Matthew 11:21
Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works, which were done in you, had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes.
Matthew 11:21
This verse pronounces woes on Chorazin and Bethsaida, two cities near the Sea of Galilee. Jesus asserts that if Tyre and Sidon, legendary non-Israelite cities, had witnessed the same mighty deeds, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. The warning is pointed: geographical proximity to Jesus’ ministry does not guarantee repentance. The cities mentioned symbolize unresponsive religious centers despite abundant revelation. The verse emphasizes accountability for spiritual privilege and opportunity.
Theologically, the passage reinforces God’s justice and mercy. It demonstrates that judgment isn’t arbitrary but related to opportunity and response. The contrast with Tyre and Sidon, which had not enjoyed the same revelation, heightens the seriousness of human responsibility in the face of God’s grace.
If you live in a place blessed with access to the gospel—church communities, biblical teaching, spiritual mentors—consider it a privilege with responsibility. Practical steps: engage more deeply with Scripture, invite others into your spiritual life, and look for ways to serve your city with the Gospel’s mercy. Do not assume proximity equates acceptance; actively pursue repentance and faithfulness.
Cross-References: Luke 10:13; Amos 4:4-6; Micah 7:18-19