John 1:10

and the world Note three points; (1) the close connexion obtained by repetition, as in John 1:4; (2) the tragic tone, as in John 1:5; (3) the climax. -He was in the world" (therefore the world should have known Him); -and the world was His own creature" (therefore still more it should have known Him); -and (yet) the world knew Him not." -And" = -and yet" is very frequent in S. John; but it is best not to put in the -yet;" the simple -and" is more forcible. Comp. John 1:5; John 1:11.

Note that -the world" has not the same meaning in John 1:9. Throughout N.T. it is most important to distinguish the various meanings of -the world." It means (1) -the universe;" Romans 1:20: (2) -the earth;" John 1:9; Matthew 4:8: (3) -the inhabitants of the earth;" John 1:29; John 4:42: (4) -those outside the Church," alienated from God; John 12:31; John 14:17, and frequently. In this verse the meaning slips from (2) to (4).

knew him not Did not acquireknowledge of its Creator; did not recognise and acknowledge Him. Comp. Acts 19:15.