King James Version

What Does 1 John 2:16 Mean?

1 John 2:16 in the King James Version says “For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Fath...” — study this verse from 1 John chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.”

1 John 2:16 · KJV

Context

14

I have written unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one.

15

Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

16

For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.

17

And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.

18

Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time.

Read 1 John 2 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. John defines what constitutes "the world" by identifying three categories of worldly desire. "All that is in the world" (pan to en tō kosmō) encompasses the totality of fallen existence's attractions. The threefold description echoes Eve's temptation (Genesis 3:6): "good for food" (lust of flesh), "pleasant to the eyes" (lust of eyes), "desired to make one wise" (pride of life). These categories comprehensively describe fallen human desires apart from God.

"The lust of the flesh" (hē epithymia tēs sarkos)—epithymia means strong desire or craving; sarx (flesh) denotes fallen human nature's passions—sensual appetites, physical indulgence, bodily pleasures pursued apart from God. "The lust of the eyes" (hē epithymia tōn ophthalmōn) encompasses covetousness—desiring what we see, materialism, acquisition for possession's sake. "The pride of life" (hē alazoneia tou biou)—alazoneia means arrogant boasting or vainglory; bios means life's resources or lifestyle. This is pride in possessions, status, achievements—finding identity and worth in worldly success rather than God.

"Is not of the Father, but is of the world" (ouk estin ek tou patros all' ek tou kosmou estin)—these desires don't originate from God but from the fallen world-system. Their source reveals their character—worldly, temporary, opposed to God. Believers must recognize that pursuing these desires contradicts their identity as God's children. What the world values and pursues stands in opposition to the Father's will and character.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This threefold categorization became foundational for Christian moral theology. Augustine used it to analyze sin's roots. Medieval theology developed detailed taxonomies of sins rooted in these three categories—lust of flesh (gluttony, sexual sin), lust of eyes (greed, covetousness), pride of life (vainglory, ambition). The Puritans extensively analyzed worldliness using these categories, helping believers discern subtle forms of worldly affection.

In John's context, Roman culture epitomized these three lusts. Sexual immorality was rampant and accepted. Material acquisition and display of wealth defined social status. Personal glory and honor were pursued through political advancement, military conquest, and public acclaim. Christians faced constant pressure to conform to these values. Jewish readers would recognize that God's law addressed all three—prohibiting adultery, coveting, and pride.

The Gnostic teachers paradoxically embraced worldliness while claiming spiritual superiority. Some practiced libertinism, arguing physical indulgence didn't affect spiritual purity (lust of flesh). Others pursued esoteric knowledge as status symbol (pride of life). John exposes that such worldliness, regardless of spiritual pretensions, reveals one is "not of the Father."

Reflection Questions

  1. Which of the three categories (lust of flesh, lust of eyes, pride of life) most frequently tempts you toward worldliness?
  2. How can you recognize when legitimate desires (food, possessions, achievement) cross into worldly lusts?
  3. In what specific areas is your life shaped more by these worldly values than by the Father's will?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 30 words
ὅτι1 of 30

“For”

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

πᾶν2 of 30

“all”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

τὸ3 of 30
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἐν4 of 30

“that is in”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

τῷ5 of 30
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

κόσμου6 of 30

“the world”

G2889

orderly arrangement, i.e., decoration; by implication, the world (including its inhabitants, literally or figuratively (morally))

ἡ7 of 30
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἐπιθυμία8 of 30

“the lust”

G1939

a longing (especially for what is forbidden)

τῆς9 of 30
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

σαρκὸς10 of 30

“of the flesh”

G4561

flesh (as stripped of the skin), i.e., (strictly) the meat of an animal (as food), or (by extension) the body (as opposed to the soul (or spirit), or

καὶ11 of 30

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἡ12 of 30
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἐπιθυμία13 of 30

“the lust”

G1939

a longing (especially for what is forbidden)

τῶν14 of 30
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ὀφθαλμῶν15 of 30

“of the eyes”

G3788

the eye (literally or figuratively); by implication, vision; figuratively, envy (from the jealous side-glance)

καὶ16 of 30

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἡ17 of 30
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἀλαζονεία18 of 30

“the pride”

G212

braggadocio, i.e., (by implication) self-confidence

τοῦ19 of 30
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

βίου20 of 30

“of life”

G979

life, i.e., (literally) the present state of existence; by implication, the means of livelihood

οὐκ21 of 30

“not”

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

ἐστίν22 of 30

“is”

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

ἐκ23 of 30

“of”

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

τοῦ24 of 30
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

πατρὸς25 of 30

“the Father”

G3962

a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)

ἀλλ'26 of 30

“but”

G235

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

ἐκ27 of 30

“of”

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

τοῦ28 of 30
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

κόσμου29 of 30

“the world”

G2889

orderly arrangement, i.e., decoration; by implication, the world (including its inhabitants, literally or figuratively (morally))

ἐστίν30 of 30

“is”

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 John. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 John 2:16 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 John 2:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Romans 13:14Galatians 5:17Psalms 119:36-37Genesis 3:6Proverbs 27:20Ephesians 2:3

Test Your Knowledge

1 John 2 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter1 John Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read 1 John 2 with CommentaryAll 1 John ChaptersComplete 1 John QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes