John 1:10

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

He was {G2258} in {G1722} the world {G2889}, and {G2532} the world {G2889} was made {G1096} by {G1223} him {G846}, and {G2532} the world {G2889} knew {G1097} him {G846} not {G3756}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He was in the world — the world came to be through him —
yet the world did not know him.

Berean Standard Bible

He was in the world, and though the world was made through Him, the world did not recognize Him.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
John 1:10 succinctly captures the profound paradox of the Incarnation: the eternal Word, through whom all creation came into being, entered His own created order, yet the very world He made failed to recognize or acknowledge Him. This verse serves as a poignant summary of humanity's spiritual blindness and the tragic rejection of divine truth, setting the stage for the Gospel's narrative of salvation offered despite such profound ignorance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** John 1:10 is an integral part of the magnificent prologue to John's Gospel, spanning [John 1:1-18](/john/1-1-18 "John's Prologue - The Word Incarnate"). The preceding verses establish the pre-existence, deity, and creative agency of the "Word" (Logos), identifying Him as the source of all life and light ([John 1:1-5](/john/1-1-5 "The Word, Life, and Light in John 1:1-5")). The witness of John the Baptist is introduced in [John 1:6-8](/john/1-6-8 "John the Baptist's Witness to the Light"), emphasizing that he came to testify about the light, not to be the light himself. Verse 9 then explicitly states that the true Light was coming into the world. Thus, [John 1:10](/john/1-10 "John 1:10 - The World Knew Him Not") naturally follows, detailing the Light's physical presence and the world's tragic response, directly preceding the more specific rejection by "His own" in [John 1:11](/john/1-11 "John 1:11 - His Own Received Him Not") and the subsequent offer of adoption to those who do receive Him in [John 1:12-13](/john/1-12-13 "John 1:12-13 - Receiving Christ, Becoming Children of God").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The concept of the "Logos" (Word) in John's prologue would have resonated with both Jewish and Hellenistic audiences. For Jews, the "Word" (Hebrew: *Davar*) was intimately associated with God's creative power ([Psalm 33:6](/psalm/33-6 "Psalm 33:6 - Creation by God's Word")) and revelatory activity ([Isaiah 55:11](/isaiah/55-11 "Isaiah 55:11 - God's Word Accomplishes His Purpose")). In Hellenistic philosophy, particularly Stoicism, the Logos was often understood as the impersonal, rational principle governing the universe. John masterfully redefines this concept, presenting the Logos not as an abstract force but as a personal, divine being who became flesh. The "world" (kosmos) in this context refers not just to the physical earth but to humanity, often viewed as alienated from God, steeped in sin, and resistant to divine truth. This spiritual blindness was a pervasive human condition, transcending specific cultural boundaries of the time.
* **Key Themes:** John 1:10 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the Gospel. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Presence and Incarnation**, affirming that God, in the person of Jesus, truly entered human history. Secondly, it reiterates the **Sovereignty and Creative Power of Jesus**, establishing Him as the very architect of the universe, a theme echoed throughout the New Testament, such as in [Colossians 1:16](/colossians/1-16 "Colossians 1:16 - Christ as Creator of All Things"). Thirdly, and most tragically, it introduces the theme of **Spiritual Blindness and Rejection**, highlighting humanity's failure to recognize its Creator and Savior despite His manifest presence. This theme is central to John's portrayal of the world's opposition to the light, as seen in [John 3:19-20](/john/3-19-20 "John 3:19-20 - Men Loved Darkness Rather Than Light"), and sets the stage for the ultimate rejection Jesus would face from His own people and the religious authorities.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **world (Greek, _kósmos'_):** This term, appearing three times in [John 1:10](/john/1-10 "John 1:10 - The World Knew Him Not"), refers primarily to the created universe and its inhabitants. However, in John's Gospel, *kósmos* often carries a moral connotation, signifying humanity organized in opposition to God, or the human system alienated from divine truth. Thus, "the world knew him not" implies that humanity, in its fallen state, failed to recognize its divine Creator and Redeemer.
* **was made (Greek, _gínomai'_):** Derived from a verb meaning "to cause to be" or "to become," this word emphasizes the active role of Christ in creation. It signifies that the world did not merely exist independently but came into being through Him. This highlights His pre-existence and divine agency, asserting His fundamental relationship as Creator to all things that exist.
* **knew (Greek, _ginṓskō'_):** This Greek verb denotes a deep, experiential, and personal knowledge, rather than mere intellectual acquaintance or factual information. The world's failure to "know" Him was not a simple lack of data, but a profound spiritual inability or unwillingness to recognize, acknowledge, and enter into a relationship with its Creator. It implies a lack of receptive spiritual insight, leading to a tragic failure to comprehend His true identity and purpose.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He was in the world":** This clause affirms the physical, tangible presence of the pre-existent Word, Jesus Christ, within the created order. It points directly to the Incarnation, the miraculous act of God taking on human flesh and dwelling among humanity. This "being in" implies not just physical location but active engagement and participation in the human experience, even before His public ministry.
* **"and the world was made by him":** This phrase powerfully asserts the divine identity and creative sovereignty of Jesus. It declares that the very universe and all its inhabitants owe their existence to Him. He is not merely a part of creation, but its ultimate source and architect. This underscores His supreme authority and inherent right to be recognized and worshiped by His creation.
* **"and the world knew him not":** This final clause presents the tragic culmination of the paradox. Despite His intimate presence as Creator and Sustainer, humanity, the "world" in its alienated state, failed to recognize or acknowledge Him. This "not knowing" signifies a profound spiritual blindness, an unwillingness or inability to perceive the divine truth manifest before them, leading to a rejection of their own Creator and Redeemer.

