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The World

In the Scriptures, the word “world” does not have a single meaning. It may indicate the good creation of GOD, beloved humankind, the sphere of human responsibility, or a system of desires and powers opposed to justice. Understanding the context prevents us from despising creation while seeking to resist evil.

CreationThe earth belongs to GOD and is entrusted to responsible human stewardship.

HumanityThe world is also the whole of humankind, loved by GOD and addressed by His call.

System“World” may describe values, desires, and structures that normalise injustice, pride, and domination.

The earth was created by our Creator and declared good. Yet in many biblical passages the term “world” also indicates what humankind builds upon the earth: cultures, powers, economies, desires, and patterns of conduct. The distinction is essential. We are not called to hate matter, nature, or people, but to refuse conformity to whatever in collective life contradicts the ethics and justice of GOD.

GOD is present, and His eyes range throughout the whole earth, as 2 Chronicles 16:9 recalls. The Scriptures also describe the activity of evil and of the adversary in human history. Moral life may be understood as a test of freedom and of the human capacity to choose what is good; however, it would not be accurate to present as an explicit biblical statement the idea that humankind must prove itself “better than the fallen angel.” This remains a possible theological reflection, not the literal meaning of the texts.

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” — Romans 12:2

Those who seek GOD live within the world without having to absorb all its standards. Scriptural detachment is not an escape from responsibility, but an inner freedom from greed, violence, the idolatry of success, and pride. The same Scripture that warns us not to love “the world” proclaims that GOD loved the world: in the first case the word indicates a corrupt moral order; in the second, humankind as the recipient of love and salvation.

The Prophets announce judgement, purification, and renewal: GOD shakes what appears stable and promises new heavens and a new earth. This does not permit us to neglect the present. Future hope deepens our responsibility towards creation, the vulnerable, and peace. Human progress in knowledge, rights, and communication is real, but neither linear nor irreversible: it must be guarded by truth, justice, and moral vigilance.

In the Qur’an, the earth is made accessible to the human being, while earthly life is also compared to play, adornment, and vegetation destined to wither. The message is not contempt for life, but a refusal to regard as eternal what is temporary, or as absolute what is merely an instrument.

Hebrew Scriptures

Genesis 1:31

Verse	Original Hebrew	Transliteration	Established translation	Close English rendering
Genesis 1:31	וַיַּ֤רְא אֱלֹהִים֙ אֶת־כׇּל־אֲשֶׁ֣ר עָשָׂ֔ה וְהִנֵּה־ט֖וֹב מְאֹ֑ד וַֽיְהִי־עֶ֥רֶב וַֽיְהִי־בֹ֖קֶר י֥וֹם הַשִּׁשִּֽׁי׃ {פ}	vyrʾ ʾlhym ʾt־khl־ʾshr ʿshh vhnh־ṭvv mʾd vyhy־ʿrv vyhy־vqr yvm hshshy׃ {f}	And GOD saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day.	And GOD saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day.

2 Chronicles 16:9

Verse	Original Hebrew	Transliteration	Established translation	Close English rendering
2 Chronicles 16:9	כִּ֣י יְהֹוָ֗ה עֵינָ֞יו מְשֹׁטְט֤וֹת בְּכׇל־הָאָ֙רֶץ֙ לְ֠הִתְחַזֵּ֠ק עִם־לְבָבָ֥ם שָׁלֵ֛ם אֵלָ֖יו נִסְכַּ֣לְתָּ עַל־זֹ֑את כִּ֣י מֵעַ֔תָּה יֵ֥שׁ עִמְּךָ֖ מִלְחָמֽוֹת׃	khy yhvh ʿynyv mshṭṭvt vkhl־hʾrtz lhtḥzq ʿm־lvvm shlm ʾlyv nskhlt ʿl־zʾt khy mʿth ysh ʿmkh mlḥmvt׃	For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of whose heart perfect toward him. Herein thou hast done foolishly: therefore from henceforth thou shalt have wars.	For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of whose heart perfect toward him. Herein thou hast done foolishly: therefore from henceforth thou shalt have wars.

Psalm 24:1

Verse	Original Hebrew	Transliteration	Established translation	Close English rendering
Psalm 24:1	לְדָוִ֗ד מִ֫זְמ֥וֹר לַֽ֭יהֹוָה הָאָ֣רֶץ וּמְלוֹאָ֑הּ תֵּ֝בֵ֗ל וְיֹ֣שְׁבֵי בָֽהּ׃	ldvd mzmvr lyhvh hʾrtz vmlvʾh tvl vyshvy vh׃	The earth the LORD'S, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.	The earth the LORD'S, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.

Psalm 31:19

Verse	Original Hebrew	Transliteration	Established translation	Close English rendering
Psalm 31:19	תֵּ֥אָלַ֗מְנָה שִׂפְתֵ֫י ־ שָׁ֥קֶר הַדֹּבְר֖וֹת עַל־צַדִּ֥יק עָתָ֗ק בְּגַאֲוָ֥ה וָבֽוּז׃	tʾlmnh shfty ־ shqr hdvrvt ʿl־tzdyq ʿtq vgʾvh vvvz׃	how great thy goodness, which thou hast laid up for them that fear thee; thou hast wrought for them that trust in thee before the sons of men!	how great thy goodness, which thou hast laid up for them that fear thee; thou hast wrought for them that trust in thee before the sons of men!

