The Meaning of 1 John 2:17 Explained

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.

YLT: and the world doth pass away, and the desire of it, and he who is doing the will of God, he doth remain -- to the age.

Darby: And the world is passing, and its lust, but he that does the will of God abides for eternity.

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

KJV Reverse Interlinear

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

What does 1 John 2:17 Mean?

Verse Meaning

Another reason we should not pursue the desires of the world is that this system, along with its desires, is in the process of passing out of existence. Really we are living in what John called the "last hour" of the world"s existence ( 1 John 2:18). The world is only temporary and ephemeral (cf1Pet.).
Notwithstanding, those who do God"s will abide (remain, live) forever. Since all Christians will live forever ( John 10:28), John was not saying we attain eternal life by our obedience. However, we abide (i.e, enjoy intimate relationship with God, experience our eternal life abundantly) now as well as after death when we obey God.
"Just as Abraham through obedience to God obtained the title "the friend of God" (cf. James 2:21-23), by which he is known today in three world religions and will be known forever, so too the obedient Christian can attain this same identity by obedience ( John 15:14-15). Likewise, it would be reasonable to conclude that the Christian"s identity in eternity will be determined by obedience to God in time. And since all lives of obedience are unique in their particulars, each eternal "identity" will be as unique as the snowflakes that fall from heaven." [1]
Resisting the appeal of the world is difficult for every believer. John urged his readers in view of its attractiveness to understand the avenues of its temptation and to remember four things. Love for the world indicates lack of love for God ( 1 John 2:15). It results in consequences that are not what our loving heavenly Father desires for our welfare ( 1 John 2:17). It lasts only a short time ( 1 John 2:17), and it precludes intimate fellowship with God ( 1 John 2:15).

Context Summary

1 John 2:12-17 - Transient Desires, Abiding Life
There are gradations in Christian experience-the child, the father, the young man. The note of the child is the glad sense of forgiveness; of the father, a deep knowledge of God; of the young man, victory over the power of evil. With all these is growth. The child, through forgiveness, also comes to know the Father; the fathers can only go on to know God more profoundly; and as the young men become stronger they are more aware of the indwelling spirit of power.
Distinguish between the world of nature and the world of appearance, which is an illusion, the vain dream of human imaginings and boastings. It is the sphere of sense as contrasted with the sphere of spirit. It is the sum of all that the flesh lusts after, the eyes feast on, and the soul takes pride in. The Preacher gathers the world into one phrase, "under the sun," Ecclesiastes 1:3. The world is passing as a moving-picture film, and the power to enjoy it is vanishing also. Only that which is rooted in God abides. [source]

Chapter Summary: 1 John 2

1  He comforts them against the sins of infirmity
3  Rightly to know God is to keep his commandments;
9  to love our brothers;
15  and not to love the world
18  We must beware of antichrists;
20  from whose deceits the godly are safe, preserved by perseverance in faith, and holiness of life

Greek Commentary for 1 John 2:17

Passeth away [παραγεται]
“Is passing by” (linear action, present middle indicative), as in 1 John 2:8. There is consolation in this view of the transitoriness of the conflict with the world. Even the lust which belongs to the world passes also. The one who keeps on doing (ποιων — poiōn present active participle of ποιεω — poieō) the will of God “abides for ever” (μενει εις τον αιωνα — menei eis ton aiōna) “amid the flux of transitory things” (D. Smith). [source]
Forever [εἰς τὸν αἰῶνα]
The only form in which αἰῶν agelife, occurs in the Gospel and Epistles of John, except ἐκ τοῦ αἰῶνος sincethe world began (John 9:32). Some old versions add, “as God abideth forever.” [source]

