New Testament
Matthew 11:23
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And you, Capernaum, who are exalted to heaven, will be brought down to hell. If the mighty works done in you had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until today.
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And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted unto heaven, shalt be brought down to hell: for if the mighty works, which have been done in thee, had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day.
What Matthew 11:23 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus addresses Capernaum, a city where He performed many miracles. He highlights the city's pride and spiritual blindness, suggesting that despite witnessing His powerful works, they did not repent or believe. Jesus contrasts Capernaum with Sodom, a city known for its wickedness that was destroyed. He implies that if Sodom had seen the miracles done in Capernaum, it would have repented and remained standing. This serves as a warning about the consequences of rejecting God's message and the seriousness of accountability for those who have experienced His grace. The verse emphasizes that privilege comes with responsibility, and those who have been given much are expected to respond appropriately to God's revelation.
How to apply Matthew 11:23 to your life
This verse challenges us to reflect on how we respond to God's work in our lives. Are we recognizing and acting on the blessings and truths we have received? It encourages us to remain humble and responsive to God's call, avoiding complacency in our faith.
Curated for this public verse page. Matthew Summary
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Photo: zeevveez, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 2.0. Source. Location: Capernaum, on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee. Resized for the web.
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Capernaum
Jesus' home base by the Sea of Galilee, and the town where Peter lived.
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At a Glance — the Book of Matthew
- Author
- Matthew the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 60-70
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Jewish Christians
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Jesus mean by Capernaum being brought down to hell?
In Matthew 11:23, Jesus warns Capernaum that despite its exalted status and the miracles performed there, it will face judgment for its lack of repentance. The term 'brought down to hell' signifies a severe consequence for rejecting God's message and failing to respond to His grace. This serves as a reminder that privilege in witnessing God's works comes with the responsibility to believe and act accordingly.
How does Capernaum compare to Sodom in this verse?
Jesus contrasts Capernaum with Sodom to illustrate the seriousness of accountability. Sodom was known for its wickedness and was destroyed, yet Jesus suggests that if Sodom had witnessed the miracles performed in Capernaum, it would have repented and remained. This comparison emphasizes that those who have experienced God's power and grace, like the people of Capernaum, are expected to respond with faith and repentance.
What is the significance of miracles in Capernaum?
The miracles performed in Capernaum are significant because they demonstrate Jesus' divine authority and compassion. However, the lack of repentance from the people highlights a deeper issue of spiritual blindness and pride. The miracles were meant to lead to faith and transformation, but instead, they became a basis for judgment due to the people's failure to respond appropriately.
What lessons can we learn from Matthew 11:23?
Matthew 11:23 teaches us about the importance of recognizing and responding to God's work in our lives. It challenges us to avoid complacency and pride, reminding us that with great privilege comes great responsibility. We are encouraged to remain humble, repentant, and attentive to God's call, ensuring that we do not take His grace for granted.
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