#### Literary Devices
John 1:10 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound theological message. The most striking is **Irony**, as the Creator enters His own creation, yet remains unrecognized by it. This is a deep, tragic irony that highlights humanity's spiritual fallenness. Closely related is **Paradox**, the seemingly contradictory truth that the one who gave existence to all things was not acknowledged by those very things. The repeated use of the word "**world**" (Greek: *kosmos*) functions as **Repetition**, emphasizing the scope of Christ's creative work (the world made by Him) and the pervasive nature of humanity's rejection (the world knew Him not). This repetition underscores the universal nature of both Christ's sovereignty and humanity's spiritual plight.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 1:10 stands as a foundational statement regarding the nature of God's self-revelation and humanity's response. Theologically, it highlights the profound mystery of the Incarnation—that the transcendent God would condescend to enter His own creation in human form. It underscores the biblical teaching that creation itself bears witness to its Creator, yet fallen humanity, in its sin and spiritual blindness, suppresses this truth ([Romans 1:18-20](/romans/1-18-20 "Romans 1:18-20 - God's Invisible Attributes Clearly Seen Through Creation")). The world's failure to "know" Christ is not merely an intellectual oversight but a moral and spiritual failure, revealing the depth of human depravity and the desperate need for divine intervention to open the eyes of the heart. This verse sets the stage for the Gospel's central message: that salvation is offered to those who, by grace, receive the Light that the world rejected.