Reverse Greek Commentary Search for 1 John 2:17

John 1:3 Were made [ἐγένετο]
Literally, came into being, or became. Expressing the passage from nothingness into being, and the unfolding of a divine order. Compare John 1:14, John 1:17. Three words are used in the New Testament to express the act of creation: κτίζειν , to create (Revelation 4:11; Revelation 10:6; Colossians 1:16); ποιεῖν , to make (Revelation 14:7; Mark 10:6), both of which refer to the Creator; and γίγνεσθαι , to become, which refers to that which is created. In Mark 10:6, both words occur. “From the beginning of the creation ( κτίσεως ) God made ” ( ἐποίησεν ). So in Ephesians 2:10: “We are His workmanship ( ποίημα ), created ( κτισθέντες ) in Christ Jesus.” Here the distinction is between the absolute being expressed by ἦν (see on John 1:1), and the coming into being of creation ( ἐγένετο ). The same contrast occurs in John 1:6, John 1:9. “A man sent from God came into being ” ( ἐγένετο ); “the true Light was ” ( ἦν ). “The main conception of creation which is present in the writings of St. John is expressed by the first notice which he makes of it: All things came into being through the Word. This statement sets aside the notions of eternal matter and of inherent evil in matter. 'There was when' the world 'was not' (John 17:5, John 17:24); and, by implication, all things as made were good. The agency of the Word, 'who was God,' again excludes both the idea of a Creator essentially inferior to God, and the idea of an abstract Monotheism in which there is no living relation between the creature and the Creator; for as all things come into being 'through' the Word, so they are supported 'in' Him (John 1:3; compare Colossians 1:16sq.; Hebrews 1:3). And yet more, the use of the term ἐγένετο , came into being, as distinguished from ἐκτίσθη , were created, suggests the thought that creation is to be regarded (according to our apprehension) as a manifestation of a divine law of love. Thus creation (all things came into being through Him ) answers to the Incarnation (the Word became flesh ). All the unfolding and infolding of finite being to the last issue lies in the fulfillment of His will who is love” (Westcott, on 1 John 2:17). [source]
John 9:1 As he passed by [παραγων]
Present active participle of παραγω — paragō old verb to go along, by, or past (Matthew 20:30). Only example in this Gospel, but in 1 John 2:8, 1 John 2:17. The day was after the stirring scenes in chapter 8, but not at the feast of dedication as Westcott argues. That comes three months later (John 10:22). From his birth Ablative case with εκ — ek of old word from γενω γινομαι — genō class="normal greek">τυπλος εκ γενετης — ginomai Here alone in N.T., but the phrase tuphlos ek genetēs is common in Greek writers. Probably a well-known character with his stand as a beggar (John 9:5). [source]
1 Corinthians 7:31 As not abusing it [ως μη καταχρημενοι]
Perfective use of κατα — kata in composition, old verb, but here only in N.T., to use up, use to the full. Papyri give examples of this sense. This is more likely the idea than “abusing” it. For the fashion of this world passeth away (παραγει γαρ το σχημα του κοσμου τουτου — paragei gar to schēma tou kosmou toutou). Cf. 1 John 2:17. Σχημα — Schēma is the habitus, the outward appearance, old word, in N.T. only here and Philemon 2:7. Παραγει — Paragei (old word) means “passes along” like a moving panorama (movie show!). Used of Jesus passing by in Jericho (Matthew 20:30). [source]
1 Corinthians 7:31 For the fashion of this world passeth away [παραγει γαρ το σχημα του κοσμου τουτου]
Cf. 1 John 2:17. Σχημα — Schēma is the habitus, the outward appearance, old word, in N.T. only here and Philemon 2:7. Παραγει — Paragei (old word) means “passes along” like a moving panorama (movie show!). Used of Jesus passing by in Jericho (Matthew 20:30). [source]
1 Thessalonians 4:5 Not in the lust of concupiscence [μὴ ἐν πάθει ἐπιθυμίας]
Lit. in passion of desire. Not with avaricious greed. For ἐπιθυμία see on Mark 4:19. Its meaning is by no means limited to sensual lust; see, for instance, Luke 22:15. It is used as including all kinds of worldly desires, as Galatians 5:16, Galatians 5:24; 1 John 2:17. In Romans 7:7, especially of covetousness. [source]
Hebrews 12:27 The removing [τὴν μετάθεσιν]
See on Hebrews 7:12. For the thought comp. 1 John 2:17; 1 Corinthians 7:31. [source]
Hebrews 12:27 And this word [το δε]
He uses the article to point out “ετι απαχ — eti hapax ” which he explains The removing For this word see Hebrews 7:12; Hebrews 11:5. For the transitory nature of the world see 1 Corinthians 7:31; 1 John 2:17. “There is a divine purpose in the cosmic catastrophe” (Moffatt). Made Perfect passive participle of ποιεω — poieō Made by God, but made to pass away. That those things which are not shaken may remain Final clause with μη — mē and the first aorist active subjunctive of μενω — menō The Kingdom of God is not shaken, fearful as some saints are about it. [source]
1 John 2:8 True in him and in you [αλητες εν αυτωι και εν υμιν]
This newness is shown supremely in Christ and in disciples when they walk as Jesus did (1 John 2:6).Because (οτι — hoti). Explanation of the paradox.Is passing away Present middle indicative of παραγω — paragō old verb, to lead by, to go by (intransitive), as in Matthew 20:30. Night does pass by even if slowly. See this verb in 1 John 2:17 of the world passing by like a procession.True (αλητινον — alēthinon). Genuine, reliable, no false flicker.Already shineth Linear present active, “is already shining” and the darkness is already passing by. Dawn is here. Is John thinking of the second coming of Christ or of the victory of truth over error, of light over darkness (cf. John 1:5-9), the slow but sure victory of Christ over Satan as shown in the Apocalypse? See 1 John 1:5. [source]
1 John 2:8 Is passing away [παραγεται]
Present middle indicative of παραγω — paragō old verb, to lead by, to go by (intransitive), as in Matthew 20:30. Night does pass by even if slowly. See this verb in 1 John 2:17 of the world passing by like a procession.True (αλητινον — alēthinon). Genuine, reliable, no false flicker.Already shineth Linear present active, “is already shining” and the darkness is already passing by. Dawn is here. Is John thinking of the second coming of Christ or of the victory of truth over error, of light over darkness (cf. John 1:5-9), the slow but sure victory of Christ over Satan as shown in the Apocalypse? See 1 John 1:5. [source]

