[Greek] οἰκουμένη (oikoumenē), [Latin] orbe: world, inhabited earth, all over the world; Lk.4:5, Rom. 10:18, Act.11:28, Act.17:6, Act. 24:5, Lk.2:1, Lk. 21:26, Act. 17:31, Rev.3:10, Rev. 12:9
Oikoumene: The Greek World
Background Information:
Greek Hellenism: This term means inhabited region, Greek world, barbarian lands, the whole world, and Roman world. Demosthenes’ On the Halonnesus 7.35 states “He will not restore your possessions, for he claims them as his own, and his rewards will not be delivered in this part of the world, for fear his motive should be misrepresented to the Greeks; some other country, it seems, new quarter will assigned for the bestowal of your rewards.” Demosthenes’ On the Crown 18.48 states “Since then the whole world has become crowded with men exiled, punished in every conceivable way.”
New Testament: This term means the world. The gospel of the kingdom will be preached throughout the world as a witness to all nations. A decree was made to enroll the whole world. The devil took up Jesus to see all the kingdoms of the world in a single instant. People will be fearful of the signs coming upon the world. The Jews saw the Paul and others creating dissension among the Jews throughout the world. The Father appointed a man who will judge the world with justice. The pagan idol-makers were fearful that Artemis’ influence will be diminished throughout the world. Prophecy also states that the Messiah will enter into the world.
Scripture:
“For it was not to angels that He subjected the world to come, of which we are speaking.” Heb. 2:5
This metaphorically refers to the world that will come. This is the world that man will have dominion over.
“The devil took Him up and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world in a single instant.” Lk. 4:5
The kingdoms of the world are the area which are inhabited by man. This is contrasted to the heavens above.
“In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that the whole world should be enrolled.” Lk. 2:1
This whole world refers to the Roman Empire.
Etymology: The Greek noun oikos means home. The Greek verb meno- means to remain.
Conclusion:
Ecumenical, ecumenism, orbit
From this terms comes the words ecumenical and ecumenism. These refers to the idea of promoting unity among Christians and Christianity.
Oikoumene: The Roman Empire