Matthew 11:23 NIV

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 11:20-24

A lament over wasted privileges. Jesus is already approaching the sadder stage of his brief ministry; already to the eye of sense it begins to look like a failure. To some it was a failure. The seed had fallen by the wayside, and the birds had carried it away. A similar lament to that of Christ might well be uttered over many regions of favoured Christendom. I. THE GREATNESS OF THE PRIVILEGES . NO places on earth had been more privileged than these Galileean towns. Here Jesus... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 11:20-30

Jesus rejected by the wise, but owned by babes and the Father. Having illustrated by one or two sayings of our Lord what was his judgment of John and of those who heard John's teaching, Matthew sets alongside of these others regarding the towns which had enjoyed exceptional opportunities of forming an adequate idea of his Person and work. The complaint against these cities was that "they repented not." They were not sinners above other men, as Sodom and Gomorrah had been. But when Jesus came... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 11:23

And thou, Capernaum ( Matthew 4:13 , note), which art exalted unto heaven; Shalt thou be exalted unto heaven ? (Revised Version); ΄ὴ ἕως οὐρανοῦ ὑψωθήσῃ ; i.e. Shalt thou be raised high in public estimation, as thou thinkest, who art so proud of thy share in the busy and gay life on the lakeside? Shalt be brought down to hell ; thou shalt go down unto Hades (Revised Version). The change of voice in the two clauses ( ὑψωθήση … καταβήσῃ ) may imply that if... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Matthew 11:23

And thou, Capernaum - See the notes at Matthew 4:13.Which art exalted to heaven - This is an expression used to denote great privileges. He meant that they were especially favored with instruction. The city was prosperous. It was signally favored by its wealth. Most of all, it was signally favored by the presence, the preaching, and the miracles of the Lord Jesus Christ. Here he spent a large portion of his time in the early part of his ministry, and in Capernaum and its neighborhood he... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Matthew 11:20-24

Matthew 11:20-24. Then began he to upbraid the cities Which he had often blessed with his presence, and in which he had preached many awakening sermons, and performed many astonishing miracles. It is observable, he had never upbraided them before. Indeed, at first they had received him with all gladness, Capernaum in particular. Wo unto thee, Chorazin, &c. That is, miserable art thou. For these are not curses or imprecations, as has been commonly supposed; but a solemn, compassionate... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Matthew 11:20-30

50. The judgment and mercy of God (Matthew 11:20-30)The Galilean towns of Bethsaida, Chorazin and Capernaum, where Jesus did much of his work, were not as immoral as certain Gentile cities of the Old Testament era such as Tyre, Sidon and Sodom. However, because the Galilean towns had witnessed the ministry of Jesus then deliberately rejected him, they would suffer a more severe judgment than the Gentile towns that had never heard of him. Their greater privilege placed upon them a greater... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Matthew 11:23

Capernaum. See note on Matthew 4:13 , and App-169 . art = wast. heaven = the heaven. Sing, because in contrast with the earth. See note on Matthew 6:9 , Matthew 6:10 . hell. Gr . Hades. See App-131 . read more

James Burton Coffman

Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - Matthew 11:23

And thou, Capernaum, shalt thou be exalted unto heaven? thou shalt go down unto Hades: for if the mighty works had been done in Sodom which were done in thee, it would have remained until this day.See notes on Matthew 11:22, above. This indicates that if Christ, instead of an angel, had visited Sodom, the people would have repented, and the city would have been spared. How favored, then, must be considered those men who have the privilege of knowing Christ and his saving gospel! Conversely, how... read more

Thomas Coke

Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - Matthew 11:20-24

Matthew 11:20-24. Then began he to upbraid the cities— After reproving the Pharisees, Jesus pronounced heavy judgments against Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum, cities which he had often blessed with his presence; for though they had heard him preach many awakening sermons, and seen him perform many astonishing miracles, such as would have converted Tyre, Sidon, and Sodom, cities infamous for their impiety, contempt of religion, pride, luxury, and debauchery; yet so great was their obstinacy,... read more

Robert Jamieson; A. R. Fausset; David Brown

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Matthew 11:23

23. And thou, Capernaum—(See on Matthew 4:13). which art exalted unto heaven—Not even of Chorazin and Bethsaida is this said. For since at Capernaum Jesus had His stated abode during the whole period of His public life which He spent in Galilee, it was the most favored spot upon earth, the most exalted in privilege. shall be brought down to hell: for if the mighty works, which have been done in thee, had been done in Sodom—destroyed for its pollutions. it would have remained until this... read more