1 John 2:17

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} the world {G2889} passeth away {G3855}, and {G2532} the lust {G1939} thereof {G846}: but {G1161} he that doeth {G4160} the will {G2307} of God {G2316} abideth {G3306} for {G1519} ever {G165}.

Complete Jewish Bible

And the world is passing away, along with its desires. But whoever does God’s will remains forever.

Berean Standard Bible

The world is passing away, along with its desires; but whoever does the will of God remains forever.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First John 2:17 profoundly contrasts the ephemeral nature of the world and its inherent desires with the enduring reality of those who align their lives with God's divine purpose. This verse serves as a crucial theological anchor, redirecting the believer's focus from the transient allurements of earthly existence to the eternal stability found in obedience to the Almighty, thereby securing an everlasting relationship and inheritance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse acts as the climactic conclusion to John's direct warning against "loving the world" initiated in [1 John 2:15](/1_john/2-15 "1 John 2:15 - Do Not Love the World"). The preceding verse, [1 John 2:16](/1_john/2-16 "1 John 2:16 - The Lust of the Flesh, Eyes, and Pride of Life"), meticulously defines what "the world" entails in this context: "the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life." Thus, [1 John 2:17](/1_john/2-17 "1 John 2:17 - The World Passes Away") serves as the logical consequence and ultimate justification for the earlier prohibition, emphasizing the futility of investing in something inherently perishable. It sets the stage for John's subsequent discussion on the anointing believers have received, which enables them to discern truth from falsehood, and to remain in Christ.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** John's epistle was likely written towards the end of the first century, a period when early Christian communities faced internal challenges from emerging Gnostic-like heresies and external pressures from the dominant Greco-Roman culture. This culture, with its emphasis on material wealth, sensual pleasure, and social status, presented a stark contrast to the nascent Christian values of humility, self-denial, and eternal hope. John's warning against "the world" was not a call to asceticism or withdrawal from society, but a spiritual discernment against adopting the prevailing pagan worldview and its moral compromises. The concept of "abiding" (Greek _menō_) was also significant, reflecting a deep, continuous relationship, a stark contrast to the transient nature of worldly pursuits.
* **Key Themes:** The central theme underscored by [1 John 2:17](/1_john/2-17 "1 John 2:17 - The World Passes Away") is the **transience versus permanence**. The "world" (understood as the anti-God system) and its "lust" are presented as fundamentally impermanent, destined to "pass away." This stands in stark opposition to the eternal nature of God and the everlasting life granted to those who "do the will of God." This theme resonates throughout Scripture, from the Old Testament warnings against idolatry (e.g., [Deuteronomy 6:4-5](/deuteronomy/6-4-5 "Deuteronomy 6:4-5 - Love the Lord Your God")) to Jesus' teachings on storing up [treasures in heaven](/matthew/6-19-21 "Matthew 6:19-21 - Treasures in Heaven") rather than on earth. It highlights the critical importance of spiritual discernment and eternal perspective in the believer's walk.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **World (Greek, _kósmos'_):** While _kósmos_ can refer to the physical universe or humanity, in this context, as indicated by the Ground Truth Strong's data, it signifies "orderly arrangement, i.e. decoration; by implication, the world (in a wide or narrow sense, including its inhabitants, literally or figuratively (morally))." Here, it specifically denotes the human-centered system of values, principles, and desires that are alienated from God and stand in opposition to His will. It's the organized system of human society in rebellion against divine authority, characterized by its self-sufficiency and moral corruption.
* **Lust (Greek, _epithymía'_):** Derived from _epithymeō_, this term describes "a longing (especially for what is forbidden)." While it can denote any strong desire, when paired with "the world" as it is here and in [1 John 2:16](/1_john/2-16 "1 John 2:16 - The Lust of the Flesh, Eyes, and Pride of Life"), it carries the negative connotation of illicit, covetous, or selfish desires. It refers to the insatiable cravings and ambitions that are driven by worldly values and ultimately lead away from God.
* **Abideth (Greek, _ménō'_):** According to the Ground Truth Strong's data, _ménō_ means "to stay (in a given place, state, relation or expectancy)." This primary verb denotes permanence, endurance, and continuance. In the context of "abiding for ever," it signifies a stable, lasting connection with God, implying not merely endless existence but a quality of life characterized by an enduring relationship and participation in God's eternal purposes. This contrasts sharply with the fleeting nature of the world.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the world passeth away,"**: This clause declares the inherent impermanence of the earthly system that stands against God. The verb "passeth away" (Greek _paragetai_) is in the present tense, emphasizing an ongoing process of decay and dissolution. It's not merely that the world *will* pass away at some future point, but that it *is* continually perishing, its foundations eroding even now. This serves as a stark warning against placing ultimate value or hope in what is fundamentally transient.
* **"and the lust thereof:"**: This phrase extends the impermanence to the desires and cravings generated by the world system. Not only is the structure of the world fleeting, but so are the very desires it fosters. These "lusts" (Greek _epithymía_) are insatiable and ultimately unfulfilling, offering no lasting satisfaction because their source and object are themselves temporary. This reinforces the futility of pursuing worldly ambitions.
* **"but he that doeth the will of God"**: This introduces a profound contrast, marked by the conjunction "but" (Greek _dé_). It shifts the focus from the perishing world to the individual whose life is oriented toward God. "Doing the will of God" (Greek _poiéō_ _thélēma_ _theós_) implies active obedience, aligning one's choices, actions, and entire life purpose with God's revealed desires and commands. This is not a passive acceptance but an active, ongoing commitment.
* **"abideth for ever."**: This final clause presents the eternal consequence of doing God's will. The verb "abideth" (Greek _ménō_) signifies permanence and endurance, directly opposing the "passing away" of the world. "For ever" (Greek _eis_ _aiṓn_) denotes perpetuity, an age without end. This "abiding" is not just about living eternally in a temporal sense, but about living in an enduring, stable, and qualitative relationship with the eternal God, participating in His everlasting kingdom and purposes.

