BIOS in 1 John 2:16

Steven Craig Miller scmiller at www.plantnet.com
Sat Oct 23 08:47:51 EDT 1999


To: Dmitriy Reznik,

<< Maybe you could help me to understand the expression ALAZONEIA TOU BIOU 
in 1 Jo 2:16? >>

We have a series of items listed: (a) desires of the flesh, (b) desires of 
the eyes, and (c) hH ALAZONEIA TOU BIOU. To what does this last one refer? 
There are three problems: (a) What does ALAZONEIA mean? (b) What does BIOS 
mean? And (c) what type of genitive is this?

(a) ALAZONEIA can mean "false pretension, pretentiousness" or "boastfulness."

(b) Often BIOS refers to one's "manner of life" or one's "livelihood." 
Although it can also refer to the duration of one's "life."

(c) The phrase "the desire of the eyes" appears to be a subjective 
genitive. The phrase "the desire of the flesh" could perhaps be taken 
either way, although taking it as a subjective genitive might be preferred. 
But most, I think, would want to take ALAZONEIA TOU BIOU as an objective 
genitive.

The NRSV translates the phrase as "pride in riches." One might try a 
literal translation: "the boasting in one's livelihood" (or some such).

-Steven Craig Miller
Alton, Illinois (USA)
scmiller at www.plantnet.com

 From Luther's Small Catechism: "I believe that by my own reason or 
strength I cannot believe in Jesus Christ, my Lord, or come to him. But the 
Holy Spirit has called me through the Gospel, enlightened me with his 
gifts, and sanctified and preserved me in true faith ..." (BoC 345.6).



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