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Book of Matthew - Chapter 11 - Verse 23

11:23
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.

Meaning

This verse from the book of Matthew in the Bible serves as a powerful warning against pride and complacency. In this verse, Jesus is addressing the city of Capernaum, which had been witness to many of his miracles and teachings. Despite being exalted to a position of great privilege and spiritual insight, Capernaum is warned that its pride and unbelief will lead to its downfall. The comparison to Sodom, a city known for its wickedness and destruction, highlights the severity of Capernaum's sin. The verse serves as a reminder that great privilege and blessings come with great responsibility, and that failure to heed the message of God can lead to severe consequences. It is a call to humility, repentance, and faithfulness in the face of God's grace and mercy.

Theological Overview

Capernaum, often referred to as the adopted home of Jesus during his ministry, is featured prominently in the Gospels. In this verse, Jesus condemns the city for its lack of repentance despite witnessing numerous miracles. The exaltation of Capernaum to heavenly heights is starkly contrasted with its impending descent to hell due to its unbelief. This serves as a powerful warning against pride and complacency in the face of divine revelation. The comparison to Sodom, a city infamous for its wickedness in the Old Testament, highlights the severity of Capernaum's sin. Despite the notorious reputation of Sodom, the presence of the same miraculous deeds would have led to their repentance, a stark contrast to Capernaum's hardened heart. This verse serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of rejecting the truth and failing to respond to God's grace, reminding readers of the importance of repentance and faith.

American Standard Version

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.
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