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κόσμιος

kósmios

G2887 attributive adjective

SILEX Entry

Definition

Orderly, well-arranged, exhibiting appropriate conduct or propriety. The word fundamentally denotes a state of good order or proper arrangement, especially in one's behavior, manners, or outward demeanor. In figurative usage, indicates someone acting in a disciplined, respectable, or decorous manner, consistent with what is considered seemly or appropriate in their social context.

Semantic Range

orderly, well-arranged, decorous, respectable, proper, of good behavior, modest, exhibiting propriety or good manners

Root / Etymology

From κόσμος (kósmos), meaning 'order,' 'arrangement,' or 'world,' with the adjectival suffix -ιος (-ios) meaning 'pertaining to.' Thus, κόσμιος denotes 'pertaining to order' or 'characterized by order.'

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical Greek, κόσμιος describes persons or actions that are moderate, disciplined, or well-conducted, often in contrast to unruly or excessive behavior. The term occurs infrequently before the Hellenistic period but becomes more common in later moral and philosophical literature to describe someone who embodies self-control, good public manners, or appropriate social conduct. In the New Testament (e.g., 1 Timothy 3:2), it appears in qualification lists (notably for overseers), highlighting the social and ethical expectation of outward respectability and self-restraint—qualities visible to the community. English translations often use 'of good behaviour' or 'respectable,' which reflects part of the semantic range but may not fully capture the cultural emphasis on orderliness and public propriety implied in the term. The word is cognate with κόσμος (order, arrangement, universe), but applied to personal conduct rather than cosmological order. In contrast to related words like σεμνός (worthy of respect, dignified) or σώφρων (self-controlled), κόσμιος stresses external behavior that is fitting or orderly rather than solely internal disposition.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from κόσμος (in its primary sense); orderly, i.e. decorous:--of good behaviour, modest.

Root Family

κόσμιος (kosmios) — orderly, well-arranged, decorous, respectable, proper

Root κοσμ- to order, to arrange, to adorn

Word Forms

2 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G2887-01 κοσμίῳ kosmio ADJ.A DAT F SG modest to an orderly woman orderly 1
G2887-02 κόσμιον kosmion ADJ.S ACC M SG respectable orderly man orderly 1

Occurrences in Scripture

2 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G2887-01 1 Timothy 2:9 κοσμίῳ kosmio ADJ.A DAT F SG modest to an orderly woman orderly
G2887-02 1 Timothy 3:2 κόσμιον kosmion ADJ.S ACC M SG respectable orderly man orderly
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