Matthew 11:21

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

Woe {G3759} unto thee {G4671}, Chorazin {G5523}! woe {G3759} unto thee {G4671}, Bethsaida {G966}! for {G3754} if {G1487} the mighty works {G1411}, which {G3588} were done {G1096} in {G1722} you {G5213}, had been done {G1096} in {G1722} Tyre {G5184} and {G2532} Sidon {G4605}, they would have repented {G3340} long ago {G302}{G3819} in {G1722} sackcloth {G4526} and {G2532} ashes {G4700}.

"Woe to you, Korazin! Woe to you, Beit-Tzaidah! Why, if the miracles done in you had been done in Tzor and Tzidon, they would long ago have put on sackcloth and ashes as evidence that they had changed their ways.

“Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes.

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

Commentary

Commentary on Matthew 11:21 KJV

Matthew 11:21 records a solemn pronouncement by Jesus Christ against two Galilean cities, Chorazin and Bethsaida, for their unbelief despite witnessing many of His miraculous works. This verse highlights a crucial principle of divine accountability based on the revelation received.

Context

This "woe" is part of a series of condemnations Jesus pronounces against unrepentant cities in Galilee, immediately following His discourse about John the Baptist and an invitation to those who are weary to find rest in Him (Matthew 11:28). Chorazin and Bethsaida were located near Capernaum, Jesus' adopted home base, where He performed many of His most significant "mighty works" or miracles. Despite being privileged to witness firsthand the power of God, these cities largely rejected Jesus and His message. Jesus contrasts their hardened hearts with the hypothetical response of Tyre and Sidon, ancient Phoenician port cities known for their historical wickedness and idolatry (see prophecies against Tyre in Ezekiel 26-28), suggesting that even these pagan cities would have repented if given the same opportunities.

Key Themes

  • Unbelief and Rejection: The primary theme is the profound unbelief of cities that had every reason to believe. They saw undeniable proof of Jesus' divine authority and power, yet remained unrepentant.
  • Greater Accountability: Jesus emphasizes that those who receive more light and revelation are held to a higher standard of accountability. The privilege of witnessing Christ's miracles brought with it a greater responsibility to respond in faith and repentance. This principle is echoed in Luke 12:48, "For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required."
  • The Nature of Repentance: The phrase "sackcloth and ashes" symbolizes deep remorse, humility, and genuine repentance. It was a traditional sign of mourning and a public display of turning from sin, as seen in Jonah 3:6 when the king of Nineveh repented.
  • Divine Justice: Jesus' pronouncement underscores God's righteous judgment. Those who persistently reject divine truth, despite overwhelming evidence, will face a more severe condemnation than those who had less exposure to it.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated "Woe" is ouai (οὐαί), which is a strong interjection expressing grief, sorrow, or a prophetic denunciation. It signifies not merely pity but a declaration of impending judgment or calamity. The "mighty works" are from the Greek dynameis (δυνάμεις), referring to acts of divine power, miracles, or supernatural manifestations that confirm God's presence and authority. "Sackcloth and ashes" (σάκκῳ καὶ σποδῷ, sakkō kai spodō) is a well-understood idiom in the ancient Near East, signifying profound humility, grief, and a complete turning away from sin.

Practical Application

Matthew 11:21 serves as a timeless warning and a call to introspection. It reminds us that spiritual privilege comes with responsibility. For contemporary believers, this verse underscores the importance of responding to the truth of God's Word and the revelation of Jesus Christ with genuine repentance and faith. We are accountable for what we know and what we have been given. It challenges us to not take God's grace or the spiritual blessings we receive for granted, but to allow them to transform our lives in humble obedience.

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Cross-References

  • Ezekiel 3:6 (5 votes)

    Not to many people of a strange speech and of an hard language, whose words thou canst not understand. Surely, had I sent thee to them, they would have hearkened unto thee.

  • Ezekiel 3:7 (5 votes)

    But the house of Israel will not hearken unto thee; for they will not hearken unto me: for all the house of Israel [are] impudent and hardhearted.

  • Acts 12:20 (4 votes)

    ¶ And Herod was highly displeased with them of Tyre and Sidon: but they came with one accord to him, and, having made Blastus the king's chamberlain their friend, desired peace; because their country was nourished by the king's [country].

  • Mark 6:45 (4 votes)

    ¶ And straightway he constrained his disciples to get into the ship, and to go to the other side before unto Bethsaida, while he sent away the people.

  • Job 42:6 (4 votes)

    Wherefore I abhor [myself], and repent in dust and ashes.

  • John 12:21 (4 votes)

    The same came therefore to Philip, which was of Bethsaida of Galilee, and desired him, saying, Sir, we would see Jesus.

  • Luke 9:10 (4 votes)

    ¶ And the apostles, when they were returned, told him all that they had done. And he took them, and went aside privately into a desert place belonging to the city called Bethsaida.