Obadiah 1:15

Verse	Original Hebrew	Transliteration	Established translation	Close English rendering
Obadiah 1:15	כִּֽי־קָר֥וֹב יוֹם־יְהֹוָ֖ה עַל־כׇּל־הַגּוֹיִ֑ם כַּאֲשֶׁ֤ר עָשִׂ֙יתָ֙ יֵעָ֣שֶׂה לָּ֔ךְ גְּמֻלְךָ֖ יָשׁ֥וּב בְּרֹאשֶֽׁךָ׃	khy־qrvv yvm־yhvh ʿl־khl־hgvym khʾshr ʿshyt yʿshh lkh gmlkh yshvv vrʾshkh׃	For the day of the LORD near upon all the heathen: as thou hast done, it shall be done unto thee: thy reward shall return upon thine own head.	For the day of the LORD near upon all the heathen: as thou hast done, it shall be done unto thee: thy reward shall return upon thine own head.

Haggai 2:6

Verse	Original Hebrew	Transliteration	Established translation	Close English rendering
Haggai 2:6	כִּ֣י כֹ֤ה אָמַר֙ יְהֹוָ֣ה צְבָא֔וֹת ע֥וֹד אַחַ֖ת מְעַ֣ט הִ֑יא וַאֲנִ֗י מַרְעִישׁ֙ אֶת־הַשָּׁמַ֣יִם וְאֶת־הָאָ֔רֶץ וְאֶת־הַיָּ֖ם וְאֶת־הֶחָרָבָֽה׃	khy khh ʾmr yhvh tzvʾvt ʿvd ʾḥt mʿṭ hyʾ vʾny mrʿysh ʾt־hshmym vʾt־hʾrtz vʾt־hym vʾt־hḥrvh׃	For thus saith the LORD of hosts; Yet once, it a little while, and I will shake the heavens, and the earth, and the sea, and the dry;	For thus saith the LORD of hosts; Yet once, it a little while, and I will shake the heavens, and the earth, and the sea, and the dry;

Haggai 2:21

Verse	Original Hebrew	Transliteration	Established translation	Close English rendering
Haggai 2:21	אֱמֹ֕ר אֶל־זְרֻבָּבֶ֥ל פַּֽחַת־יְהוּדָ֖ה לֵאמֹ֑ר אֲנִ֣י מַרְעִ֔ישׁ אֶת־הַשָּׁמַ֖יִם וְאֶת־הָאָֽרֶץ׃	ʾmr ʾl־zrvvl fḥt־yhvdh lʾmr ʾny mrʿysh ʾt־hshmym vʾt־hʾrtz׃	Speak to Zerubbabel, governor of Judah, saying, I will shake the heavens and the earth;	Speak to Zerubbabel, governor of Judah, saying, I will shake the heavens and the earth;

Zechariah 14:9

Verse	Original Hebrew	Transliteration	Established translation	Close English rendering
Zechariah 14:9	וְהָיָ֧ה יְהֹוָ֛ה לְמֶ֖לֶךְ עַל־כׇּל־הָאָ֑רֶץ בַּיּ֣וֹם הַה֗וּא יִהְיֶ֧ה יְהֹוָ֛ה אֶחָ֖ד וּשְׁמ֥וֹ אֶחָֽד׃	vhyh yhvh lmlkh ʿl־khl־hʾrtz vyvm hhvʾ yhyh yhvh ʾḥd vshmv ʾḥd׃	And the LORD shall be king over all the earth: in that day shall there be one LORD, and his name one.	And the LORD shall be king over all the earth: in that day shall there be one LORD, and his name one.

Isaiah 65:17

Verse	Original Hebrew	Transliteration	Established translation	Close English rendering
Isaiah 65:17	כִּֽי־הִנְנִ֥י בוֹרֵ֛א שָׁמַ֥יִם חֲדָשִׁ֖ים וָאָ֣רֶץ חֲדָשָׁ֑ה וְלֹ֤א תִזָּכַ֙רְנָה֙ הָרִ֣אשֹׁנ֔וֹת וְלֹ֥א תַעֲלֶ֖ינָה עַל־לֵֽב׃	khy־hnny vvrʾ shmym ḥdshym vʾrtz ḥdshh vlʾ tzkhrnh hrʾshnvt vlʾ tʿlynh ʿl־lv׃	For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind.	For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind.

Christian Scriptures

Romans 12:2

Verse	Original Greek	Transliteration	Established translation	Close English rendering
Romans 12:2	καὶ μὴ ⸀συσχηματίζεσθε τῷ αἰῶνι τούτῳ, ἀλλὰ ⸀μεταμορφοῦσθε τῇ ἀνακαινώσει τοῦ ⸀νοός, εἰς τὸ δοκιμάζειν ὑμᾶς τί τὸ θέλημα τοῦ θεοῦ, τὸ ἀγαθὸν καὶ εὐάρεστον καὶ τέλειον.	kai mē ⸀syschēmatizesthe tō aiōni toytō, alla ⸀metamorphoysthe tē anakainōsei toy ⸀noos, eis to dokimazein ymas ti to thelēma toy theoy, to agathon kai eyareston kai teleion.	And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of GOD.	And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of GOD.

