Devine Scripture

1 John 2:16

What does 1 John 2:16 mean?

A plain-English look at 1 John 2:16 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 1 John 2:16 means

John defines what fills the world’s system: the lust of the flesh (cravings for what gratifies our fallen nature), the lust of the eyes (covetous desire stirred by what we see), and the vainglory of life (boasting in possessions, status, or self-sufficiency). These do not come from the Father; they originate in a sphere alien to Him. They promise satisfaction and significance apart from God but deliver emptiness and bondage. By naming these streams of temptation, John helps believers recognize and resist them, aligning their loves with the Father rather than being shaped by the world’s restless appetites and proud display.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Because everything in the world, the desire of the flesh, the desire of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father but of the world.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

because all that <FI>is<Fi> in the world--the desire of the flesh, and the desire of the eyes, and the ostentation of the life--is not of the Father, but of the world,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

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

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

because 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.

Context

Verse 16 explains the interior content of the world that believers are not to love. It gives specificity to the general command of verse 15 and exposes the spiritual roots of worldly attraction. The next verse, 17, will contrast the transient character of the world and its cravings with the permanence given to those who do God’s will, persuading readers to choose what endures.

v.15Love 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.

v.16This passage

v.17And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Genesis 6:2

    that the sons of God saw the daughters of men that they were fair; and they took them wives of all that they chose.

  • Jude 1:16

    These are murmurers, complainers, walking after their lusts (and their mouth speaketh great swelling words), showing respect of persons for the sake of advantage.

  • Luke 4:5

    And he led him up, and showed him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time.

  • 2 Peter 2:10

    but chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of defilement, and despise dominion. Daring, self-willed, they tremble not to rail at dignities:

  • Daniel 4:30

    The king spake and said, Is not this great Babylon, which I have built for the royal dwelling-place, by the might of my power and for the glory of my majesty?

  • Numbers 11:4

    And the mixed multitude that was among them lusted exceedingly: and the children of Israel also wept again, and said, Who shall give us flesh to eat?

Related questions readers ask

Keep reading

Want to dig deeper? Explore 1 John 2

Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on 1 John 2.

Keep exploring

Follow this verse across Scripture

Topics, devotionals, original-language word studies, and figures connected to 1 John 2:16.

Browse every hub

BibleTopicsBible answersDevotionalsFamous passagesWord studiesPeoplePlacesVerses for…Reading plansCommentary