Matthew 11:20

KJV

Then began he to upbraid the cities wherein most of his mighty works were done, because they repented not:

KJV (with Strong's)

Then {G5119} began he {G756} to upbraid {G3679} the cities {G4172} wherein {G1722}{G3739} most {G4118} of his {G846} mighty works {G1411} were done {G1096}, because {G3754} they repented {G3340} not {G3756}:

Complete Jewish Bible

Then Yeshua began to denounce the towns in which he had done most of his miracles, because the people had not turned from their sins to God.

Berean Standard Bible

Then Jesus began to denounce the cities in which most of His miracles had been performed, because they did not repent.

American Standard Version

Then began he to upbraid the cities wherein most of his mighty works were done, because they repented not.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 11:20 marks a pivotal moment in Jesus' public ministry, revealing His profound disappointment and stern rebuke toward the cities in Galilee where He had performed the majority of His miraculous works. Despite overwhelming evidence of His divine authority and the Kingdom's presence, the inhabitants of these privileged locales failed to respond with genuine repentance, prompting Jesus to declare a severe judgment upon their spiritual indifference and hardened hearts.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows Jesus' extensive discourse on the identity and significance of John the Baptist, whom Jesus affirms as more than a prophet and the Elijah who was to come ([Matthew 11:7-19](/matthew/11-7-19 "Matthew 11:7-19 - Jesus' Testimony About John the Baptist")). Having established His own messianic credentials through His works (as mentioned in [Matthew 11:2-6](/matthew/11-2-6 "Matthew 11:2-6 - John the Baptist's Question and Jesus' Answer")), Jesus now turns His attention to the cities that witnessed these undeniable signs. The "upbraiding" serves as a stark contrast to the earlier invitation to the weary and burdened in [Matthew 11:28-30](/matthew/11-28-30 "Matthew 11:28-30 - Jesus' Invitation to Rest"), highlighting the consequence of rejecting divine grace. The specific cities—Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum—are explicitly named in the subsequent verses ([Matthew 11:21-24](/matthew/11-21-24 "Matthew 11:21-24 - Woes to Unrepentant Cities")), emphasizing the direct and personal nature of Jesus' condemnation.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jesus' ministry was primarily centered in the region of Galilee, a Jewish territory under Roman rule, known for its vibrant towns and agricultural communities. Cities like Capernaum served as Jesus' base of operations, making them prime locations for His miraculous deeds and teachings. In Jewish thought, miracles (or "mighty works") were understood as signs of God's presence and activity, often validating the claims of a prophet or the Messiah. The expectation was that such powerful demonstrations would lead to a national turning to God, or repentance (Hebrew: *teshuvah*). The failure of these Galilean cities to repent, despite witnessing unprecedented divine power, was a profound spiritual failure in a culture that understood the direct correlation between divine revelation and human accountability. Their spiritual apathy, therefore, was not merely a personal slight but a rejection of God's redemptive initiative.