John 17:9

Verse	Original Greek	Transliteration	Established translation	Close English rendering
John 17:9	ἐγὼ περὶ αὐτῶν ἐρωτῶ· οὐ περὶ τοῦ κόσμου ἐρωτῶ ἀλλὰ περὶ ὧν δέδωκάς μοι, ὅτι σοί εἰσιν,	egō peri aytōn erōtō· oy peri toy kosmoy erōtō alla peri ōn dedōkas moi, oti soi eisin,	I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are thine.	I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are thine.

John 15:18-21

Verse	Original Greek	Transliteration	Established translation	Close English rendering
John 15:18	Εἰ ὁ κόσμος ὑμᾶς μισεῖ, γινώσκετε ὅτι ἐμὲ πρῶτον ⸀ὑμῶν μεμίσηκεν.	ei o kosmos ymas misei, ginōskete oti eme prōton ⸀ymōn memisēken.	If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before you.	If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before you.
John 15:19	εἰ ἐκ τοῦ κόσμου ἦτε, ὁ κόσμος ἂν τὸ ἴδιον ἐφίλει· ὅτι δὲ ἐκ τοῦ κόσμου οὐκ ἐστέ, ἀλλ’ ἐγὼ ἐξελεξάμην ὑμᾶς ἐκ τοῦ κόσμου, διὰ τοῦτο μισεῖ ὑμᾶς ὁ κόσμος.	ei ek toy kosmoy ēte, o kosmos an to idion ephilei· oti de ek toy kosmoy oyk este, all’ egō exelexamēn ymas ek toy kosmoy, dia toyto misei ymas o kosmos.	If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.	If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.
John 15:20	μνημονεύετε τοῦ λόγου οὗ ἐγὼ εἶπον ὑμῖν· Οὐκ ἔστιν δοῦλος μείζων τοῦ κυρίου αὐτοῦ· εἰ ἐμὲ ἐδίωξαν, καὶ ὑμᾶς διώξουσιν· εἰ τὸν λόγον μου ἐτήρησαν, καὶ τὸν ὑμέτερον τηρήσουσιν.	mnēmoneyete toy logoy oy egō eipon ymin· oyk estin doylos meizōn toy kyrioy aytoy· ei eme ediōxan, kai ymas diōxoysin· ei ton logon moy etērēsan, kai ton ymeteron tērēsoysin.	Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also.	Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also.
John 15:21	ἀλλὰ ταῦτα πάντα ποιήσουσιν ⸂εἰς ὑμᾶς⸃ διὰ τὸ ὄνομά μου, ὅτι οὐκ οἴδασιν τὸν πέμψαντά με.	alla tayta panta poiēsoysin ⸂eis ymas⸃ dia to onoma moy, oti oyk oidasin ton pempsanta me.	But all these things will they do unto you for my name's sake, because they know not him that sent me.	But all these things will they do unto you for my name's sake, because they know not him that sent me.

1 John 2:15

Verse	Original Greek	Transliteration	Established translation	Close English rendering
1 John 2:15	Μὴ ἀγαπᾶτε τὸν κόσμον μηδὲ τὰ ἐν τῷ κόσμῳ. ἐάν τις ἀγαπᾷ τὸν κόσμον, οὐκ ἔστιν ἡ ἀγάπη τοῦ πατρὸς ἐν αὐτῷ·	mē agapate ton kosmon mēde ta en tō kosmō. ean tis agapa ton kosmon, oyk estin ē agapē toy patros en aytō·	Love not the world, neither the things in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.	Love not the world, neither the things in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

Titus 2:11-12

Verse	Original Greek	Transliteration	Established translation	Close English rendering
Titus 2:11	Ἐπεφάνη γὰρ ἡ χάρις τοῦ ⸀θεοῦ σωτήριος πᾶσιν ἀνθρώποις	epephanē gar ē charis toy ⸀theoy sōtērios pasin anthrōpois	For the grace of GOD that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,	For the grace of GOD that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,
Titus 2:12	παιδεύουσα ἡμᾶς, ἵνα ἀρνησάμενοι τὴν ἀσέβειαν καὶ τὰς κοσμικὰς ἐπιθυμίας σωφρόνως καὶ δικαίως καὶ εὐσεβῶς ζήσωμεν ἐν τῷ νῦν αἰῶνι,	paideyoysa ēmas, ina arnēsamenoi tēn asebeian kai tas kosmikas epithymias sōphronōs kai dikaiōs kai eysebōs zēsōmen en tō nyn aiōni,	Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;	Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;

