A strange mistranslation in the AV has confused many in their desire to understand the prophetic Scriptures. The expression, “the end of the world,” found in Matt. 13:39, 40, 49; 24:3; 28:20; Heb. 9:26 does not refer to the world at all in the original text. It is rather, “the end of the age,” the original word being aion, meaning age, and properly translated in Eph. 2:7; Col. 1:26. It is also wrongly translated in other passages like Luke 1:70; Acts 3:21.
Two other Greek words are translated world. One is oikumene, meaning the inhabited earth. This was taxed, Luke 2:1; experienced famine, Acts 11:28; is to pass through the great tribulation, Rev. 3:10; will hear the preaching of the gospel of the kingdom, Matt. 24:14; will be involved in world war, Rev. 16:14.
The most widely used word translated world is cosmos, meaning the created earth, Acts 17:24, which Christ made, John 1:10. Its foundation is spoken of in Eph. 1:4. The final end of the world (a different word) is mentioned in 2 Pet. 3:7, 10, when it will be burned up. The word cosmos carries other meanings also, such as the world of men, John 3:16. It is used of the evil world system, Eph. 2:2; 1 John 2:15-17, which is at enmity with God, Jas. 4:4. It Heth in the wicked one, 1 John 5:19, RV, who is its prince, John 12:31. It is overcome by the faith of believers, 1 John 5:4, 5.
William Evans, The Great Doctrines of the Bible, (Chicago: Bible Institute Colportage Assoc., 1912), WORDsearch CROSS e-book, Under: “World”.