And thou, Capharnaum, which art exalted unto heaven, thou shalt be thrust down to hell.
και συ καπερναουμ η εως του ουρανου υψωθεισα εως αδου καταβιβασθηση
7 Church Fathers comment on this verse
Indeed, you too, Capernaum, who have been lifted up to the heavens due to the numerous wonders performed among you, will be cast down to the depths; you will be judged for your disbelief despite the many signs you have witnessed.
The Lord teaches that those who reject the gospel bear a greater culpability than those who seek to discard the law. If Tyre and Sidon had witnessed such divine miracles, they would have embraced the remedy of repentance. Earthly wealth and indulgence pale in comparison to the gifts of heaven, yet even these individuals are not forsaken, for the path of repentance is open to everyone.
The Gospel of Matthew, in its twentieth chapter, presents similar teachings, so take note of this.
The Lord, filled with deep sorrow, declared judgment upon the unyielding cities of Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum, which had been elevated by His presence and works. Despite the numerous miracles He performed, and His constant teaching, He found only a handful of genuine, wise followers among them. Woe to you, for your fate will be more severe than that of Tyre, Sidon, and Sodom!
At the end of His guidance to the seventy disciples regarding their conduct in spreading the Gospel, the Lord affirmed their authority through a dire warning—a forecast of severe judgment for those who would disregard their message: "I tell you that it will be more bearable for Sodom on that day than for that city" (Luke 10:12). Sodom and its surrounding towns, which indulged in various sinful appetites, have already faced retribution through fiery destruction. However, this destruction is merely a precursor to eternal flames (Jude 1:7). On that day, the ultimate judgment from God looms over them. A stringent reckoning is anticipated for the wicked residents of these cities.
Yet, even harsher suffering is reserved for those who reject the apostolic message, as the people of Sodom would have repented had they witnessed the numerous miracles displayed by Christ and the apostles (Matthew 11:23).
The Lord then began to declare woes upon the cities where His miracles were most evident but where there was no repentance: Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum. Notably, Capernaum was where the Lord resided after departing from Nazareth (Matthew 4:13) and where many miracles were performed. The locations of Chorazin and Bethsaida are less clear; Chorazin is mentioned solely in this context. Considering Christ's primary ministry took place on the western shores of the Sea of Galilee, it is reasonable to surmise that Chorazin was close to Capernaum. Similarly, Bethsaida likely refers to the site on the Sea of Galilee’s western bank, the birthplace of Apostles Peter, Andrew, and Philip (John 4:44). Chorazin and Bethsaida are likened to Tyre and Sidon, not only because they were Gentile cities (Phoenician, located on the eastern Mediterranean coast) but also due to the apparent indifference of their prosperous and commercial inhabitants toward spiritual matters.
"And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted to heaven, shalt be brought down to hell." Capernaum was a key trading center, more significant than its neighboring towns along the Sea of Galilee. Yet, Christ's presence transformed it into a pivotal hub for a remarkable spiritual movement sparked by His ministry. Nevertheless, this elevation was short-lived, as during the Jewish war, Capernaum, like its nearby counterparts, faced complete devastation and ruin.
In Matthew 10 and Matthew 11, when instructing the seventy to brush off the dust from their feet in response to towns that rejected them, Jesus also advised: ‘As you depart, gently inform those who do not welcome you that the kingdom of God has drawn near to them.’ Do not scold them or express anger; rather, caution them that if they turn away from their sins, they may find salvation, for the kingdom of God is accessible and open to them. However, should they remain obstinate, the people of Sodom will have a more favorable fate on the final day than they will.
At this point, it was clear that in those towns where the Savior had primarily taught and performed miracles, the inhabitants often failed to exhibit genuine faith in the awaited Messiah. They seemed reluctant to abandon their misguided expectations of a triumphant Messiah, focusing not on the kingdom of heaven, but rather nursing a fervent desire for vengeance against their Roman oppressors. They harbored lofty aspirations of a future where Rome would submit to the anticipated Redeemer. Consequently, the Savior delivered a grave admonition (Matt. 11:20-24). He started to reproach the cities where His miracles were most evident, because they had not repented.
“Woe to you, Chorazin!” Chorazin, located near the shores of the Sea of Galilee, along with Bethsaida and Capernaum, lies in ruins today, known as Chorazi, situated five versts northwest of Tell Hum, the site of Capernaum. “Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the miracles performed among you had been evident in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. But I say to you, Tyre and Sidon, those corrupt pagan cities of Phoenicia, will fare better on the day of judgment than you.” And you, Capernaum, lifted up to heaven, will be brought down to Hades; for if the miracles that were shown to you had been visible in Sodom, it would still be standing today. Yet, I tell you, Sodom will have a more favorable outcome on the day of judgment than you.” In these statements, Christ acted not only as a prophet but also as a Judge, whose verdict would undoubtedly come to pass with terrifying precision. Most of these cities have been entirely obliterated, their very sites forgotten or contended.
Passages read together with this verse.
Greek text, 11 words with lemma, transliteration and Strong’s number. Tap to expand.
THEOSIS