Refiner Word Study kosmeo (G2885)
G2885  ·  Greek  ·  Strong's Concordance
κοσμέω
kosmeo
10 occurrences in Scripture Greek

"pluperfect, ἐκεκόσμητο (3 sg), to arrange, set in order; to adorn, decorate, embellish, Mt. 12:44; 23:29; to prepare, put in readiness, trim, Mt. 25:7; met. to honor, dignify, Tit. 2:10"

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Definition and meaning

What does kosmeo mean in Greek?

10
Occurrences in Scripture
G2885
Strong's number
Greek
Original language

pluperfect, ἐκεκόσμητο (3 sg), to arrange, set in order; to adorn, decorate, embellish, Mt. 12:44; 23:29; to prepare, put in readiness, trim, Mt. 25:7; met. to honor, dignify, Tit. 2:10

In the original Greek the word is written: κοσμέω

Historical context

What was happening when this word was written?

Roman-Occupied Judea (c. 4 BC-AD 30)

Rome had controlled Judea since 63 BC. Herod the Great rebuilt the Temple into one of the most magnificent structures in the ancient world — and simultaneously murdered members of his own family. The common people paid multiple layers of taxation and were politically powerless. Into that world a carpenter from Galilee began teaching that the kingdom of God had arrived.

The people who first heard this word were not reading a book — they were living through empires, oppression, exile, and covenant. Every word carried the weight of that reality. Understanding it changes how you read Scripture.

Scripture references

Top 10 Bible verses with kosmeo

These are the most notable occurrences of kosmeo (G2885) across the King James Bible.

Matthew 12:44

Then he saith, I will return into my house from whence I came out; and when he is come, he findeth it empty, swept, and garnished.

Matthew 23:29

Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! because ye build the tombs of the prophets, and garnish the sepulchres of the righteous,

Matthew 25:7

Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps.

Luke 11:25

And when he cometh, he findeth it swept and garnished.

Luke 21:5

And as some spake of the temple, how it was adorned with goodly stones and gifts, he said,

1 Timothy 2:9

In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array;

Titus 2:10

Not purloining, but shewing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things.

1 Peter 3:5

For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands:

Revelation 21:2

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 21:19

And the foundations of the wall of the city were garnished with all manner of precious stones. The first foundation was jasper; the second, sapphire; the third, a chalcedony; the fourth, an emerald;

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Common questions

Frequently asked questions about kosmeo

What does kosmeo mean in Greek?

Strong's G2885 (kosmeo) is a Greek word that means: pluperfect, ἐκεκόσμητο (3 sg), to arrange, set in order; to adorn, decorate, embellish, Mt. 12:44; 23:29; to prepare, put in readiness, trim, Mt. 25:7; met. to honor, dignify, Tit. 2:10 It appears 10 times in the King James Bible.

How many times does kosmeo appear in the Bible?

The word kosmeo (G2885) appears 10 times in the original Greek text.

What is Strong's number G2885?

Strong's G2885 is kosmeo, a Greek word defined as: pluperfect, ἐκεκόσμητο (3 sg), to arrange, set in order; to adorn, decorate, embellish, Mt. 12:44; 23:29; to prepare, put in readiness, trim, Mt. 25:7. James Strong catalogued this in his 1890 concordance to help English readers study the original languages of the Bible.

Is kosmeo in the Old Testament or New Testament?

kosmeo is a Greek word found in the New Testament.