What Does ‘The World’ Mean In The Bible?
If you’re wondering what the Bible means when it refers to ‘the world,’ you’ve come to the right place. In a nutshell, the word ‘world’ is used in different ways throughout Scripture, but generally refers to the fallen, sinful human systems that are in opposition to God and His Kingdom.
In this comprehensive article, we will explore the different meanings and usages of the term ‘world’ in the Bible. We’ll look at how it can refer to the physical creation, humanity in general, as well as the corrupted systems of human civilization that have turned away from God.
The World as God’s Creation
The Goodness of the Physical World
According to the Bible, God created the heavens and the earth and all things in them as an intentional act of His goodness and love (Genesis 1-2). When God finished His work of creation, Scripture says “God saw all that He had made, and behold, it was very good” (Genesis 1:31).
The physical world in all its wonder and complexity reflects the creative power and artistry of God. From towering mountains to delicate flowers, creation sings of its Maker’s care and attention to detail.
As the psalmist declared, “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky proclaims His handiwork” (Psalm 19:1).
Though marred by the effects of human sin, the natural world still retains traces of pristine beauty and balance that emanated from the Creator. Sunrises and sunsets, babbling brooks, lush forests, and mighty oceans all evoke awe at the One who spoke them into being.
God’s provision for living creatures great and small testifies to His benevolence and sustaining care. Jesus Himself pointed to the birds of the air and lilies of the field as reminders of the Father’s faithful provision (Matthew 6:25-34). Creation is fundamentally good because its Designer is good.
Humanity as the Crown of Creation
The pinnacle of God’s creative work was fashioning human beings in His own image to rule the earth as His representatives (Genesis 1:26-28). Bearing the imprint of divine likeness sets humanity apart from all other earthly creatures.
As image-bearers, humans have the capacity for complex thought, creativity, relationships, and spiritual connection with God. They alone are given stewardship over the rest of creation. Biblical scholar John Walton notes, “The image of God designates a status of human beings, not an inherent quality or ability” (Source).
This status invests great dignity and purpose.
Tragically, Adam and Eve’s rebellion against God shattered the original harmony between Creator and creation (Genesis 3). Yet even in fallenness, hints of human uniqueness among creatures persist. No other species has built great civilizations, produced works of art and music, invented technologies, cured diseases, explored deep space, or pondered the meaning of existence. And no other holds out hope of redemption and restoration.
God’s love for the crown of His creation endures. Just as He formed Adam from dust and breathed life into him, He is re-creating men and women anew in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17). As redeemed image-bearers, the church now represents God to the world that is still His handiwork.
The World as Fallen Humanity
Humanity’s Rebellion and Separation from God
According to the Bible, humanity’s fall into sin began with Adam and Eve’s rebellion against God in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3). By disobeying God’s command and eating the forbidden fruit, the first humans ushered sin into the world, distorting their relationship with God, each other, and creation itself.
As a result, humanity became separated and alienated from the holy Creator.
This pattern of rebellion and separation has continued through human history. The apostle Paul explains that “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). We continually fail to live up to God’s perfect standards, falling into various sins like greed, pride, hatred, and idolatry.
Even our good deeds are tainted by selfish motives and moral compromises.
So the world we inhabit is one of broken relationships – with God, others, and even ourselves. It is a world that resists submitting to divine authority. The earth itself suffers under the weight of humanity’s sin as we exploit and damage God’s creation (Romans 8:20-22).
The World’s Opposition to Christ
The arrival of Jesus Christ – God in human flesh – challenged the sinful status quo of this fallen world. Though He came in love to redeem humanity, Christ’s perfect holiness exposed just how far we had strayed into unrighteousness and rebellion.
He declared that the world’s ways lead only to destruction (Matthew 7:13).
As a result, He faced intense hostility and rejection: “He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him” (John 1:10-11). The religious elites plotted against Him.
The political authorities mocked and crucified Him. Even one of His own disciples betrayed Him.
Why this global opposition? Because Christ threatened to overturn the corrupt systems the world depends upon. His radical message of repentance and salvation left no room for compromise with greed or power. And so the world judged and eliminated the very author of life itself (Acts 3:14-15).
But this was ultimately part of God’s plan of redemption!
The World System in Opposition to God
Worldly Values vs. Kingdom Values
The Bible often refers to “the world” as a system that is in opposition to God and His values. Worldly values elevate the desires of the flesh, pride, wealth, power, and sinful pleasures over the values of God’s kingdom like humility, righteousness, and self-sacrifice (1 John 2:15-17).
When we become Christians, we are called to reject worldly values and embrace kingdom values instead (Romans 12:2).
Here are some contrasts between worldly values and kingdom values:
Worldly Values | Kingdom Values |
Self-centeredness | Selflessness |
Pride | Humility |
Greed | Generosity |
Immorality | Purity |
Power | Servanthood |
When Christians adopt worldly values, it hinders their spiritual growth and testimony. But when we live according to kingdom values, we experience joy, peace, and purpose that the world cannot offer (John 16:33).
Do Not Love the World
The apostle John warned believers, “Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them” (1 John 2:15). Loving the world means buying into its corrupted value system and pursuing worldly pleasures, possessions, and priorities over God’s kingdom.
Some ways we can avoid loving the world include:
- Keeping our focus on eternal things rather than temporary earthly things (Colossians 3:2).
- Finding contentment in Christ rather than material possessions (Philippians 4:11-13).
- Seeking to please and obey God rather than conforming to the world’s standards (Romans 12:2).
- Investing ourselves in producing spiritual fruit rather than worldly success (Galatians 5:16-26).
- Building others up in Christ rather than tearing them down for worldly gain (Romans 14:19).
The world pressures us to think and act a certain way, but as Christians we are called to live counterculturally. Although we are in the world, we are not of the world (John 17:14-18). When we fill our hearts and minds with God’s truth and presence, it pushes out worldly temptations and enables us to live for His glory.
For more on this topic, check out resources like GotQuestions.org article and David Platt’s book Counter Culture.
Conclusion
In closing, we have seen the different meanings and usages of the term ‘world’ throughout Scripture, from the physical creation to humanity as a whole to the corrupted world system opposed to God’s ways.
As Christians, we are called to appreciate the goodness of the world God created even while recognizing the fallenness of humanity and systems that have turned from Him. By renewing our minds and aligning ourselves with His Kingdom, we can overcome worldly patterns of thinking and demonstrate God’s love to the world He sent His Son to save.