John 16:33

Verse	Original Greek	Transliteration	Established translation	Close English rendering
John 16:33	ταῦτα λελάληκα ὑμῖν ἵνα ἐν ἐμοὶ εἰρήνην ἔχητε· ἐν τῷ κόσμῳ θλῖψιν ἔχετε, ἀλλὰ θαρσεῖτε, ἐγὼ νενίκηκα τὸν κόσμον.	tayta lelalēka ymin ina en emoi eirēnēn echēte· en tō kosmō thlipsin echete, alla tharseite, egō nenikēka ton kosmon.	These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.	These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

Mark 8:36

Verse	Original Greek	Transliteration	Established translation	Close English rendering
Mark 8:36	τί γὰρ ⸀ὠφελεῖ ⸀ἄνθρωπον ⸂κερδῆσαι τὸν κόσμον ὅλον καὶ ζημιωθῆναι⸃ τὴν ψυχὴν αὐτοῦ;	ti gar ⸀ōphelei ⸀anthrōpon ⸂kerdēsai ton kosmon olon kai zēmiōthēnai⸃ tēn psychēn aytoy;	Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?	Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?

1 Timothy 6:7-8

Verse	Original Greek	Transliteration	Established translation	Close English rendering
1 Timothy 6:7	οὐδὲν γὰρ εἰσηνέγκαμεν εἰς τὸν κόσμον, ⸀ὅτι οὐδὲ ἐξενεγκεῖν τι δυνάμεθα·	oyden gar eisēnegkamen eis ton kosmon, ⸀oti oyde exenegkein ti dynametha·	For we brought nothing into world, certain we can carry nothing out.	For we brought nothing into world, certain we can carry nothing out.
1 Timothy 6:8	ἔχοντες δὲ διατροφὰς καὶ σκεπάσματα, τούτοις ἀρκεσθησόμεθα.	echontes de diatrophas kai skepasmata, toytois arkesthēsometha.	And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.	And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.

1 John 2:17

Verse	Original Greek	Transliteration	Established translation	Close English rendering
1 John 2:17	καὶ ὁ κόσμος παράγεται καὶ ἡ ἐπιθυμία αὐτοῦ, ὁ δὲ ποιῶν τὸ θέλημα τοῦ θεοῦ μένει εἰς τὸν αἰῶνα.	kai o kosmos paragetai kai ē epithymia aytoy, o de poiōn to thelēma toy theoy menei eis ton aiōna.	And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of GOD abideth for ever.	And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of GOD abideth for ever.

Mark 16:15

Verse	Original Greek	Transliteration	Established translation	Close English rendering
Mark 16:15	καὶ εἶπεν αὐτοῖς· Πορευθέντες εἰς τὸν κόσμον ἅπαντα κηρύξατε τὸ εὐαγγέλιον πάσῃ τῇ κτίσει.	kai eipen aytois· poreythentes eis ton kosmon apanta kēryxate to eyaggelion pasē tē ktisei.	And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.	And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.

James 4:4

Verse	Original Greek	Transliteration	Established translation	Close English rendering
James 4:4	⸀μοιχαλίδες, οὐκ οἴδατε ὅτι ἡ φιλία τοῦ κόσμου ἔχθρα τοῦ θεοῦ ἐστιν; ὃς ⸀ἐὰν οὖν βουληθῇ φίλος εἶναι τοῦ κόσμου, ἐχθρὸς τοῦ θεοῦ καθίσταται.	⸀moichalides, oyk oidate oti ē philia toy kosmoy echthra toy theoy estin; os ⸀ean oyn boylēthē philos einai toy kosmoy, echthros toy theoy kathistatai.	Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with GOD? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of GOD.	Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with GOD? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of GOD.

2 Corinthians 10:3

Verse	Original Greek	Transliteration	Established translation	Close English rendering
2 Corinthians 10:3	ἐν σαρκὶ γὰρ περιπατοῦντες οὐ κατὰ σάρκα στρατευόμεθα—	en sarki gar peripatoyntes oy kata sarka strateyometha—	For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh:	For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh:

1 John 5:4

Verse	Original Greek	Transliteration	Established translation	Close English rendering
1 John 5:4	ὅτι πᾶν τὸ γεγεννημένον ἐκ τοῦ θεοῦ νικᾷ τὸν κόσμον. καὶ αὕτη ἐστὶν ἡ νίκη ἡ νικήσασα τὸν κόσμον, ἡ πίστις ἡμῶν·	oti pan to gegennēmenon ek toy theoy nika ton kosmon. kai aytē estin ē nikē ē nikēsasa ton kosmon, ē pistis ēmōn·	For whatsoever is born of GOD overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, our faith.	For whatsoever is born of GOD overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, our faith.

1 John 3:1

Verse	Original Greek	Transliteration	Established translation	Close English rendering
1 John 3:1	ἴδετε ποταπὴν ἀγάπην δέδωκεν ἡμῖν ὁ πατὴρ ἵνα τέκνα θεοῦ κληθῶμεν, ⸂καὶ ἐσμέν⸃. διὰ τοῦτο ὁ κόσμος οὐ γινώσκει ⸀ἡμᾶς ὅτι οὐκ ἔγνω αὐτόν.	idete potapēn agapēn dedōken ēmin o patēr ina tekna theoy klēthōmen, ⸂kai esmen⸃. dia toyto o kosmos oy ginōskei ⸀ēmas oti oyk egnō ayton.	Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of GOD: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.	Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of GOD: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.

