affirm that he made the world in verse 3. There is the possibility that the word, world, could include both the physical world and its people in it. John moves from the Logos being in the world and how the world’s people responded to him in 10c. And the world knew him not. Since the Logos came to the Jewish people, one can narrowly interpret that the world is referring to the Jewish people with a broader implication that as the Gospel message was shared beyond Israel that the world’s people began to recognize him as the Creator-Redeemer of the world. Verse 11 would give support that the word, world, is referring more than the physical world but to its people for they are the ones who receive him. That’s how I understand the above passage.
Each person has to ponder and think about the context and the text itself as the context and text may give some indication to the meaning of a world. There will be scholars who differ in opinions. Christians are call to study the Scriptures to show oneself as an approved workman who can correctly interpret the text. For critical study, I suggest a Greek to English translation study, followed by reading commentaries on that passage to see how that author understands the passage. Hopefully, one can understands the pros and cons for that interpretation of the text whereby one can come to “tentative” conviction since a passage may be controversial. Always be open to other viewpoints and engage in a dialogue.
Hope this helps.
For more perspectives:
https://www.quora.com/What-does-the-New-Testament-mean-by-the-word-world