#### Literary Devices
The verse powerfully employs **Antithesis** (or **Contrast**) as its primary literary device. It sets up a direct and stark opposition between two distinct realities: the transient "world" and its "lusts" versus the enduring "will of God" and those who "abide for ever." This sharp contrast highlights the fundamental choice facing humanity and the vastly different outcomes of each path. Furthermore, the phrase "the world passeth away" utilizes **Personification**, attributing an active, dynamic quality to an abstract entity ("the world") as if it were a living thing undergoing a process of decay. The concept of "abiding" can also be seen as a **Metaphor** for a deep, continuous, and stable spiritual relationship and existence that transcends temporal limitations, contrasting with the fleeting nature of worldly pursuits.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
First John 2:17 encapsulates a foundational biblical truth: the inherent impermanence of all earthly systems and desires that stand apart from God, contrasted with the eternal stability and life found in obedience to His divine will. This theological principle underscores the necessity of an eternal perspective for believers, urging them to invest their lives in what truly lasts. It teaches that true security, fulfillment, and meaning are not found in accumulating worldly possessions or pursuing fleeting pleasures, but in aligning one's entire being with the unchanging, eternal purposes of God. This verse serves as a powerful call to re-evaluate priorities, reminding us that only that which is rooted in God's will possesses enduring value and leads to everlasting life.