1 John 2:16

Verse	Original Greek	Transliteration	Established translation	Close English rendering
1 John 2:16	ὅτι πᾶν τὸ ἐν τῷ κόσμῳ, ἡ ἐπιθυμία τῆς σαρκὸς καὶ ἡ ἐπιθυμία τῶν ὀφθαλμῶν καὶ ἡ ἀλαζονεία τοῦ βίου, οὐκ ἔστιν ἐκ τοῦ πατρός, ἀλλὰ ἐκ τοῦ κόσμου ἐστίν·	oti pan to en tō kosmō, ē epithymia tēs sarkos kai ē epithymia tōn ophthalmōn kai ē alazoneia toy bioy, oyk estin ek toy patros, alla ek toy kosmoy estin·	For all that in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.	For all that in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.

John 14:27

Verse	Original Greek	Transliteration	Established translation	Close English rendering
John 14:27	εἰρήνην ἀφίημι ὑμῖν, εἰρήνην τὴν ἐμὴν δίδωμι ὑμῖν· οὐ καθὼς ὁ κόσμος δίδωσιν ἐγὼ δίδωμι ὑμῖν. μὴ ταρασσέσθω ὑμῶν ἡ καρδία μηδὲ δειλιάτω.	eirēnēn aphiēmi ymin, eirēnēn tēn emēn didōmi ymin· oy kathōs o kosmos didōsin egō didōmi ymin. mē tarassesthō ymōn ē kardia mēde deiliatō.	Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.	Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

1 Corinthians 3:18

Verse	Original Greek	Transliteration	Established translation	Close English rendering
1 Corinthians 3:18	Μηδεὶς ἑαυτὸν ἐξαπατάτω· εἴ τις δοκεῖ σοφὸς εἶναι ἐν ὑμῖν ἐν τῷ αἰῶνι τούτῳ, μωρὸς γενέσθω, ἵνα γένηται σοφός,	mēdeis eayton exapatatō· ei tis dokei sophos einai en ymin en tō aiōni toytō, mōros genesthō, ina genētai sophos,	Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise.	Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise.

1 Corinthians 1:28-29

Verse	Original Greek	Transliteration	Established translation	Close English rendering
1 Corinthians 1:28	καὶ τὰ ἀγενῆ τοῦ κόσμου καὶ τὰ ἐξουθενημένα ἐξελέξατο ὁ θεός, ⸀τὰ μὴ ὄντα, ἵνα τὰ ὄντα καταργήσῃ,	kai ta agenē toy kosmoy kai ta exoythenēmena exelexato o theos, ⸀ta mē onta, ina ta onta katargēsē,	And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath GOD chosen,, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are:	And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath GOD chosen,, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are:
1 Corinthians 1:29	ὅπως μὴ καυχήσηται πᾶσα σὰρξ ἐνώπιον τοῦ θεοῦ.	opōs mē kaychēsētai pasa sarx enōpion toy theoy.	That no flesh should glory in his presence.	That no flesh should glory in his presence.

John 3:16

Verse	Original Greek	Transliteration	Established translation	Close English rendering
John 3:16	Οὕτως γὰρ ἠγάπησεν ὁ θεὸς τὸν κόσμον ὥστε τὸν ⸀υἱὸν τὸν μονογενῆ ἔδωκεν, ἵνα πᾶς ὁ πιστεύων εἰς αὐτὸν μὴ ἀπόληται ἀλλὰ ἔχῃ ζωὴν αἰώνιον.	oytōs gar ēgapēsen o theos ton kosmon ōste ton ⸀yion ton monogenē edōken, ina pas o pisteyōn eis ayton mē apolētai alla echē zōēn aiōnion.	For GOD so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.	For GOD so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

John 8:12

Verse	Original Greek	Transliteration	Established translation	Close English rendering
John 8:12	Πάλιν οὖν αὐτοῖς ⸂ἐλάλησεν ὁ Ἰησοῦς⸃ λέγων· Ἐγώ εἰμι τὸ φῶς τοῦ κόσμου· ὁ ἀκολουθῶν ⸀ἐμοὶ οὐ μὴ περιπατήσῃ ἐν τῇ σκοτίᾳ, ἀλλ’ ἕξει τὸ φῶς τῆς ζωῆς.	palin oyn aytois ⸂elalēsen o iēsoys⸃ legōn· egō eimi to phōs toy kosmoy· o akoloythōn ⸀emoi oy mē peripatēsē en tē skotia, all’ exei to phōs tēs zōēs.	Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.	Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.

Matthew 16:26

Verse	Original Greek	Transliteration	Established translation	Close English rendering
Matthew 16:26	τί γὰρ ⸀ὠφεληθήσεται ἄνθρωπος ἐὰν τὸν κόσμον ὅλον κερδήσῃ τὴν δὲ ψυχὴν αὐτοῦ ζημιωθῇ; ἢ τί δώσει ἄνθρωπος ἀντάλλαγμα τῆς ψυχῆς αὐτοῦ;	ti gar ⸀ōphelēthēsetai anthrōpos ean ton kosmon olon kerdēsē tēn de psychēn aytoy zēmiōthē; ē ti dōsei anthrōpos antallagma tēs psychēs aytoy;	For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?	For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?

