What does the Bible say about the meaning of the word 'kosmos' in John 3:16?

In the context of John 3:16, the term 'kosmos' is not used in a uniform manner to mean all of humanity. Instead, it signifies the world of believers or God's elect, distinct from the ungodly. This interpretation is supported by the broader biblical narrative, where God's love is specifically poured out on His chosen people, as evidenced in passages like Romans 5:8 and 1 John 4:19, which speak of God’s love for the saints. Thus, when Jesus speaks of giving His only begotten Son for 'whosoever believeth,' it must be understood as referring to those who have faith in Christ, indicating a particular group rather than every individual without distinction.

Furthermore, this approach is consistent with how 'kosmos' is used elsewhere in Scripture. It can refer to the universe, the earth, or different segments of humanity such as believers minus unbelievers or Gentiles versus Jews. This multifaceted usage means careful study is necessary to discern its application in specific passages. In the case of John 3:16, understanding 'kosmos' as referring to believers aligns with the doctrine of sovereign grace, affirming God's particular love and redemption for His chosen people, rather than a universal atonement for all without distinction.