John 1:11

Berean Standard Bible
He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him.
 
King James Bible
He came unto his own, and his own received him not.
 
NET Bible
He came to what was his own, but his own people did not receive him.
 
Greek:
εἰς τὰ ἴδια ἦλθεν, καὶ οἱ ἴδιοι αὐτὸν οὐ παρέλαβον.
 
Transliteration:
Eis ta idia ēlthen, kai hoi idioi auton ou parelabon.
 
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Study Bible:
 
He came
The phrase "He came" signifies the incarnation of Jesus Christ, the Word made flesh. In the Greek, "ἦλθεν" (ēlthen) is used, indicating a purposeful arrival. This is not a passive event but an active mission. Jesus, the eternal Word, chose to enter human history, fulfilling prophecies such as Isaiah 7:14, which foretold the coming of Immanuel, "God with us." This act of coming underscores the divine initiative in the salvation plan, emphasizing God's love and desire to redeem humanity.
 
to His own
The Greek term "ἴδια" (idia) refers to what is one's own, indicating possession or belonging. In this context, "His own" can be understood as the Jewish people, God's chosen nation, Israel. Historically, Israel was set apart by God, receiving His laws, covenants, and promises. Archaeological findings, such as ancient Hebrew texts and artifacts, affirm the distinct identity and religious practices of the Jewish people. This phrase highlights the special relationship and expectation that existed between God and Israel, as seen in scriptures like Deuteronomy 7:6, where Israel is described as a "holy people" chosen by God.
 
and His own did not receive Him
The repetition of "His own" emphasizes the tragedy and irony of the rejection. The Greek word for "receive" is "παρέλαβον" (parelabon), which means to accept or welcome. Despite the prophecies and preparations, many in Israel did not recognize or accept Jesus as the Messiah. This rejection is a recurring theme in the Gospels, as seen in passages like Matthew 23:37, where Jesus laments over Jerusalem's unwillingness to accept Him. Historically, this rejection can be understood in the context of first-century Jewish expectations of a political Messiah who would liberate them from Roman rule, contrasting with Jesus' mission of spiritual salvation. This phrase serves as a poignant reminder of the human tendency to miss divine truth due to preconceived notions and hardened hearts. It also foreshadows the broader acceptance of Jesus by the Gentiles, as God's salvation plan extends beyond ethnic Israel to all who believe.
 
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Commentary:
 
He came to His own: This refers to Jesus coming to the Jewish people, who are considered God's chosen people according to the Old Testament. Jesus, being Jewish himself, came to the land and people where he was expected based on Jewish scripture and prophecy.
 
His own did not receive Him: Despite the anticipation of a Messiah in Jewish tradition, when Jesus arrived, many of the Jewish leaders and people did not accept him as the Messiah or the Son of God. This rejection is a central theme in the Gospel of John, highlighting the theological point that Jesus was not universally accepted by his own nation or people.
 
The verse encapsulates the sorrow and irony that the Messiah, who was sent for the salvation of humanity, was not recognized or accepted by those who were supposed to be most prepared to recognize him. This rejection leads into the broader theme of Jesus' universal mission, where the rejection by "His own" paves the way for the message of salvation to extend to all people, including Gentiles (non-Jews).
 
Theologically, this verse is often used to discuss:
 
The mystery of divine revelation: How God chose to reveal Himself through Jesus in a way that was not universally accepted even among those with the most direct prophetic preparation.
 
Human freedom and response to God: It underscores the freedom of human beings to accept or reject divine revelation, even when it comes from within their own cultural and religious context.
 
The inclusivity of the Christian message: Since Jesus was rejected by many of "His own," the invitation to believe in him extends beyond the Jewish community, setting the stage for Christian universalism.
 
This verse also sets up the contrast between those who reject Jesus and those who do receive him, leading into John 1:12, which speaks of the privilege of becoming children of God to those who believe in His name.