{Elijah is come already} (Eleias (8864)(8820)(886c)then). Thus Jesus
identifies John the Baptist with the promise in Malachi, though
not the real Elijah in person which John denied ( Joh 1:21 ).
{They knew him not} (ouk epign(9373)an auton). Second aorist active
indicative of epigin(9373)k(935c), to recognize. Just as they do not
know Jesus now ( Joh 1:26 ). They killed John as they will Jesus
the Son of Man.