Matthew 11:20

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

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}:

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.

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

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

Commentary

Matthew 11:20 describes a significant moment in Jesus' ministry where He expresses strong disappointment with certain cities.

Context

This verse immediately follows Jesus' discourse concerning John the Baptist and His own identity. Jesus had performed numerous miraculous works—healings, exorcisms, and other demonstrations of divine power—in the region of Galilee. The cities referred to here, though not named explicitly in this verse, are identified in the subsequent verses (Matthew 11:21-23) as Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum. These were places where Jesus spent considerable time ministering and where His "mighty works" were most prevalent. Despite witnessing undeniable evidence of God's presence and power, the inhabitants of these cities largely failed to respond with a change of heart and life.

Key Themes

  • Divine Rebuke and Judgment: Jesus' act of "upbraiding" signifies a severe condemnation. It highlights the principle that with great privilege and exposure to divine truth comes great responsibility. The lack of repentance in the face of such clear evidence of God's work warrants a stern warning of judgment, as further elaborated in Luke 10:13-15.
  • The Necessity of Repentance: The core issue is the cities' failure to "repent." Jesus' miracles were not just displays of power but invitations to turn from sin and embrace the Kingdom of God. True repentance involves a fundamental change of mind and heart, leading to a transformation of life.
  • Consequences of Unbelief: The verse underscores the grave consequences of rejecting God's clear revelation. Those who witnessed Jesus' miracles firsthand, yet remained hardened in their unbelief, faced a harsher judgment than even cities like Tyre and Sidon, which had far less exposure to divine truth.

Linguistic Insights

  • The word "upbraid" translates the Greek verb oneidizō (ὀνειδίζω), which means to reproach, revile, or cast insults upon. It conveys a strong sense of stern disapproval and public accusation, indicating Jesus' deep sorrow and frustration over their spiritual blindness and impenitence.
  • "Mighty works" comes from the Greek dynameis (δυνάμεις), referring to acts of power or miracles. These were supernatural demonstrations of God's authority and presence, intended to validate Jesus' claims and call people to repentance.
  • "Repented not" uses the Greek metanoeō (μετανοέω), which signifies a change of mind, a turning around from one's former way of life, and a commitment to God's will. It's more than just feeling sorry; it implies a decisive shift in direction and behavior, as seen in the call to "repent ye therefore, and be converted."

Practical Application

Matthew 11:20 serves as a timeless warning. For us today, the principle remains: increased exposure to God's truth and revelation brings increased accountability. Whether through the preached Word, the witness of creation, or the conviction of the Holy Spirit, God continues to call humanity to repentance. This verse challenges us to examine our own hearts: have we truly responded to the light we have received, or have we, like these ancient cities, remained indifferent or resistant to God's gracious invitation to repent and believe the gospel? It reminds us that God's patience has limits, and His ultimate justice will prevail.

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Cross-References

  • Luke 10:13 (8 votes)

    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 (8 votes)

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

  • Jeremiah 8:6 (6 votes)

    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 (5 votes)

    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 (5 votes)

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

  • 2 Timothy 2:25 (5 votes)

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

  • 2 Timothy 2:26 (5 votes)

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