What does 1 John 2:17 mean?

Explanation

1 John 2:17 highlights the transient nature of the world and the desires that come with it, in contrast with the eternal reality of aligning with God's will.

The verse implies that everything material and all worldly cravings ("the world" and "the lust thereof") are temporary and fleeting.

In contrast, the person who "doeth the will of God" is promised a state of permanence or everlasting life. This reflects a common dichotomy in Christian teaching between the temporal physical world and the enduring spiritual realm.

Historical Context

The epistle of 1 John is traditionally believed to have been written by John the Apostle, although precise authorship has been debated.

It is dated to the late 1st century AD, a time when the early Christian community was establishing its identity and beliefs amid a diverse religious landscape of the Roman Empire.

This early Christian community often faced persecution and needed encouragement to remain faithful to their beliefs, which included a clear delineation between the ways of the world and the ways of God.

Theological Insights

Different theological traditions might interpret this verse in varying ways:

• Evangelical Perspective: This verse supports the notion of believers living in the world but not being of it, with a focus on eternal life.
• Catholic Perspective: It aligns with the value placed on performing good works in accordance with God's will.
• Reformed Theology: Highlights the concept of "perseverance of the saints," meaning those truly following God's will shall endure to the end.
• Liberation Theology: Could emphasize a call to reject worldly systems and desires that oppress, in favor of doing God's will through social justice.

Practical Applications

In daily life, believers might take this verse as a reminder to prioritize spiritual goals over material or temporal ones.

It can encourage individuals to reflect on their life choices, focus on actions aligned with their faith, and resist the temptation to prioritize worldly success or pleasures.

Cross-References

• Matthew 6:19-21 (KJV): "Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal..."
• James 4:14 (KJV): "...For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away."
• Psalm 102:25-27 (KJV): "...The earth and the heavens are the works of your hands.

They will perish, but you remain; they will all wear out like a garment..."

• Matthew 7:21 (KJV): "Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven."

Language Study

Key words in the original Greek text include:

• "Kosmos" (κόσμος): Often translated "world," refers to the earthly realm and human affairs.
• "Epithymia" (ἐπιθυμία): Translated "lust," means desires or cravings, not just sexual but encompassing all worldly desires.
• "Parerchomai" (παράγω): Translated "passeth away," suggests movement or transition, indicating impermanence.
• "Thelema" (θέλημα): "Will," referring to God's design or intention.
• "Meno" (μένω): Translated "abideth," implies remaining, staying, or enduring.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In the context of other ancient religions and mythologies, the contrast between the transient nature of the world and the eternal is a recurring theme.

Ancient Greek philosophers such as Plato also spoke of the eternal realm of forms as more real than the physical world.

Similarly, in Hinduism and Buddhism, there is a concept of moving beyond the impermanence of the physical world to achieve a state of enlightenment or liberation.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific viewpoint, the impermanence of the world is supported by the concepts of entropy and the heat death of the universe in physics, which suggest that the physical state as we know it is transient and subject to decay.

The verse's emphasis on the eternal could be seen as a philosophical reflection on the search for meaning beyond the measurable and temporal world.

Commentaries

Renowned Bible scholars have offered various interpretations of 1 John 2:17:

• Matthew Henry's Commentary stresses the folly of clinging to the world's fleeting pleasures rather than God's eternal promises.
• John Gill's Exposition of the Bible details the distinction between the fate of the world and those who follow God's commandments.
• The New International Commentary on the New Testament discusses a Christian ethical response to the temporary nature of the world and points towards a life grounded in the eternal.
• The Anchor Yale Bible Commentary delves into the eschatological significance of the verse, viewing it as a call to live in anticipated victory over the world through faith.