κοσμέω

kosméō /kos-meh'-o/ Ask about this word
Rootfrom κόσμος
Meaningto put in proper order, i.e. decorate (literally or figuratively); specially, to snuff (a wick)
KJV usageadorn, garnish, trim.
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Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Greek word kosméō, represented by G2885, means to put in proper order. Appearing 10 times in 10 unique verses, its meaning extends beyond simple decoration to include adorning, garnishing, and trimming. The word suggests arranging something to be fitting, beautiful, or in a correct state, both literally and figuratively.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

In Scripture, G2885 is used in several distinct contexts. It can refer to physical decoration, such as the temple being adorned with goodly stones and gifts Luke 21:5 or the foundations of the new city being garnished with all manner of precious stones Revelation 21:19. It is also used for personal appearance, as in the instruction for women to adorn themselves in modest apparel 1 Timothy 2:9. Figuratively, the holy city, New Jerusalem, is described as a bride adorned for her husband Revelation 21:2. In a practical sense, it is used when the virgins arose and trimmed their lamps Matthew 25:7.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words help clarify the concept of proper order and adornment:

  • G2887 kósmios (of good behaviour, modest): Derived from the same root as G2885, this word emphasizes an "orderly, i.e. decorous" state. It is used to describe the kind of modest apparel with which women should adorn themselves 1 Timothy 2:9.
  • G3565 nýmphē (bride, daughter in law): Defined as "a young married woman (as veiled)," this word is used for the bride in the powerful imagery of the New Jerusalem being adorned for her husband, connecting preparation with relational beauty Revelation 21:2.
  • G1342 díkaios (just, right(-eous)): Meaning "equitable (in character or act)," this word appears in a passage where Jesus condemns the scribes and Pharisees who garnish the sepulchres of the righteous, highlighting a contrast between outward decoration and true inner holiness Matthew 23:29.

Theological Significance

The theological significance of G2885 is centered on the relationship between outward presentation and inner substance.

  • Outward vs. Inward State: The word is used to describe both a positive, well-ordered appearance and a negative, superficial one. While women are encouraged to adorn themselves with sobriety 1 Timothy 2:9, a house can be swept and garnished yet remain spiritually empty (Matthew 12:44, Luke 11:25).
  • Adorning the Doctrine: Believers are called to adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things Titus 2:10. This shows that a person's life and conduct can serve to beautify and put in proper order the perception of God's truth in the world.
  • Spiritual Readiness: The imagery of the virgins who trimmed their lamps Matthew 25:7 and the bride adorned for her husband Revelation 21:2 uses G2885 to signify a state of readiness and proper preparation for a key event.

Summary

In summary, G2885 is a multifaceted term that moves from literal decoration to the concept of putting things into their proper order. It applies to places, people, and principles, from garnishing a building to trimming a lamp or beautifying spiritual doctrine through one's life. The word serves as a consistent reminder that while outward order is valued, it must be accompanied by a corresponding inner substance and readiness.

Grammatical Forms

In the Greek New Testament, this word appears as a verb across 10 occurrences, inflected in 9 grammatical forms.

  • Perfect Passive Participle Accusative Singular Masculine 2×
  • Aorist Active Indicative 3rd Plural 1×
  • Imperfect Active Indicative 3rd Plural 1×
  • Perfect Passive Indicative 3rd Singular 1×
  • Perfect Passive Participle Accusative Singular Feminine 1×
  • Perfect Passive Participle Nominative Plural Masculine 1×
  • Present Active Indicative 2nd Plural 1×
  • Present Active Infinitive 1×
  • Present Active Subjunctive 3rd Plural 1×
Nominative
The subject of the verb.
Accusative
The direct object of the verb.
Singular
One.
Plural
More than one.
Masculine
Masculine grammatical gender.
Feminine
Feminine grammatical gender.
2nd
Second person — the one addressed ("you").
3rd
Third person — the one spoken about ("he"/"they").
Present
Action in progress or repeated — happening now or continually.
Imperfect
Ongoing or repeated action in the past — "was doing".
Aorist
Action viewed as a single whole — usually a simple past event.
Perfect
A completed act whose results continue.
Active
The subject performs the action.
Passive
The subject is acted upon.
Indicative
A plain statement of fact.
Subjunctive
Possibility or purpose — "might", "should".
Infinitive
The verb as a noun — "to do".
Participle
A verbal adjective — describes while carrying the verb's action.

Theographic Context

Biblical Distribution

Appears in 10 verses across 6 books. Most frequent in Matthew (3 verses).

3
Matthew
2
Luke
1
1 Timothy
1
Titus
1
1 Peter
2
Revelation

Verse Explorer

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