* [Colossians 1:15-17](/colossians/1-15-17 "Colossians 1:15-17 - Christ, the Image of God and Creator of All")
* [1 Corinthians 1:21](/1_corinthians/1-21 "1 Corinthians 1:21 - The World Through Wisdom Knew Not God")
* [Romans 1:28](/romans/1-28 "Romans 1:28 - God Gave Them Over to a Reprobate Mind")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
John 1:10 presents a sobering truth about humanity's inherent spiritual blindness and resistance to divine revelation. For us today, this verse serves as a powerful call to self-examination and humility. Are we, like the "world," so engrossed in our own affairs, ideologies, or self-sufficiency that we fail to recognize the living Christ who is present and active in our lives and in the world around us? Do we truly acknowledge Him as the Creator and Lord of all, or do we compartmentalize Him, reducing Him to a mere historical figure or a distant deity? This verse challenges us to move beyond a superficial acknowledgment of Jesus to a deep, experiential "knowing" of Him—a knowing that transforms our understanding, shapes our values, and directs our lives. It reminds us that true knowledge of God is not achieved through human wisdom or effort but is a gift of grace, requiring a humble and receptive heart.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I, like "the world," be failing to truly recognize or acknowledge Jesus' presence and sovereignty in my daily life?**
* **How does understanding Jesus as the Creator of all things impact my view of His authority over my life and the world?**
* **What does it mean for me to "know" Jesus experientially, and what steps can I take to deepen that personal knowledge and relationship with Him?**
* **Considering the world's rejection, how should I respond to those around me who also do not "know" Christ?**

### FAQ

**What does "the world" mean in this context, given its multiple uses in the verse?**

Answer: In John 1:10, the term "world" (Greek: *kosmos*) carries a nuanced meaning that evolves across its three appearances. In the phrase "He was in the world," it refers to the physical realm, the created order, and human society. In "the world was made by him," it emphasizes the entire created universe, highlighting Christ's role as Creator. Finally, in "the world knew him not," *kosmos* takes on a more negative, moral connotation, referring to humanity in its fallen, alienated state—those who are spiritually blind and resistant to God's truth. So, it encompasses both the physical creation and the spiritual condition of humanity within it, particularly humanity's opposition to God. This multifaceted use prepares the reader for John's later discussions of the "world" as a system opposed to God ([John 15:18-19](/john/15-18-19 "John 15:18-19 - The World Hates You")).

**Why didn't the world "know" Jesus, especially since He made it?**

Answer: The world's failure to "know" Jesus was not due to a lack of evidence or His hiddenness, but primarily due to spiritual blindness and a willful rejection of the light. The "knowing" (Greek: *ginōskō*) implies a deep, personal, and experiential recognition, not just intellectual awareness. Humanity, in its fallen state, is prone to suppressing the truth of God ([Romans 1:18](/romans/1-18 "Romans 1:18 - Suppressing the Truth in Unrighteousness")) and preferring darkness over light because their deeds are evil ([John 3:19-20](/john/3-19-20 "John 3:19-20 - Men Loved Darkness Rather Than Light")). Despite the clear testimony of creation and the very presence of the Creator among them, humanity's spiritual eyes were closed, unable or unwilling to perceive His divine glory and true identity.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John 1:10, with its poignant declaration of the Creator being unrecognized by His own creation, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the entire redemptive narrative of Jesus. The "He was in the world" points to the Incarnation, where the eternal Word, who is God ([John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - In the Beginning Was the Word")), emptied Himself to take on the form of a servant ([Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5-8 "Philippians 2:5-8 - Christ's Humiliation and Exaltation")). The tragic reality that "the world knew him not" foreshadows the ultimate rejection Jesus would face from His own people and the broader world, culminating in His crucifixion. Yet, it is precisely through this rejection and His subsequent death on the cross that the world, though blind, is offered the means to truly "know" Him. His sacrifice becomes the ultimate act of revelation, demonstrating God's love and providing the path for humanity to be reconciled to their Creator. The very One whom the world failed to recognize became the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), offering spiritual sight and eternal life to all who believe. Thus, the paradox of John 1:10 is resolved in the cross and resurrection, where the rejected Creator becomes the glorified Redeemer, making it possible for humanity to finally know Him in saving faith ([John 17:3](/john/17-3 "John 17:3 - Eternal Life is Knowing God and Jesus Christ")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

John 17:25

O righteous Father, the world hath not known thee: but I have known thee, and these have known that thou hast sent me.

1 John 3:1

¶ Behold, 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 2:8

Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known [it], they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.

1 Corinthians 1:21

For 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 11:27

All 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].

Hebrews 11:3

Through 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.

Acts 17:24

God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands;