Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God. (1 Co 2:12).
From our understanding of the New Testament, several Greek words can be translated as "world" in English. Because many passages in English translations of the Bible use the word “world,” we thought it might be helpful to detail some of the most common. So, here are the main ones:
Κόσμος (kosmos): This is the most common Greek word translated as "world" in the New Testament. It generally refers to the created order, the universe, or the world as a whole. It can also represent the people inhabiting the world or the earthly realm in contrast to the heavenly realm.
Αἰών (aiōn): This Greek word can be translated as "world," but it primarily carries the meaning of an "age" or a "period of time." It refers to a specific era or epoch, often with a spiritual or eschatological connotation. It can also denote the world system, or the values and ways of thinking associated with a particular time period.
Οἰκουμένη (oikoumenē): This term is used to refer to the inhabited or civilized world. It emphasizes the idea of the world as a dwelling place for humanity. It can also carry a sense of the world as a political or geographical entity.
The Spirit of The World
In this text, the word "κόσμου" in Greek translates to "world" in English. "κόσμου" is the genitive form of κόσμος, which means it is used to indicate possession or a relationship of belonging. This word is commonly used in phrases or constructions where the world is being described, attributed to, or associated with something else.
When Paul refers to "the spirit of the world" in this verse, he contrasts it with “the Spirit of God.” So here, the spirit of the “world" represents the mindset, values, and perspectives shaped by worldly or human thinking. It encompasses the ideas, philosophies, and influences prevalent in the secular world and contrary to the wisdom and understanding that comes from God.
From the writing of Paul, we can see two “systems” at play. The “System” or “spirit” of the world and the things in it, and the “system” of the Holy Spirit or the Kingdom of God, and through Paul’s writings, we can see that these two systems co-exist. Consider the following passages:
And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience, among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others. But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus. (Eph 2:1–6).
He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins. (Col 1:13–14).
For the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking but righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. (Ro 14:17).
These texts are not stated as future promises but rather as present realities. In Ephesians 2:1-6, it is proclaimed that God has brought us to life even though we were once spiritually dead due to our sins and transgressions. We used to walk in accordance with the ways of this world, following the influence of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who now operates in those who are disobedient. This means that all of us once lived in the passions of our flesh, indulging in sinful desires of both the body and the mind. By nature, we were objects of God's wrath!
We have been given the Spirit, who is from God.
However, God, whom the Bible says is “rich in mercy” and driven by His immense love for us, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in our sins. By His grace, we have been saved, raised up, and seated with Christ in heavenly places. Jesus, through His sacrificial blood, delivered us from the power of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of His beloved Son. However, we still walk in this world or “system of things.” And here, the Apostle reminds the Corinthian Church (and all believers today by extension) to remember who they are. We have not received the spirit of the world, but rather the Spirit that comes from God and all that entails. Namely being made alive in a new dimension in which this world, or its rulers have no rule or authority!
In addition, Romans 14:17 states that the kingdom of God does not revolve around material things like food and drink but is characterized by righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. This once again runs contrary to the wisdom and spirit of the world, which at least here in North America seems to be a desperate existentialism. Or stated, “Eat, drink, and be merry, for tomorrow you will die.”
In contrast, the verse discussed today, and the other verses we have referenced convey that the kingdom of God is not merely a futuristic concept but a present reality to be experienced daily. In his letter to the Corinthians, Paul reminds them of their identity, their Spiritual dwelling amid this world, and the abundant blessings bestowed upon them by God. The world's system and order are at odds with God and His kingdom. But those who have bowed their knee to the one who claims to have all rule and authority, to them, they have received the Spirit, which is of God, that they might know by experiencing the things that have been freely given to them by God!
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