Luke 10:15

KJV

And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted to heaven, shalt be thrust down to hell.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} thou {G4771}, Capernaum {G2584}, which {G3588} art exalted {G5312} to {G2193} heaven {G3772}, shalt be thrust down {G2601} to {G2193} hell {G86}.

Complete Jewish Bible

“And you, K’far-Nachum, will you be exalted to heaven? No, you will be brought down to Sh’ol!

Berean Standard Bible

And you, Capernaum, will you be lifted up to heaven? No, you will be brought down to Hades!

American Standard Version

And thou, Capernaum, shalt thou be exalted unto heaven? thou shalt be brought down unto Hades.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 10:15 records Jesus' severe prophetic warning to Capernaum, a city that enjoyed unparalleled spiritual privilege by hosting much of His ministry and witnessing numerous miracles. Despite this abundant exposure to divine truth and power, the city largely remained unrepentant, leading Jesus to declare that its spiritual "exaltation to heaven" would be met with a profound "thrust down to hell"—a vivid pronouncement of utter ruin and judgment for its unbelief.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This pronouncement against Capernaum is part of a series of "woes" Jesus delivers to unrepentant Galilean cities, immediately following His lament over Chorazin and Bethsaida in [Luke 10:13-14](/luke/10-13-14 "Luke 10:13-14 - Jesus' Woes to Chorazin and Bethsaida"). These woes are situated within the broader narrative of Jesus sending out the seventy-two disciples, empowering them to preach the kingdom and perform miracles. The cities' rejection of Jesus' message and miraculous works, despite such clear evidence of God's presence, underscores the gravity of their unbelief. A parallel account of this specific woe can be found in [Matthew 11:23](/matthew/11-23 "Matthew 11:23 - Jesus' Woe to Capernaum").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Capernaum was a prosperous fishing and trade town located on the northwestern shore of the Sea of Galilee. It served as Jesus' primary base of operations during His Galilean ministry, effectively becoming "His own city" ([Matthew 9:1](/matthew/9-1 "Matthew 9:1 - Jesus returns to Capernaum")). This city was the site of numerous significant miracles, including the healing of the centurion's servant ([Luke 7:1-10](/luke/7-1-10 "Luke 7:1-10 - The Centurion's Faith")), Peter's mother-in-law ([Luke 4:38-39](/luke/4-38-39 "Luke 4:38-39 - Healing Peter's Mother-in-Law")), and the paralytic lowered through the roof ([Luke 5:17-26](/luke/5-17-26 "Luke 5:17-26 - Healing the Paralytic")). The city also had a synagogue where Jesus taught frequently ([Mark 1:21](/mark/1-21 "Mark 1:21 - Jesus teaches in the Capernaum synagogue")). Its strategic location and the direct, prolonged exposure to Jesus' divine authority and teaching made its impenitence particularly egregious.
* **Key Themes:** The primary message conveyed in this verse is the **Divine Judgment for Unbelief**. Capernaum's refusal to repent, despite its immense spiritual privilege, brought about a severe pronouncement of downfall. This highlights the theme of **Privilege and Responsibility**: the more light and truth one receives, the greater the accountability for responding to it. Jesus' words echo the principle found in [Luke 12:48](/luke/12-48 "Luke 12:48 - To whom much is given, much is required"), emphasizing that greater revelation incurs greater responsibility. Consequently, the verse also underscores the **Consequences of Spiritual Rejection**, illustrating that indifference or outright rejection of God's revealed truth leads to profound spiritual and, in Capernaum's case, eventual physical destruction.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **exalted (Greek, _hypsóō'_):** From G5312, meaning "to elevate (literally or figuratively):--exalt, lift up." In this context, it refers not to Capernaum's physical elevation, but to its unparalleled spiritual privilege and high status due to Jesus' presence and mighty works within its borders. It signifies a position of immense divine favor and opportunity.
* **thrust down (Greek, _katabibázō'_):** From G2601, meaning "to cause to go down, i.e. precipitate:--bring (thrust) down." This verb vividly portrays a forceful, violent descent, directly contrasting with the "exalted" state. It emphasizes a dramatic and irreversible downfall, indicating a complete reversal of its privileged position.
* **hell (Greek, _háidēs'_):** From G86, meaning "properly, unseen, i.e. "Hades" or the place (state) of departed souls:--grave, hell." While _Hades_ often refers to the realm of the dead, in this prophetic context, it is used metaphorically to describe Capernaum's utter ruin, destruction, and profound downfall. It signifies a state of complete desolation, contrasting sharply with its former "exalted" status, rather than a literal descent into the eternal fiery punishment (which is typically referred to by _Gehenna_).

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And thou, Capernaum,"**: Jesus directly addresses the city, personifying it to emphasize its accountability. This direct address highlights the personal nature of the warning, as Capernaum, unlike other cities, had been Jesus' primary base of operations.
* **"which art exalted to heaven,"**: This clause describes Capernaum's unique and extraordinary spiritual privilege. It had been "lifted up" to the highest possible spiritual advantage by having the Son of God Himself dwell among its people, teach in its synagogue, and perform numerous miracles within its gates. This "exaltation" refers to the unparalleled opportunity for repentance and faith.
* **"shalt be thrust down to hell."**: This is the pronouncement of judgment, directly contrasting with the previous clause. The phrase "thrust down to hell" (Hades) signifies a complete and catastrophic reversal of its privileged status. It denotes utter ruin, desolation, and a profound downfall—a judgment for its persistent unbelief despite overwhelming evidence.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 10:15 is rich in literary devices that amplify its powerful message. The most prominent is **Hyperbole**, seen in the phrases "exalted to heaven" and "thrust down to hell." These are not literal descriptions of physical elevation or descent but exaggerated expressions emphasizing the extreme contrast between Capernaum's immense spiritual privilege and its ultimate, severe judgment. This hyperbole serves to underscore the gravity of rejecting divine truth. Closely related is **Antithesis**, which is the juxtaposition of contrasting ideas. The verse is built on the stark opposition between being "exalted to heaven" (spiritual privilege and opportunity) and being "thrust down to hell" (utter ruin and judgment). This creates a powerful rhetorical effect, highlighting the dramatic reversal of fortune due to unbelief. Furthermore, the verse functions as a **Prophecy**, a divine declaration of future events. Jesus' words foretold the eventual desolation of Capernaum, which historically came to pass, serving as a testament to the truth and authority of His pronouncements.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 10:15 powerfully illustrates the theological principle of divine accountability, particularly for those who have received abundant light and opportunity. Capernaum's judgment is not arbitrary but a direct consequence of its persistent impenitence in the face of unparalleled divine revelation. This verse underscores God's justice in holding individuals and communities responsible for their response to His grace. It teaches that proximity to God's presence and exposure to His truth, while a great privilege, also carries a profound responsibility. To reject such a gift is to invite severe consequences, demonstrating that God's patience has limits and that persistent unbelief will ultimately lead to judgment.

* [Matthew 11:20-24](/matthew/11-20-24 "Matthew 11:20-24 - Jesus' Woes to Unrepentant Cities")
* [Hebrews 10:26-29](/hebrews/10-26-29 "Hebrews 10:26-29 - Consequences of Deliberate Sin")
* [Amos 3:2](/amos/3-2 "Amos 3:2 - To whom much is given")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 10:15 serves as a profound and sobering warning for all who encounter God's truth. Just as Capernaum was privileged to host Jesus and witness His mighty works, we too are privileged to have access to the Gospel, the Word of God, and the presence of the Holy Spirit. This verse challenges us to examine our own hearts: Are we taking the spiritual light and opportunities we have for granted? Do we genuinely respond with repentance and faith to the truth we have received, or do we allow indifference, pride, or worldly distractions to harden our hearts? The principle remains timeless: great privilege demands great responsibility. Our response to God's grace, whether in personal conviction or communal witness, determines our spiritual trajectory. This passage calls us to a humble and urgent embrace of the Gospel, recognizing the seriousness of rejecting God's persistent call to repentance and belief.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways have I been "exalted to heaven" by receiving spiritual light and opportunities?**
* **Am I actively responding to the truth I have received, or am I prone to spiritual indifference?**
* **What are the potential consequences of neglecting or rejecting the spiritual privileges God has given me?**
* **How can I cultivate a heart of genuine repentance and faith in response to God's grace?**

### FAQ
**What does "exalted to heaven" mean for Capernaum?**

Answer: "Exalted to heaven" ([Luke 10:15](/luke/10-15 "Luke 10:15 - Woe to Capernaum")) does not refer to Capernaum's physical elevation, but rather to its unparalleled spiritual privilege and opportunity. It signifies that the city had been given an extraordinary advantage by having Jesus, the Son of God, dwell within its borders, teach in its synagogue, and perform numerous powerful miracles there. Capernaum had more direct exposure to the divine presence and truth than almost any other city, making its impenitence particularly grievous.