What do the individual words in 1 John 2:17 mean?

And the world is passing away the desire of it the [one] however doing the will - of God abides to the age
καὶ κόσμος παράγεται ἐπιθυμία αὐτοῦ δὲ ποιῶν τὸ θέλημα τοῦ Θεοῦ μένει εἰς τὸν αἰῶνα

κόσμος  world 
Parse: Noun, Nominative Masculine Singular
Root: κόσμος  
Sense: an apt and harmonious arrangement or constitution, order, government.
παράγεται  is  passing  away 
Parse: Verb, Present Indicative Passive, 3rd Person Singular
Root: παράγω  
Sense: pass by.
ἐπιθυμία  desire 
Parse: Noun, Nominative Feminine Singular
Root: ἐπιθυμία  
Sense: desire, craving, longing, desire for what is forbidden, lust.
αὐτοῦ  of  it 
Parse: Personal / Possessive Pronoun, Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Root: αὐτός  
Sense: himself, herself, themselves, itself.
  the  [one] 
Parse: Article, Nominative Masculine Singular
Root:  
Sense: this, that, these, etc.
δὲ  however 
Parse: Conjunction
Root: δέ  
Sense: but, moreover, and, etc.
ποιῶν  doing 
Parse: Verb, Present Participle Active, Nominative Masculine Singular
Root: ποιέω  
Sense: to make.
τοῦ  - 
Parse: Article, Genitive Masculine Singular
Root:  
Sense: this, that, these, etc.
Θεοῦ  of  God 
Parse: Noun, Genitive Masculine Singular
Root: θεός  
Sense: a god or goddess, a general name of deities or divinities.
μένει  abides 
Parse: Verb, Present Indicative Active, 3rd Person Singular
Root: μένω  
Sense: to remain, abide.
αἰῶνα  age 
Parse: Noun, Accusative Masculine Singular
Root: αἰών  
Sense: for ever, an unbroken age, perpetuity of time, eternity.