John 1:10
He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not.
Original Language Analysis
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
2 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κόσμος
the world
G2889
κόσμος
the world
Strong's:
G2889
Word #:
3 of 16
orderly arrangement, i.e., decoration; by implication, the world (including its inhabitants, literally or figuratively (morally))
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
5 of 16
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κόσμος
the world
G2889
κόσμος
the world
Strong's:
G2889
Word #:
7 of 16
orderly arrangement, i.e., decoration; by implication, the world (including its inhabitants, literally or figuratively (morally))
δι'
by
G1223
δι'
by
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
8 of 16
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
αὐτὸν
him
G846
αὐτὸν
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
9 of 16
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
ἐγένετο
was made
G1096
ἐγένετο
was made
Strong's:
G1096
Word #:
10 of 16
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
11 of 16
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κόσμος
the world
G2889
κόσμος
the world
Strong's:
G2889
Word #:
13 of 16
orderly arrangement, i.e., decoration; by implication, the world (including its inhabitants, literally or figuratively (morally))
αὐτὸν
him
G846
αὐτὸν
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
14 of 16
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
Cross References
John 17:25O righteous Father, the world hath not known thee: but I have known thee, and these have known that thou hast sent me.1 John 3:1Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.1 Corinthians 2:8Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.Hebrews 11:3Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.1 Corinthians 1:21For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.Matthew 11:27All things are delivered unto me of my Father: and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him.John 1:18No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.John 1:5And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.Acts 14:17Nevertheless he left not himself without witness, in that he did good, and gave us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness.John 5:17But Jesus answered them, My Father worketh hitherto, and I work.
Historical Context
The incarnation brought God into direct contact with fallen humanity. Despite three years of ministry, miracles, and teaching, Israel's leaders and most of the populace rejected Jesus. This rejection wasn't due to insufficient evidence but willful blindness—they loved darkness rather than light (John 3:19). The world's failure to know its Creator indicts humanity's spiritual condition.
Questions for Reflection
- Why does humanity, surrounded by evidence of the Creator, so often fail to recognize Him?
- How does this verse address modern claims that if God existed, He would make Himself more obvious?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The tragic irony intensifies: 'He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not.' The verb 'egn' (knew) uses the aorist tense, indicating decisive rejection. The Creator entered His creation, but creation failed to recognize its Maker. The word 'kosmos' (world) appears three times, shifting meaning: first as the sphere where Christ operated, second as His creation, third as humanity in rebellion. This cosmic blindness represents sin's devastating effect on human perception—unable to recognize the very source of existence.