* **Key Themes:** Matthew 11:20 contributes significantly to several major themes within the Gospel of Matthew and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Judgment and Accountability**. Jesus' "upbraiding" highlights that privilege, especially exposure to divine truth and power, brings with it increased responsibility. Those who have seen and heard much will be held to a higher standard, a concept echoed in [Luke 12:48](/luke/12-48 "Luke 12:48 - To Whom Much Is Given"). Secondly, the verse emphasizes the **Necessity of Repentance**. The core issue is the cities' failure to "repent," which is a fundamental turning from sin and toward God, a central message of both John the Baptist ([Matthew 3:2](/matthew/3-2 "Matthew 3:2 - John the Baptist's Message")) and Jesus Himself ([Matthew 4:17](/matthew/4-17 "Matthew 4:17 - Jesus Begins His Ministry")). Lastly, it powerfully illustrates the **Consequences of Unbelief**. The rejection of Jesus' mighty works and His call to repentance leads to a more severe condemnation than that faced by pagan cities like Tyre and Sidon, who had far less exposure to God's saving grace, as Jesus explicitly states in [Matthew 11:21-22](/matthew/11-21-22 "Matthew 11:21-22 - Woes to Chorazin and Bethsaida").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **upbraid (Greek, _oneidízō'_):** From *oneidos*, meaning "reproach" or "disgrace." To "upbraid" means to defame, rail at, or chide. It conveys a strong sense of stern disapproval and public accusation, indicating Jesus' deep sorrow, frustration, and condemnation over the spiritual blindness and impenitence of the cities. It is a severe form of verbal reproach, highlighting a profound sense of offense or disappointment.
* **mighty works (Greek, _dýnamis'_):** From *dýnamai*, meaning "to be able." This term refers to force, power, or ability, and specifically, miraculous power. In this context, it denotes the supernatural demonstrations of God's authority and presence performed by Jesus—healings, exorcisms, and other signs. These were not mere displays of power but acts intended to validate Jesus' claims as Messiah and to call people to repentance and faith.
* **repented (Greek, _metanoéō'_):** From *metá* (after, with) and *noiéō* (to think). To "repent" means to think differently or afterwards, to reconsider morally, or to feel compunction. It signifies more than just feeling sorry; it implies a fundamental change of mind and heart, a turning around from one's former way of life, and a decisive commitment to God's will, leading to a transformation of behavior.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then began he to upbraid the cities":** This phrase marks a shift in Jesus' ministry, moving from teaching and performing miracles to issuing a direct and severe rebuke. The verb "began" suggests a deliberate and solemn initiation of this condemnation. The target, "the cities," indicates a corporate responsibility, implying that the collective spiritual state of the inhabitants was one of hardened unbelief, despite their privileged exposure to Jesus' ministry.
* **"wherein most of his mighty works were done":** This clause provides the crucial context and justification for Jesus' upbraiding. These were not random cities, but the very places that had received the greatest measure of divine revelation through Jesus' powerful miracles. The phrase "most of his mighty works" underscores the extraordinary privilege these cities enjoyed, having witnessed undeniable evidence of God's presence and the Kingdom's power.
* **"because they repented not":** This final clause identifies the precise reason for Jesus' condemnation. Despite the overwhelming evidence of His messianic identity and the Kingdom's breaking in, the cities failed to "repent." Their lack of repentance signifies a refusal to change their minds, turn from their sin, and embrace the transforming message of the Gospel. It was this spiritual obstinacy and indifference, in the face of such clear divine invitation, that drew Jesus' severe rebuke.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 11:20 employs several powerful literary devices. The primary device is **Reproach** or **Upbraiding**, which is a direct, severe verbal condemnation. Jesus' act of "upbraiding" is not merely an expression of frustration but a prophetic pronouncement, carrying the weight of divine judgment against spiritual apathy. There is a profound **Irony** in the verse: the very cities that received the most extraordinary divine favor through Jesus' "mighty works" are the ones most resistant to His message. This highlights the paradox of human free will and the hardening of hearts in the face of grace. Furthermore, the passage contains an element of **Foreshadowing**, as Jesus' words here anticipate the ultimate judgment that awaits those who reject God's clear revelation and refuse to repent, a theme further developed in eschatological passages. The strong emotional language also conveys **Pathos**, revealing Jesus' deep sorrow and disappointment over the spiritual state of these unrepentant communities.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 11:20 profoundly underscores the biblical principle of accountability in the face of divine revelation. God's gracious self-disclosure, whether through miraculous signs, prophetic word, or the person of Jesus Christ, always carries an inherent expectation of a human response. The failure of these cities to repent, despite witnessing "most of his mighty works," illustrates the profound tragedy of spiritual indifference and the human capacity to resist even the clearest demonstrations of God's power and love. This verse serves as a stark reminder that divine patience is not infinite, and persistent unbelief in the face of truth will ultimately lead to judgment, a truth that resonates throughout scripture, emphasizing the urgency and necessity of genuine repentance.