* [Matthew 6:19-21](/matthew/6-19-21 "Matthew 6:19-21 - Lay Up Treasures in Heaven"): Jesus instructs His followers not to store up treasures on earth, where they are subject to decay and theft, but in heaven, where they are secure and eternal, directly paralleling John's emphasis on investing in what lasts.
* [James 4:4](/james/4-4 "James 4:4 - Friendship with the World is Enmity with God"): James explicitly warns that "friendship with the world is enmity with God," reinforcing John's admonition against loving the world and highlighting the spiritual incompatibility between worldly allegiance and divine devotion.
* [1 Corinthians 7:31](/1_corinthians/7-31 "1 Corinthians 7:31 - The Present Form of This World is Passing Away"): Paul echoes this sentiment, stating that "the fashion of this world passeth away," urging believers to live with a detachment from worldly affairs, recognizing their temporary nature in light of eternity.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
First John 2:17 serves as a profound call to introspection and a reorientation of our deepest affections and pursuits. In a culture saturated with the pursuit of fleeting trends, material accumulation, and self-glory, this verse stands as a timeless beacon, challenging us to discern where our ultimate hope and identity truly lie. It compels us to ask whether our lives are primarily shaped by the transient values of the world or by the enduring will of God. Living out this truth means consciously choosing to prioritize spiritual investments over earthly ones, cultivating a mindset that values eternal purpose above temporary pleasure, and finding our satisfaction not in what we can acquire or achieve in this life, but in our steadfast obedience and relationship with the eternal God. This perspective liberates us from the relentless cycle of consumerism and societal pressures, fostering contentment, spiritual freedom, and an unshakable hope that transcends the inevitable decay of all things temporal.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "lusts of the world" (as described in [1 John 2:16](/1_john/2-16 "1 John 2:16 - The Lust of the Flesh, Eyes, and Pride of Life")) might I be unknowingly clinging to, and how can I begin to detach from them?**
* **In what practical ways can I more intentionally "do the will of God" in my daily life, ensuring my actions align with His eternal purposes?**
* **How does the truth that "the world passeth away" influence my financial decisions, career aspirations, and use of time?**
* **What does "abiding for ever" mean to me personally, beyond mere longevity, in terms of my relationship with God?**

### FAQ
**What does "the world" mean in 1 John 2:17? Is it the physical earth?**

Answer: No, in the context of [1 John 2:17](/1_john/2-17 "1 John 2:17 - The World Passes Away") and the preceding verses ([1 John 2:15-16](/1_john/2-15-16 "1 John 2:15-16 - Do Not Love the World or Its Desires")), "the world" (Greek _kósmos_) does not refer to the physical planet earth or humanity as a whole. Instead, it denotes the organized system of human society that is alienated from God, characterized by its rebellion, self-sufficiency, and opposition to divine principles. It encompasses the values, desires, and pride that define a life lived apart from God, as detailed in [1 John 2:16](/1_john/2-16 "1 John 2:16 - The Lust of the Flesh, the Lust of the Eyes, and the Pride of Life") (the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life). This "world" is transient and destined to pass away because it is fundamentally at odds with God's eternal nature and purposes.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
First John 2:17 finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the embodiment of "the will of God," declaring, "My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me and to accomplish His work" ([John 4:34](/john/4-34 "John 4:34 - Jesus' Food is to Do God's Will")). Unlike the transient "world" and its "lusts," which are destined to perish, Christ Himself is eternal, the "same yesterday and today and forever" ([Hebrews 13:8](/hebrews/13-8 "Hebrews 13:8 - Jesus Christ is the Same")). Through His atoning sacrifice, Jesus definitively triumphed over the world's power and allure, declaring, "In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world" ([John 16:33](/john/16-33 "John 16:33 - Jesus Overcomes the World")). Therefore, for believers, "doing the will of God" is intrinsically linked to "abiding in Christ" ([John 15:4](/john/15-4 "John 15:4 - Abide in Me")), for it is through Him that we receive the Holy Spirit to empower us for obedience ([Romans 8:4](/romans/8-4 "Romans 8:4 - The Righteous Requirement of the Law Fulfilled in Us")) and are granted "eternal life" ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World")). Our "abiding forever" is not a self-achieved feat, but a gracious gift secured by Christ's eternal nature and His perfect obedience to the Father's will, into which we are invited to participate by faith.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Matthew 24:35

Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.

Romans 12:2

And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what [is] that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

1 Corinthians 7:31

And they that use this world, as not abusing [it]: for the fashion of this world passeth away.

1 Peter 4:2

That he no longer should live the rest of [his] time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God.

Hebrews 10:36

For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.

Mark 3:35

For whosoever shall do the will of God, the same is my brother, and my sister, and mother.

Isaiah 40:6

The voice said, Cry. And he said, What shall I cry? All flesh [is] grass, and all the goodliness thereof [is] as the flower of the field: