### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **ktísis**, represented by `{{G2937}}`, denotes **original formation**. Its meaning encompasses the act of creation and the resulting thing, translated as **building, creation, creature,** or **ordinance**. It appears **19 times** across **19 unique verses** in the Bible, indicating its specific and significant usage.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{G2937}}` is used to describe the entirety of God's work. It refers to the physical world from its very beginning, as seen in the phrase "from the **beginning** of the **creation**" [[Mark 10:6]]. The term also applies to individual beings, with the gospel to be preached "to every **creature**" [[Mark 16:15]]. Significantly, it describes the radical transformation of a believer, who in Christ becomes a "new **creature**" [[2 Corinthians 5:17]]. It can also refer to human structures, such as when believers are instructed to submit to every **ordinance** of man for the Lord's sake [[1 Peter 2:13]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words illuminate the scope of `{{G2937}}`:
* `{{G2936}}` **ktízō** (create, Creator, make): This is the root verb from which **ktísis** is derived. The relationship is highlighted when the **creature** `{{G2937}}` is contrasted with the **Creator** `{{G2936}}` [[Romans 1:25]], or when describing the **creation** `{{G2937}}` which God **created** `{{G2936}}` [[Mark 13:19]].
* `{{G2537}}` **kainós** (new): This word is used to describe the transformative nature of salvation, where a believer becomes a **new** **creature** `{{G2937}}` in Christ ([[2 Corinthians 5:17]], [[Galatians 6:15]]).
* `{{G746}}` **archḗ** (a commencement, or ... chief): This term frequently establishes the starting point of the **creation** `{{G2937}}` ([[Mark 10:6]], [[2 Peter 3:4]]). Christ is also identified as the **beginning** of the **creation** of God [[Revelation 3:14]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G2937}}` is significant, touching on core doctrines of creation, salvation, and eschatology.
* **Divine Revelation:** The visible **creation** `{{G2937}}` serves as a witness to God's **eternal** `{{G126}}` **power** `{{G1411}}` and **Godhead** `{{G2305}}`, leaving humanity **without excuse** `{{G379}}` [[Romans 1:20]].
* **Soteriological Transformation:** Being in Christ is described as becoming a **new** `{{G2537}}` **creature** `{{G2937}}`, where old things have **passed away** `{{G3928}}` [[2 Corinthians 5:17]]. This new status transcends previous religious identities, as neither **circumcision** `{{G4061}}` nor **uncircumcision** `{{G203}}` matters [[Galatians 6:15]].
* **Cosmic Redemption:** The entire **creation** `{{G2937}}` is personified as being in a state of suffering, subject to **vanity** `{{G3153}}` and longing for deliverance from the **bondage** `{{G1397}}` of **corruption** `{{G5356}}`. It eagerly awaits the **manifestation** `{{G602}}` of the sons of God [[Romans 8:19-22]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G2937}}` **ktísis** is a multifaceted term that extends beyond a simple reference to the natural world. It defines the original act of God's formation, the individual beings within it, and the governmental structures established by humans (**ordinance**). Most profoundly, it illustrates the complete renewal available in Christ as a **new creature** and points toward the ultimate redemption of all of creation itself.
TRV