* [Luke 10:13-15](/luke/10-13-15 "Luke 10:13-15 - Woes to Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum")
* [Acts 17:30](/acts/17-30 "Acts 17:30 - God Commands All People Everywhere to Repent")
* [Romans 2:4-5](/romans/2-4-5 "Romans 2:4-5 - God's Kindness Leads to Repentance")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 11:20 serves as a timeless and sobering warning for all who encounter the truth of God. We, too, live in an age where God's "mighty works" are evident—through the witness of creation, the testimony of Scripture, the transformative power of the Gospel, and the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit. This verse challenges us to honestly examine our own hearts: Have we truly responded to the light and truth we have received? Are we quick to repent when confronted with our sin and spiritual apathy, or do we, like the cities of Galilee, remain hardened and indifferent to God's gracious call? The greater our exposure to divine truth and grace, the greater our accountability. This passage calls us to a posture of humility, responsiveness, and genuine repentance, ensuring that our lives reflect a heart that has truly turned towards God, embracing His Kingdom and His will.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life have I perhaps witnessed God's "mighty works" or received significant spiritual truth, yet failed to respond with genuine repentance or obedience?**
* **How does Jesus' sorrow and "upbraiding" of these cities inform my understanding of God's heart regarding unrepentance and spiritual indifference?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a heart that is more responsive and repentant to God's ongoing revelation in my life?**

### FAQ
**Why did Jesus specifically upbraid these cities, and what does it mean for us today?**

Answer: Jesus specifically upbraided Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum (as named in the verses immediately following [Matthew 11:20](/matthew/11-20 "Matthew 11:20 - Jesus Upbraids Unrepentant Cities")) because these were the very places where He had performed the majority of His "mighty works"—miracles, healings, and powerful teachings. They had been given an unparalleled opportunity to witness the Kingdom of God breaking into their midst through the person of Jesus Christ. Their failure to repent, despite such clear and abundant evidence, constituted a profound rejection of God's gracious invitation. For us today, this implies a principle of increased accountability: the more truth and revelation we receive, the greater our responsibility to respond in faith and repentance. It's a warning against spiritual complacency and a call to actively embrace the truth of the Gospel.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 11:20, with Jesus' poignant upbraiding of unrepentant cities, finds its Christ-centered fulfillment not only in His role as the ultimate Judge but also, paradoxically, as the ultimate means of salvation. Jesus' sorrow and condemnation of these cities, which refused to repent in the face of His "mighty works," foreshadow His final judgment upon all who reject Him ([John 5:22](/john/5-22 "John 5:22 - The Father Has Entrusted All Judgment to the Son")). Yet, this very act of upbraiding also highlights the profound necessity of the work He came to accomplish. The "repentance" these cities failed to offer is precisely what Jesus makes possible through His atoning sacrifice. He is the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), providing the path for genuine change of heart that humanity, left to its own devices, cannot achieve. His weeping over Jerusalem in [Luke 19:41-44](/luke/19-41-44 "Luke 19:41-44 - Jesus Weeps Over Jerusalem") further reveals His compassionate heart, even in the face of impending judgment, demonstrating that His desire is always for humanity to turn to Him and find life ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World")). Thus, Jesus' upbraiding of the unrepentant cities underscores the desperate need for the very salvation He offers, making His call to [repent and believe the gospel](/mark/1-15 "Mark 1:15 - Repent and Believe the Gospel") the central and most urgent message of His ministry.

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

Luke 10:13

Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works had been done in Tyre and Sidon, which have been done in you, they had a great while ago repented, sitting in sackcloth and ashes.

Luke 10:15

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

Jeremiah 8:6

I hearkened and heard, [but] they spake not aright: no man repented him of his wickedness, saying, What have I done? every one turned to his course, as the horse rusheth into the battle.

Revelation 9:20

And the rest of the men which were not killed by these plagues yet repented not of the works of their hands, that they should not worship devils, and idols of gold, and silver, and brass, and stone, and of wood: which neither can see, nor hear, nor walk:

Revelation 9:21

Neither repented they of their murders, nor of their sorceries, nor of their fornication, nor of their thefts.

2 Timothy 2:25

In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;

2 Timothy 2:26

And [that] they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.