John 1:10

Authorized King James Version

He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ἐν
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#2
τῷ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#3
κόσμος
the world
orderly arrangement, i.e., decoration; by implication, the world (including its inhabitants, literally or figuratively (morally))
#4
ἦν
He was
i (thou, etc.) was (wast or were)
#5
καὶ
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#6
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#7
κόσμος
the world
orderly arrangement, i.e., decoration; by implication, the world (including its inhabitants, literally or figuratively (morally))
#8
δι'
by
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
#9
αὐτὸν
him
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
#10
ἐγένετο
was made
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
#11
καὶ
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#13
κόσμος
the world
orderly arrangement, i.e., decoration; by implication, the world (including its inhabitants, literally or figuratively (morally))
#14
αὐτὸν
him
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
#15
οὐκ
not
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
#16
ἔγνω
knew
to "know" (absolutely) in a great variety of applications and with many implications (as follow, with others not thus clearly expressed)

Analysis

Within the broader context of John, this passage highlights divine love through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by establishing foundational concepts crucial to John's theological argument.

Historical Context

The historical context of the late first century during increasing tension between synagogue and church provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The late first-century Jewish-Christian tensions and Hellenistic thought would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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