Matthew 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.
Matthew 11:23
This verse pronounces a dramatic judgment on Capernaum, a town that claimed exaltation due to Jesus’ miracles, yet would be humbled if the same works had been done in Sodom. The rhetorical contrast shows how privileged people can become proud or complacent, forgetting that God’s grace is both a gift and a call to repentance.
Theologically, it emphasizes the universality of judgment and the danger of spiritual pride. It also reflects the consistent biblical pattern that privilege requires responsibility and response to divine revelation.
If you feel “exalted” by blessings or success, ensure your heart remains teachable. Practical steps: pray for humility, examine motives behind achievements, and use influence to bless others rather than boast. Stay anchored in gratitude and repentance.
Cross-References: Psalm 113:6; Luke 14:11; James 4:6