Luke 10:14

But it shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the judgment, than for you.

But {G4133} it shall be {G2071} more tolerable {G414} for Tyre {G5184} and {G2532} Sidon {G4605} at {G1722} the judgment {G2920}, than {G2228} for you {G5213}.

But at the Judgment it will be more bearable for Tzor and Tzidon than for you!

But it will be more bearable for Tyre and Sidon at the judgment than for you.

But it shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon in the judgment, than for you.

Commentary

Luke 10:14 delivers a sobering pronouncement from Jesus, highlighting the principle of greater accountability for those who have received greater light and opportunity. This verse is part of Jesus's "woes" against the Galilean cities that witnessed His mighty works but failed to repent and believe.

Context

This verse follows directly from Jesus’s condemnation of Chorazin and Bethsaida, and precedes His similar warning to Capernaum in Luke 10:15. These cities in Galilee were privileged to experience Jesus's personal ministry, including miracles, teachings, and the proclamation of the Kingdom of God. Despite overwhelming evidence of His divine authority, they largely remained impenitent. In contrast, Tyre and Sidon were ancient Phoenician cities, known for their wealth, idolatry, and moral depravity. They were often the subject of severe prophetic judgment in the Old Testament, such as in Ezekiel 26-28 and Isaiah 23, due to their wickedness and pride. Yet, Jesus declares that even these notoriously sinful Gentile cities will face a more tolerable judgment than the Jewish cities that rejected Him.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Greater Responsibility, Greater Judgment: The core message is that divine judgment is proportionate to the knowledge and opportunity given. Those who have been exposed to more truth and witnessed powerful works of God but still refuse to believe will face a more severe reckoning. This principle is echoed elsewhere in Scripture, emphasizing that God judges righteously based on what has been revealed.
  • Unbelief in the Face of Evidence: The Galilean cities had undeniable proof of Jesus's identity through His miracles (often called "mighty works" or `δυνάμεις` - dynameis in Greek, meaning "powers" or "acts of power"). Their rejection was not due to ignorance but a deliberate refusal to repent and acknowledge God's work among them.
  • Divine Justice: Jesus's statement underscores the certainty and righteousness of God's final judgment. It highlights that no one will escape accountability, and the standard of judgment will be perfectly just, considering every individual's circumstances and opportunities.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "tolerable" is `ανεκτοτερος` (anektoteros), which is a comparative adjective meaning "more bearable" or "more endurable." This emphasizes that while Tyre and Sidon will certainly face judgment for their sins, the judgment for the Galilean cities will be comparatively worse. The term "judgment" (`κρίσει` - krisei) refers to the final, decisive condemnation or reckoning by God, a common theme in eschatological teachings.

Practical Application

This verse serves as a profound warning and a call to introspection for all who hear the Gospel today. It reminds us that:

  • Knowledge Brings Responsibility: The more we know about God and His truth, the greater our responsibility to respond in faith and obedience. Spiritual apathy or indifference in the face of truth can lead to severe consequences.
  • Repentance is Crucial: Jesus's woes were directed at cities that failed to repent. This highlights the ongoing need for individuals to turn from sin and embrace the saving grace offered through Christ.
  • God's Justice is Real: The certainty of future judgment should motivate us to live lives pleasing to God and to share the message of salvation with those who have not yet heard or believed.

Ultimately, Luke 10:14 challenges us to consider our response to the light we have received, urging us to embrace Jesus Christ and His Kingdom with sincere faith and repentance.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Luke 12:47 (3 votes)

    And that servant, which knew his lord's will, and prepared not [himself], neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many [stripes].

  • Luke 12:48 (3 votes)

    But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few [stripes]. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.

  • John 15:22 (3 votes)

    If I had not come and spoken unto them, they had not had sin: but now they have no cloke for their sin.

  • John 15:25 (3 votes)

    But [this cometh to pass], that the word might be fulfilled that is written in their law, They hated me without a cause.

  • Romans 2:1 (3 votes)

    ¶ Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things.

  • Romans 2:27 (2 votes)

    And shall not uncircumcision which is by nature, if it fulfil the law, judge thee, who by the letter and circumcision dost transgress the law?

  • Amos 3:2 (2 votes)

    You only have I known of all the families of the earth: therefore I will punish you for all your iniquities.