Keraia
Matthew 11

Matthew 11:23

Woe to the Unrepentant · Matthew 11:20–24
Read Matthew 11

Translations

Modern
And you, Capernaum, will you be lifted up to heaven? No, you will be brought down to Hades! For if the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Sodom, it would have remained to this day.
Traditional
And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted unto heaven, shalt be brought down to hell: for if the mighty works, which have been done in thee, had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day.
Literal
And you, Capernaum, to heaven will you be lifted up? To Hades you will be brought down! For if the miracles having happened in you had happened in Sodom, it would have remained until this day.
Latin
Et tu Capharnaum, numquid usque in cælum exaltaberis? usque in infernum descendes, quia si in Sodomis factæ fuissent virtutes quæ factæ sunt in te, forte mansissent usque in hanc diem.

Original

Greek
English
And you, Capernaum, will you be lifted up to heaven? No, you will be brought down to Hades! For if the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Sodom, it would have remained to this day.

Notes

Matthew 11:23

Hades: This is the Greek equivalent to the Hebrew term Sheol (see study note on Psalm 6:5).

Matthew 11:21–24

As Jesus traveled through the villages of Galilee (Korazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum) he revealed more of himself to the people. Because of this greater revelation, their refusal to listen brought a more severe judgment. Jesus compared their judgment to that of the pagan cities Tyre (Isaiah 23; Ezekiel 26:1–28:19), Sidon (Ezekiel 28:20–23), and Sodom (Genesis 18:22–19:29).

Matthew 11:20–24

The miracles Jesus performed showed he was the Messiah (Matthew 11:5–6). These miracles demanded people to repent (11:20). Those who rejected the Messiah faced great judgment, because Jesus had clearly shown who he is.

Theme notes and profiles

Faith and Good Deeds

Events

Parallels

Luke 10:13–16

Places

Capernaum: Town in Galilee; center of Jesus' ministry Sodom: Wicked city destroyed by God for its sins

Glossary

Capernaum Chorazin Galilee Gospel Gospel of Matthew Hades Hell Korazin Sea of Galilee

Topics

Capernaum: His Prophecy Against Condemnation: Increased by Impenitence Hades: The Unseen World, Translated |Hell| in Av, but in the RV the Word |Hades| is Retained Hell: The RV Has Introduced |Hades| the Word Found in the Greek Text Impenitence: General Scriptures Concerning Jesus, the Christ: Rebukes the Unbelieving Cities About Capernaum Jesus, the Christ: Revelations by: The Destruction of Capernaum Miracles: Guilt of Rejecting the Evidence Afforded By National Sins: Aggravated by Privileges Opportunity: The Measure of Responsibility Repentance: Danger of Neglecting Reproof: On Account of Impenitence Responsibility: According to Privilege The Judgment: Neglected Advantages Increase Condemnation At The Punishment of the Wicked: Shall Be: Increased by Neglect of Privileges