**What does "thrust down to hell" signify for the city of Capernaum?**

Answer: The phrase "shalt be thrust down to hell" ([Luke 10:15](/luke/10-15 "Luke 10:15 - Woe to Capernaum")) uses the Greek word _Hades_ (G86), which in this context is a metaphor for utter ruin, desolation, and catastrophic downfall. It signifies a complete reversal of Capernaum's privileged status. While _Hades_ can refer to the realm of the dead, here it describes the city's eventual complete destruction and abandonment, a judgment for its persistent unbelief and rejection of Jesus' message, rather than the eternal damnation of individuals (which is often denoted by _Gehenna_). Historically, Capernaum did indeed fall into ruin, fulfilling this prophecy.

**Why was Capernaum singled out for such a severe warning?**

Answer: Capernaum was singled out because it had received the greatest spiritual privilege and, consequently, bore the greatest responsibility. It served as Jesus' primary base of operations in Galilee ([Matthew 4:13](/matthew/4-13 "Matthew 4:13 - Jesus makes Capernaum His home")), and many of His most significant miracles and teachings occurred there. Despite this overwhelming evidence of Jesus' divine authority and the clear call to repentance, the city largely remained impenitent. Jesus' warning highlights the principle that "from everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded" ([Luke 12:48](/luke/12-48 "Luke 12:48 - To whom much is given, much is required")). Its rejection of such profound light led to a proportionately severe judgment.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 10:15, while a severe warning to an unrepentant city, ultimately points to the supreme authority and redemptive mission of Jesus Christ. His lament over Capernaum underscores His divine prerogative to judge, a power intrinsically linked to His identity as the Son of God, the one through whom all things were created and by whom they are sustained ([Colossians 1:16-17](/colossians/1-16-17 "Colossians 1:16-17 - Christ's Supremacy")). The "exaltation to heaven" for Capernaum was its proximity to Christ Himself, the very embodiment of God's presence and grace. Its subsequent "thrust down to hell" reveals the profound consequences of rejecting the Light of the World ([John 8:12](/john/8-12 "John 8:12 - Jesus, the Light of the World")). This judgment, however, is not the final word of Christ. Instead, it serves as a stark reminder that true exaltation comes through humility and repentance before Him ([Philippians 2:5-11](/phil/2-5-11 "Philippians 2:5-11 - Christ's Humility and Exaltation")), and that the ultimate "hell" is separation from the very presence of God, a fate from which Christ offers deliverance through His atoning sacrifice ([Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Wages of Sin and Gift of God")). Thus, Jesus' warning to Capernaum, while a pronouncement of judgment, simultaneously magnifies His role as the only source of salvation and the one who holds the keys to both death and Hades ([Revelation 1:18](/revelation/1-18 "Revelation 1:18 - Christ holds the keys of death and Hades")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Isaiah 14:13

For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north:

Isaiah 14:15

Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit.

Matthew 4:13

And leaving Nazareth, he came and dwelt in Capernaum, which is upon the sea coast, in the borders of Zabulon and Nephthalim:

2 Peter 2:4

For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast [them] down to hell, and delivered [them] into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment;

Matthew 11:23

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.

Luke 13:28

There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when ye shall see Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets, in the kingdom of God, and you [yourselves] thrust out.

Ezekiel 31:18

To whom art thou thus like in glory and in greatness among the trees of Eden? yet shalt thou be brought down with the trees of Eden unto the nether parts of the earth: thou shalt lie in the midst of the uncircumcised with [them that be] slain by the sword. This [is] Pharaoh and all his multitude, saith the Lord GOD.