The Greek word kosmos means "order," "arrangement," and so with the Greeks, "beauty"; for order and arrangement in the sense of system are at the bottom of the Greek conception of beauty.

When the word "world" is used in the New Testament to mean humanity, the "world" of men, it is organized humanity---humanity in families, tribes, nations -- which is meant. The word for chaotic, unorganized humanity---the mere mass of men---is thalassa, the "sea" of men (e.g., Revelation 13:1). For "world" ( kosmos ) in the bad ethical sense, see John 7:7.