Romans 1:20

Verse	Original Greek	Transliteration	Established translation	Close English rendering
Romans 1:20	τὰ γὰρ ἀόρατα αὐτοῦ ἀπὸ κτίσεως κόσμου τοῖς ποιήμασιν νοούμενα καθορᾶται, ἥ τε ἀΐδιος αὐτοῦ δύναμις καὶ θειότης, εἰς τὸ εἶναι αὐτοὺς ἀναπολογήτους,	ta gar aorata aytoy apo ktiseōs kosmoy tois poiēmasin nooymena kathoratai, ē te aidios aytoy dynamis kai theiotēs, eis to einai aytoys anapologētoys,	For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:	For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:

James 1:27

Verse	Original Greek	Transliteration	Established translation	Close English rendering
James 1:27	θρησκεία καθαρὰ καὶ ἀμίαντος παρὰ ⸀τῷ θεῷ καὶ πατρὶ αὕτη ἐστίν, ἐπισκέπτεσθαι ὀρφανοὺς καὶ χήρας ἐν τῇ θλίψει αὐτῶν, ἄσπιλον ἑαυτὸν τηρεῖν ἀπὸ τοῦ κόσμου.	thrēskeia kathara kai amiantos para ⸀tō theō kai patri aytē estin, episkeptesthai orphanoys kai chēras en tē thlipsei aytōn, aspilon eayton tērein apo toy kosmoy.	Pure religion and undefiled before GOD and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, to keep himself unspotted from the world.	Pure religion and undefiled before GOD and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, to keep himself unspotted from the world.

1 John 2:2

Verse	Original Greek	Transliteration	Established translation	Close English rendering
1 John 2:2	καὶ αὐτὸς ἱλασμός ἐστιν περὶ τῶν ἁμαρτιῶν ἡμῶν, οὐ περὶ τῶν ἡμετέρων δὲ μόνον ἀλλὰ καὶ περὶ ὅλου τοῦ κόσμου.	kai aytos ilasmos estin peri tōn amartiōn ēmōn, oy peri tōn ēmeterōn de monon alla kai peri oloy toy kosmoy.	And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the whole world.	And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the whole world.

2 Peter 1:4

Verse	Original Greek	Transliteration	Established translation	Close English rendering
2 Peter 1:4	δι’ ὧν τὰ ⸂τίμια καὶ μέγιστα ἡμῖν⸃ ἐπαγγέλματα δεδώρηται, ἵνα διὰ τούτων γένησθε θείας κοινωνοὶ φύσεως, ἀποφυγόντες τῆς ἐν ⸀τῷ κόσμῳ ἐν ἐπιθυμίᾳ φθορᾶς.	di’ ōn ta ⸂timia kai megista ēmin⸃ epaggelmata dedōrētai, ina dia toytōn genēsthe theias koinōnoi physeōs, apophygontes tēs en ⸀tō kosmō en epithymia phthoras.	Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.	Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

1 John 5:5

Verse	Original Greek	Transliteration	Established translation	Close English rendering
1 John 5:5	τίς ⸂δέ ἐστιν⸃ ὁ νικῶν τὸν κόσμον εἰ μὴ ὁ πιστεύων ὅτι Ἰησοῦς ἐστιν ὁ υἱὸς τοῦ θεοῦ;	tis ⸂de estin⸃ o nikōn ton kosmon ei mē o pisteyōn oti iēsoys estin o yios toy theoy;	Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of GOD?	Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of GOD?

Romans 8:19-22

Verse	Original Greek	Transliteration	Established translation	Close English rendering
Romans 8:19	ἡ γὰρ ἀποκαραδοκία τῆς κτίσεως τὴν ἀποκάλυψιν τῶν υἱῶν τοῦ θεοῦ ἀπεκδέχεται·	ē gar apokaradokia tēs ktiseōs tēn apokalypsin tōn yiōn toy theoy apekdechetai·	For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of GOD.	For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of GOD.
Romans 8:20	τῇ γὰρ ματαιότητι ἡ κτίσις ὑπετάγη, οὐχ ἑκοῦσα ἀλλὰ διὰ τὸν ὑποτάξαντα, ⸀ἐφ’ ἑλπίδι	tē gar mataiotēti ē ktisis ypetagē, oych ekoysa alla dia ton ypotaxanta, ⸀eph’ elpidi	For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected in hope,	For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected in hope,
Romans 8:21	ὅτι καὶ αὐτὴ ἡ κτίσις ἐλευθερωθήσεται ἀπὸ τῆς δουλείας τῆς φθορᾶς εἰς τὴν ἐλευθερίαν τῆς δόξης τῶν τέκνων τοῦ θεοῦ.	oti kai aytē ē ktisis eleytherōthēsetai apo tēs doyleias tēs phthoras eis tēn eleytherian tēs doxēs tōn teknōn toy theoy.	Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of GOD.	Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of GOD.
Romans 8:22	οἴδαμεν γὰρ ὅτι πᾶσα ἡ κτίσις συστενάζει καὶ συνωδίνει ἄχρι τοῦ νῦν·	oidamen gar oti pasa ē ktisis systenazei kai synōdinei achri toy nyn·	For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now.	For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now.

