Matthew 11:21-24

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Matthew 11:16-24

Christ was going on in the praise of John the Baptist and his ministry, but here stops on a sudden, and turns that to the reproach of those who enjoyed both that, and the ministry of Christ and his apostles too, in vain. As to that generation, we may observe to whom he compares them (Matt. 11:16-19), and as to the particular places he instances in, we may observe with whom he compares them, Matt. 11:20-24. I. As to that generation, the body of the Jewish people at that time. There were many... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - Matthew 11:1-30

Matthew 11:1-30 is a chapter in which Jesus is speaking all the time; and, as he speaks to different people and about different things, we hear the accent of his voice vary and change. It will be of the greatest interest to look one by one at the six accents in the voice of Jesus. The Accent Of Confidence ( Matthew 11:1-6 ) 11:1-6 And when Jesus had completed his instructions to the twelve disciples, he left there to go on teaching and to go on making his proclamation in their... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Matthew 11:21

Woe unto thee, Chorazin! .... Though many of Christ's mighty works were done in this place, yet mention is made of it no where else, but here; whether it was a single city, or a country, is not easy to determine: the word חורשין , "Chorasin", signifying "woody places", Dr. Lightfoot F12 Chorogr. Cent. in Matth. p. 84. Vol. 2. conjectures it might include Cana, in which Christ wrought his first miracle, and a small adjacent country, situated in a wood, and be so called from thence;... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Matthew 11:22

But I say unto you ,.... What may be depended upon as true, and which shall certainly come to pass, however the inhabitants of these cities might flatter themselves; or in whatsoever light they might look upon their neighbours, the Tyrians and Sidonians; and fancy themselves to be the favourites of heaven, and these as the most execrable of creatures; it shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the day off judgment, than for you . Their punishment in another world will be more mild... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Matthew 11:23

And thou Capernaum ,.... This city is singled out from all the rest, and spoken to particularly, because of its peculiar advantages: which art exalted unto heaven ; which has respect to the very great privileges this place enjoyed, it being the city where Christ chose to dwell, and for a time fixed his abode in; where he first began to preach, and where such a train of miracles were done; a particular enumeration, of which has been before given: as also it may refer to the situation of... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Matthew 11:24

But I say unto you ,.... Capernaum, and the inhabitants thereof, as before, to Chorazin and Bethsaida. It shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom, in the day of judgment, than for thee : though the punishment of the men of Sodom will be very great, their iniquities being horribly dreadful and enormous, yet more easy to be borne than the vengeance, which, in the last and general judgment, will fall upon such, who have had the means of grace, and have despised them; especially such... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Matthew 11:21

Wo unto thee, Chorazin - Bethsaida! - It would be better to translate the word ουαι σοι , alas for thee, than wo to thee. The former is an exclamation of pity; the latter a denunciation of wrath. It is evident that our Lord used it in the former sense. It is not known precisely where Chorazin was situated; but as Christ joins it in the same censure with Bethsaida, which was in Upper Galilee, beyond the sea, Mark 6:45 , it is likely that Chorazin was in the same quarter. Though the people... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Matthew 11:22

But - it shall be more tolerable - Every thing will help to overwhelm the impenitent at the tribunal of God - the benefits and favors which they have received, as well as the sins which they have committed. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Matthew 11:23

Thou, Capernaum - exalted unto heaven - A Hebrew metaphor, expressive of the utmost prosperity, and the enjoyment of the greatest privileges. This was properly spoken of this city, because that in it our Lord dwelt, and wrought many of his miraculous works. Shalt be brought down to hell - Perhaps not meaning, here, the place of torment, but rather a state of desolation. The original word is Hades, Αδης , from α , not, and ιδειν , to see; the invisible receptacle or mansion of the... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Matthew 11:24

But - it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom - Γη Σοδομων , the land of the Sodomites; i.e. the ancient inhabitants of that city and its neighborhood. In Jude, Judges 1:7 , we are told that these persons are suffering the vengeance of eternal fire. The destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah happened A. M. 2107, which was 1897 years before the incarnation. What a terrible thought is this! It will be more tolerable for certain sinners, who have already been damned nearly four... read more

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