The world
The KJV and most bible translations based thereon often translate the Greek word "aión" as "the world". This is often misleading because in English "the world" means:
- the earth or globe, considered as a planet: (often initial capital letter) a particular division of the earth
- the earth or a part of it, with its inhabitants, affairs, etc., during a particular period: the ancient world
- ...
However, Strong's Concordance has a completely different definition:
| G165 | Strong's Concordance |
|---|---|
| Original Word | αἰών, ῶνος, ὁ |
| Part of Speech | Noun, Masculine |
| Transliteration | aión |
| Phonetic Spelling | (ahee-ohn') |
| Definition | a space of time, an age |
| Usage | an age, a cycle (of time), especially of the present age as contrasted with the future age, and of one of a series of ages stretching to infinity. |
These badly translated verses are often used to proof that we currently need to endure this world (implying Earth) because our destination is heaven. For example:
And whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him;
but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world [aión], neither in the world [aión] to come.-- Matthew 12:32 (KJV)
and
Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world [aión], but also in that which is to come. -- Ephesians 1:21 (KJV)
There is no new planet coming here. It is the next age.
"Age" is also possibly incorrectly translated as "world" in Mark 10:30 (KJV); Luke 16:8, 18:29-30, 20:34 (KJV); 1 Corinthians 2:6-8.
Paul did not ask us to act like aliens when he wrote:
And be not conformed to this world [aión]: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. -- Romans 12:2 (KJV)
Instead, he was concerned about the matters of this current age which will pass away. We should focus our minds on the matters which have eternal value, like God's good acceptable and perfect will.
Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world [aión], according to the will of God and our Father. -- Galatians 1:4 (KJV)
We do not live on an evil planet. We live in an age were evil reign.
Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world [aión] without end. -- Ephesians 3:21 (KJV)
Paul intended to communicate that Christ's reign will have no end. The word "world" in this sentence is confusing.
For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world [aión], against spiritual wickedness in high places. -- Ephesians 6:12 (KJV)
God did not hand over ownership to some evil ruler. God is still in control.