Revelation 21:1-5

Verse	Original Greek	Transliteration	Established translation	Close English rendering
Revelation 21:1	Καὶ εἶδον οὐρανὸν καινὸν καὶ γῆν καινήν· ὁ γὰρ πρῶτος οὐρανὸς καὶ ἡ πρώτη γῆ ἀπῆλθαν, καὶ ἡ θάλασσα οὐκ ἔστιν ἔτι.	kai eidon oyranon kainon kai gēn kainēn· o gar prōtos oyranos kai ē prōtē gē apēlthan, kai ē thalassa oyk estin eti.	And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.	And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.
Revelation 21:2	καὶ τὴν πόλιν τὴν ἁγίαν Ἰερουσαλὴμ καινὴν εἶδον καταβαίνουσαν ἐκ τοῦ οὐρανοῦ ἀπὸ τοῦ θεοῦ, ἡτοιμασμένην ὡς νύμφην κεκοσμημένην τῷ ἀνδρὶ αὐτῆς.	kai tēn polin tēn agian ieroysalēm kainēn eidon katabainoysan ek toy oyranoy apo toy theoy, ētoimasmenēn ōs nymphēn kekosmēmenēn tō andri aytēs.	And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from GOD out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.	And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from GOD out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.
Revelation 21:3	καὶ ἤκουσα φωνῆς μεγάλης ἐκ τοῦ ⸀θρόνου λεγούσης· Ἰδοὺ ἡ σκηνὴ τοῦ θεοῦ μετὰ τῶν ἀνθρώπων, καὶ σκηνώσει μετ’ αὐτῶν, καὶ αὐτοὶ ⸀λαοὶ αὐτοῦ ἔσονται, καὶ αὐτὸς ὁ θεὸς ⸂μετ’ αὐτῶν ἔσται⸃,	kai ēkoysa phōnēs megalēs ek toy ⸀thronoy legoysēs· idoy ē skēnē toy theoy meta tōn anthrōpōn, kai skēnōsei met’ aytōn, kai aytoi ⸀laoi aytoy esontai, kai aytos o theos ⸂met’ aytōn estai⸃,	And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of GOD with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and GOD himself shall be with them, their GOD.	And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of GOD with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and GOD himself shall be with them, their GOD.
Revelation 21:4	καὶ ἐξαλείψει πᾶν δάκρυον ⸀ἐκ τῶν ὀφθαλμῶν αὐτῶν, καὶ ὁ θάνατος οὐκ ἔσται ἔτι· οὔτε πένθος οὔτε κραυγὴ οὔτε πόνος οὐκ ἔσται ⸀ἔτι. τὰ πρῶτα ἀπῆλθαν.	kai exaleipsei pan dakryon ⸀ek tōn ophthalmōn aytōn, kai o thanatos oyk estai eti· oyte penthos oyte kraygē oyte ponos oyk estai ⸀eti. ta prōta apēlthan.	And GOD shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.	And GOD shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.
Revelation 21:5	Καὶ εἶπεν ὁ καθήμενος ἐπὶ τῷ θρόνῳ· Ἰδοὺ ⸂καινὰ ποιῶ πάντα⸃. καὶ ⸀λέγει· Γράψον, ὅτι οὗτοι οἱ λόγοι ⸂πιστοὶ καὶ ἀληθινοί⸃ εἰσιν.	kai eipen o kathēmenos epi tō thronō· idoy ⸂kaina poiō panta⸃. kai ⸀legei· grapson, oti oytoi oi logoi ⸂pistoi kai alēthinoi⸃ eisin.	And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.	And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.

Islamic Scriptures

Qur’an 2:29 — Al-Baqarah

Verse	Original Arabic	Transliteration	Established translation	Close English rendering
Qur’an 2:29	هُوَ ٱلَّذِى خَلَقَ لَكُم مَّا فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ جَمِيعًۭا ثُمَّ ٱسْتَوَىٰٓ إِلَى ٱلسَّمَآءِ فَسَوَّىٰهُنَّ سَبْعَ سَمَٰوَٰتٍۢ ۚ وَهُوَ بِكُلِّ شَىْءٍ عَلِيمٌۭ	Huwal lazee khalaqa lakum maa fil ardi jamee'an summas tawaaa ilas samaaa'i fasaw waahunna sab'a samaa waat; wa Huwa bikulli shai'in Aleem	He it is Who created for you all that is in the earth. Then turned He to the heaven, and fashioned it as seven heavens. And He is Knower of all things.	He it is Who created for you all that is in the earth. Then turned He to the heaven, and fashioned it as seven heavens. And He is Knower of all things.

