John 1:11
He came unto his own, and his own received him not.
Original Language Analysis
εἰς
unto
G1519
εἰς
unto
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
1 of 10
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
2 of 10
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἴδιοι
his own
G2398
ἴδιοι
his own
Strong's:
G2398
Word #:
3 of 10
pertaining to self, i.e., one's own; by implication, private or separate
ἦλθεν
He came
G2064
ἦλθεν
He came
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
4 of 10
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
5 of 10
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 10
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἴδιοι
his own
G2398
ἴδιοι
his own
Strong's:
G2398
Word #:
7 of 10
pertaining to self, i.e., one's own; by implication, private or separate
αὐτὸν
him
G846
αὐτὸν
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
8 of 10
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
Luke 19:14But his citizens hated him, and sent a message after him, saying, We will not have this man to reign over us.John 3:32And what he hath seen and heard, that he testifieth; and no man receiveth his testimony.Matthew 15:24But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel.Acts 13:46Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles.Romans 15:8Now I say that Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers:Romans 9:5Whose are the fathers, and of whom as concerning the flesh Christ came, who is over all, God blessed for ever. Amen.Romans 9:1I say the truth in Christ, I lie not, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Ghost,
Historical Context
Israel had every advantage: the Scriptures, the prophets, the temple, the covenants. They were looking for Messiah, yet when He came, they rejected Him. Jesus came to Nazareth, His hometown, and they tried to kill Him (Luke 4:29). He came to Jerusalem, and the religious leaders conspired against Him. The very specificity of Old Testament prophecy was turned against them—expecting a conquering king, they rejected the suffering servant.
Questions for Reflection
- How does religious familiarity sometimes breed contempt and blindness to God's work?
- What warnings does Israel's rejection of Christ provide for the church today?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The rejection narrows from world to 'his own' (ta idia)—His own property, His own people Israel. The Jewish nation, prepared through centuries of revelation, prophecy, and covenant relationship, 'received him not' (ou parelabon). The verb 'paralambano' means to take, receive, or accept—Israel refused to welcome their own Messiah. This is the supreme tragedy of the incarnation: those most prepared to recognize Him proved most resistant. Familiarity bred contempt; religious pride blinded eyes that should have seen.