Commentaries:
Robertson's Word Pictures (NT)
And ye have not known him (kai ouk egnwkate auton). Adversative use again of kai="and yet." Perfect active indicative of ginwskw, the verb for experiential knowledge. This was true of the kosmov (John 1:10; John 17:25) and of the hostile Jews (John 16:3). Jesus prays that the world may know (John 17:23) and the handful of disciples had come to know (John 17:25).
But I know him (egw de oida auton). Equipped by eternal fellowship to reveal the Father (John 1:1-18). This peculiar intimate knowledge Jesus had already claimed (John 7:29). Jesus used oida (John 8:19; John 15:21) or ginwskw (John 17:23, John 17:25) for the knowledge of the Father. No undue distinction can be drawn here.
And if I should say (kan eipw). Third-class condition (concession), "even if I say," with kai ean (kan) and second aorist active subjunctive. "Suppose I say."
I shall be like you a liar (esomai omoiov umin yeusthv). Apodosis of the condition. omoiov (like) is followed by the associative-instrumental case umin. The word yeusthv (liar), in spite of the statement that they are the children of the devil, the father of lying (John 8:44), comes with a sudden jolt because it is a direct charge. This word liar is not considered polite today in public speech when hurled at definite individuals. There is a rather free use of the word in 1 John 2:4, 1 John 2:22; 1 John 4:20; 1 John 5:10. It is not hard to imagine the quick anger of these Pharisees.
Other commentary entries containing this verse:
John 7:28
John 7:29
John 8:19
John 8:51
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