Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary 1 John 2:16

"For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the vain glory of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world." — 1 John 2:16 (ASV)

What love for the world or worldliness entails is now spelled out by John in a memorable triad: “the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does.” The phrase “the cravings of sinful man” (lit., “the desire of the flesh [GK 4922]”) describes the principle of worldliness from which love of the world flows. “Flesh” refers to a selfish outlook that pursues its own ends, independent of God and independent of one’s fellowman. The “flesh” not only becomes the basis for rebellion against God and for despising his law but also connotes all that is materialistic, egocentric, exploitative, and selfish. It is at the root of racism, sexism, love of injustice, despising the poor, neglecting the weak and helpless, and every unrighteous practice.

The “lust of the eyes” can refer especially to sexual lust, but can also mean everything that entices the eyes. It is a tendency to be captivated by outward show, and especially indicates greed and a desire for things aroused by seeing them (cf. Eve in Ge 3; Achan in Jos 7; David in 2Sa 11).

The key term in the third phrase is “pride” (NIV, “boasting”; GK 224); it occurs only here and in Jas 4:16 (cf. GK 225 in Ro 1:30; 2 Timothy 3:2). It describes a pretentious hypocrite who glories in himself or in his possessions. If one’s public image means more than the glory of God or the well-being of one’s fellow human beings, such pretentiousness of life has become a form of idol-worship. “Pride of life” will be reflected in whatever status symbol is important to me or seems to define my identity. When I define myself to others in terms of my honorary degrees, the reputation of the church I serve, my annual income, the size of my library, my expensive car or house, and if in doing this I misrepresent the truth and in my boasting show myself to be only a pompous fool who has deceived no one, then I have succumbed to the pride of life.