Charles Ellicott Commentary John 1:10

"He was in the world, and the world was made through him, and the world knew him not." — John 1:10 (ASV)

In the world.—This manifestation in the flesh recalls the pre-incarnate existence during the whole history of the world, and the creative act itself. (Compare to John 1:2-3, Note). The two facts are the constant presence of the true Light, and the creation of the world by Him.

The world, then, in its highest creature, man, with spiritual power for seeing the true Light, ought to have recognised Him. Spirit ought to have felt and known His presence. In this would have been the exercise of its true power and its highest good.

But the world was sense-bound, and lost its spiritual perception, and knew Him not. This verse brings back again the thought of John 1:3-5, to prepare for the deeper gloom which follows.