Let's compare something:
- Satan was given power over the world (kosmos") and the world (oikoumenē). Both Greek words are used to identify the same thing, this physical earth.
- But when referring to the God of this world, neither of the above words are used. Instead, we see the word "aiōn ". This word is mostly translated as "ever", then as "world", but it has nothing to do with a physical world, rather it's best understood as "age", which describe periods of time.
2 Corinthians 4:4 (KJV 1900)
In whom the GOD of this world (aiōn) hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.
Compare with:
Ephesians 3:21 (KJV 1900)
Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world (aiōn) without end (aiōn). Amen. (Better translated as, "throughout all generations, age (aiōn) of the ages (aiōnōn). Amen").
- Satan was given power over the world (kosmos") and the world (oikoumenē). Both Greek words are used to identify the same thing, this physical earth.
- But when referring to the God of this world, neither of the above words are used. Instead, we see the word "aiōn ". This word is mostly translated as "ever", then as "world", but it has nothing to do with a physical world, rather it's best understood as "age", which describe periods of time.
2 Corinthians 4:4 (KJV 1900)
In whom the GOD of this world (aiōn) hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.
Compare with:
Ephesians 3:21 (KJV 1900)
Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world (aiōn) without end (aiōn). Amen. (Better translated as, "throughout all generations, age (aiōn) of the ages (aiōnōn). Amen").
Well, the Greek “aion” can be described mostly as of the time. This could be a primary meaning after all but it could be also referred to as the physical world or the universe. It would be leaning towards the Platonic idea that “aion” is only meant for an age or a period, time. Of course, scripture is of no private interpretation.
Heb 1:2 Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;
Hebrews 11;3 speaks of this world (aion) that God made which is equivalent to kosmos as being framed or set in order, being re-arranged for beauty.
Heb 11:3 Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.
Now, “this world” 2 Cor. 4:4 is understandably referring to the world that is as “earthly” v.7 in nature, the body, the mortal flesh being a part of this world, created or made out of the dust and not the age or time.
2Co 4:7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.