John 3:16 + 17 - For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. 17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.
James 4:4 - Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.
“World” in the NT is usually the Greek word kosmos. It is related to a verb which means “to set in order,” or “to adorn, decorate.” Greek lexicographers give five meanings for “world” (kosmos) in NT usage:
1. The universe created by God with design and order (e.g., Mt 13:35; Jn 17:24; Acts 17:24). “…before the foundation of the world…”
2. The planet earth (e.g., Jn 11:9). This includes the idea of earth as the dwelling place of human beings (16:21) and of earth as contrasted with heaven (6:14; 12:46). “light of this world, meaning the sun.”
3. The total of mankind (Mt 5:14; Jn 3:16; 1 Cor 4:13).
4. The total of human existence in this present life, with all of its experience, possessions, and emotions (Mt 16:26; 1 Cor 7:33) “made the filth of the world” or “what profit is it if a man gains the whole world…”.
5. The world order which is alienated from God, in rebellion against him, and condemned by nature and by godless deeds.
