Decoder Terminal
WORLD RULERS OF DARKNESS
SHADOW GOVERNMENT — PRESENT AGE OCCUPATION FORCE
PERSONNELSpecs
greek term
κοσμοκράτορας — world-rulers, cosmic powers
temporal limit
This age — not the age to come
domain specified
τοῦ σκότους τούτου — of this darkness
astrological background
Planetary deities in Hellenistic thought
Intelligence Brief
Bible Dictionary: 'Kosmokratoras' (kosmos = world + krateo = to rule) appears only here in the NT — 'world-rulers.' The genitive 'of this darkness' specifies their domain: not the physical cosmos but the present evil age characterized by spiritual blindness. These are not minor demons but governing powers over the current world-system opposed to God. Historical Context: The term was used in astrology for planetary deities thought to control human fate. Paul co-opts the vocabulary: yes, there are cosmic rulers — but they are not gods, they are rebellious creatures, and their domain is 'this darkness,' not the coming age of light. Their rule is temporary and already legally terminated at the cross. Scarlet Thread: Satan is 'the god of this age' who blinds minds (2 Corinthians 4:4) and 'the ruler of this world' whom Christ came to cast out (John 12:31). The 'darkness' is the realm Christ invaded: 'The light shines in the darkness' (John 1:5). Believers are transferred from the domain of darkness into the kingdom of the Son (Colossians 1:13).
Scripture References