Qur’an 3:185 — Āl ʿImrān

Verse	Original Arabic	Transliteration	Established translation	Close English rendering
Qur’an 3:185	كُلُّ نَفْسٍۢ ذَآئِقَةُ ٱلْمَوْتِ ۗ وَإِنَّمَا تُوَفَّوْنَ أُجُورَكُمْ يَوْمَ ٱلْقِيَٰمَةِ ۖ فَمَن زُحْزِحَ عَنِ ٱلنَّارِ وَأُدْخِلَ ٱلْجَنَّةَ فَقَدْ فَازَ ۗ وَمَا ٱلْحَيَوٰةُ ٱلدُّنْيَآ إِلَّا مَتَٰعُ ٱلْغُرُورِ	Kulu nafsin zaaa'iqatul mawt; wa innamaa tuwaffawna ujoorakum Yawmal Qiyaamati faman zuhziha 'anin Naari waudkhilal Jannata faqad faaz; wa mal hayaatud dunyaaa illaa mataa'ul ghuroor	Every soul will taste of death. And ye will be paid on the Day of Resurrection only that which ye have fairly earned. Whoso is removed from the Fire and is made to enter Paradise, he indeed is triumphant. The life of this world is but comfort of illusion.	Every soul will taste of death. And ye will be paid on the Day of Resurrection only that which ye have fairly earned. Whoso is removed from the Fire and is made to enter Paradise, he indeed is triumphant. The life of this world is but comfort of illusion.

Qur’an 57:20 — Al-Ḥadīd

Verse	Original Arabic	Transliteration	Established translation	Close English rendering
Qur’an 57:20	ٱعْلَمُوٓا۟ أَنَّمَا ٱلْحَيَوٰةُ ٱلدُّنْيَا لَعِبٌۭ وَلَهْوٌۭ وَزِينَةٌۭ وَتَفَاخُرٌۢ بَيْنَكُمْ وَتَكَاثُرٌۭ فِى ٱلْأَمْوَٰلِ وَٱلْأَوْلَٰدِ ۖ كَمَثَلِ غَيْثٍ أَعْجَبَ ٱلْكُفَّارَ نَبَاتُهُۥ ثُمَّ يَهِيجُ فَتَرَىٰهُ مُصْفَرًّۭا ثُمَّ يَكُونُ حُطَٰمًۭا ۖ وَفِى ٱلْءَاخِرَةِ عَذَابٌۭ شَدِيدٌۭ وَمَغْفِرَةٌۭ مِّنَ ٱللَّهِ وَرِضْوَٰنٌۭ ۚ وَمَا ٱلْحَيَوٰةُ ٱلدُّنْيَآ إِلَّا مَتَٰعُ ٱلْغُرُورِ	I'lamooo annamal hayaa tud dunyaa la'ibunw wa lahwunw wa zeenatunw wa takaasurun bainakum wa takaasurn fil amwaali wal awlaad, kamasali ghaisin a'jabal kuffaara nabaatuhoo summa yaheeju fataraahu musfaaran summa yakoonu hutaamaa; wa fil aakhirati 'azaabun shadeedunw wa magh firatum minal laahi wa ridwaan; wa mal haiyaa tuddun yaaa illaa mataa'ul ghuroor	Know that the life of the world is only play, and idle talk, and pageantry, and boasting among you, and rivalry in respect of wealth and children; as the likeness of vegetation after rain, whereof the growth is pleasing to the husbandman, but afterward it drieth up and thou seest it turning yellow, then it becometh straw. And in the Hereafter there is grievous punishment, and also forgiveness from GOD and His good pleasure, whereas the life of the world is but matter of illusion.	Know that the life of the world is only play, and idle talk, and pageantry, and boasting among you, and rivalry in respect of wealth and children; as the likeness of vegetation after rain, whereof the growth is pleasing to the husbandman, but afterward it drieth up and thou seest it turning yellow, then it becometh straw. And in the Hereafter there is grievous punishment, and also forgiveness from GOD and His good pleasure, whereas the life of the world is but matter of illusion.

Qur’an 67:15 — Al-Mulk

Verse	Original Arabic	Transliteration	Established translation	Close English rendering
Qur’an 67:15	هُوَ ٱلَّذِى جَعَلَ لَكُمُ ٱلْأَرْضَ ذَلُولًۭا فَٱمْشُوا۟ فِى مَنَاكِبِهَا وَكُلُوا۟ مِن رِّزْقِهِۦ ۖ وَإِلَيْهِ ٱلنُّشُورُ	Huwal lazee ja'ala lakumul arda zaloolan famshoo fee manaakibihaa wa kuloo mir rizqihee wa ilaihin nushoor	He it is Who hath made the earth subservient unto you, so walk in the paths thereof and eat of His providence. And unto Him will be the resurrection.	He it is Who hath made the earth subservient unto you, so walk in the paths thereof and eat of His providence. And unto Him will be the resurrection.

In the world, without belonging to its corruption

Faith does not invite us to flee the earth, but to inhabit it without becoming its prisoners. The world is creation to be cared for, humanity to be loved, and at the same time a system of injustice to be transformed. Spiritual victory does not consist in dominating others, but in refusing to let fear, desire, wealth, or prestige rule the conscience. To live before GOD is to use what passes away in the service of what endures.

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