New Testament
Luke 10:13
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Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty works done among you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago, sitting in sackcloth and ashes.
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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.
What Luke 10:13 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus expresses sorrow over the cities of Chorazin and Bethsaida because they witnessed His miracles but did not repent. He contrasts their lack of response with the hypothetical reaction of Tyre and Sidon, two cities known for their wickedness. He suggests that if they had seen the same miracles, they would have repented sincerely, demonstrating true remorse by wearing sackcloth and ashes, symbols of mourning and repentance in biblical times. This highlights the seriousness of rejecting divine revelation and the consequences of unrepentant hearts. Jesus emphasizes that greater accountability comes with greater exposure to His works and teachings, indicating that those who have seen His power and still refuse to change are in a dire situation. The mention of sackcloth and ashes serves to illustrate the depth of repentance that should have occurred in Chorazin and Bethsaida, showing that their indifference is particularly grievous.
How to apply Luke 10:13 to your life
This verse challenges us to reflect on our own responses to God's work in our lives. Are we truly repenting and changing our ways when we recognize our shortcomings? It encourages us to be open to God's messages and to act on them with sincerity and urgency.
Curated for this public verse page. Luke Summary
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Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: Sending Out More Disciples (Luke 10:1–24)
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Jesus
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724966). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Bethlehem, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
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Bethlehem
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Keep studying Luke 10:13
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Key themes
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At a Glance — the Book of Luke
- Author
- Luke the physician
- Written
- Around AD 60-62
- Genre
- Gospel and history
- Original Audience
- Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Luke 10:13 mean?
Luke 10:13 expresses Jesus' lament over the cities of Chorazin and Bethsaida for their failure to repent despite witnessing His miracles. He contrasts their indifference with the hypothetical response of Tyre and Sidon, suggesting they would have repented sincerely if they had seen the same works.
What is the significance of sackcloth and ashes in Luke 10:13?
Sackcloth and ashes are symbols of mourning and repentance in biblical times. In Luke 10:13, Jesus uses these symbols to illustrate the depth of remorse that should have been shown by Chorazin and Bethsaida for their lack of response to His miracles.
What cities are mentioned in Luke 10:13?
The cities mentioned in Luke 10:13 are Chorazin and Bethsaida. Jesus addresses them directly to highlight their unrepentant hearts despite witnessing His mighty works.
What does Jesus mean by 'woe' in Luke 10:13?
In Luke 10:13, 'woe' signifies a deep sorrow or lament. Jesus uses it to express His grief over the unrepentant behavior of Chorazin and Bethsaida, indicating the seriousness of their spiritual condition.
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