Matthew 11:23
Friday, 11 July 2025
And you, Capernaum, who are exalted to heaven, will be brought down to Hades; for if the mighty works which were done in you had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. Matthew 11:23
“And you, Capernaum, the ‘until heaven you having been elevated,’ until Hades, you will be descended. For if in Sodom they occurred – the miracles, the ‘having occurred in you’ – it remained, if until the day” (CG).
In the previous verse, Jesus referred to the difference between Tyre and Sidon and Chorazin and Bethsaida on the day of judgment. Next, He says, “And you, Capernaum.”
More miracles of Jesus are recorded in Capernaum than in any other city. It was essentially His staging area, going and returning to it while ministering to other cities. So notable were His miracles there that in Luke 4:23, it says –
“He said to them, ‘You will surely say this proverb to Me, “Physician, heal yourself! Whatever we have heard done in Capernaum, do also here in Your country.”’”
In other words, the word about His miracles in Capernaum had extended beyond there, filling the ears of people in other cities. It is 52 miles from Capernaum to Nazareth, indicating that what the people saw in Capernaum was more than a curious event spoken by a couple of friends, but a word that was conveyed with such excitement that it was passed on until many were made aware of what transpired. Of Capernaum, Jesus next calls it, “the ‘until heaven you having been elevated.’”
Here, Jesus introduces the word hupsoó, to exalt. Specifically, it means to raise high or lift up. Metaphorically, the idea of exaltation is then seen.
The meaning is that because of Jesus’ ministry there, the people had been provided the highest form of God’s favor. They saw Jesus’ miracles, they witnessed His perfection, they heard His instruction, etc.
The incarnate Word of God made that city His dwelling and focal point for ministering to the nation of Israel. No greater favor could ever be imagined. What they saw and heard was more of a revelation of God’s favor and call upon the nation than that of any prophet before, including Moses. But because of their hardened hearts, Jesus says, “until Hades, you will be descended.”
Though they had the keys to heaven itself extended to them in the Person of Jesus and the ministry He conducted among them, they chose to reject Him and continue life apart from His saving grace.
Instead of continuing to be exalted to heaven, they would be cast down to Hades, meaning Sheol, the place of the dead, awaiting the final judgment. Unfortunately for the city, their judgment will not be a happy one. Jesus next says, “For if in Sodom.”
Without going any further, it is a note of utter contempt. Capernaum is being contrasted to the city representative of the epitome of wickedness in the Old Testament. The story of Sodom is recorded in Genesis, but it is referred to almost twenty times elsewhere in the Old Testament.
The city was so wicked that its misdeeds reached the ears of the Lord in heaven. It was judged and destroyed by fire. However, Jesus continues, saying that if “they occurred – the miracles, the ‘having occurred in you’ – it remained, if until the day.”
About two thousand years had passed since the time of Sodom’s destruction, and yet, Jesus says that if the miracles that were performed in Capernaum were performed in Sodom, the wicked city would have turned and been so affected by what He had done that they would have remained, without destruction, until that day.
Having said that, the destruction of Capernaum eventually came about in approximately the 7th century AD. The town was completely abandoned in the 11th century.
Life application: To this day, the stories concerning Jesus’ ministry are read and remembered by Christians. We believe, by faith, that what is recorded in the New Testament is a true account of what Jesus did as He ministered among the people.
Stories have been written, songs have been sung, plays have been presented, and movies have been made concerning the great things Jesus did. The church has been founded on the deeds of the Messiah, and it has proclaimed this message throughout the world.
In nations and cultures of people throughout the world, tears have been shed and hearts have been converted through the words about Jesus, just as He said would happen. During this same time, the name of Jesus has been used as a curse among the people of Israel.
There has been a wall of enmity put up against Him that seemed impenetrable. However, that wall has slowly but steadily been broken open over the past century. With each passing year, more Jews hear and accept the word concerning Jesus Christ.
Someday, as incredible as it seems at this point, the entire nation will proclaim that Jesus is Lord to the glory of God. Seeing the state of affairs in the world and the alignment of the nations in relation to biblical prophecy, it doesn’t seem like it will be a long time until these things come about.
Keep sharing the word! Keep studying the Bible! The message of Jesus is what changes the course of history for the lives of people. Their eternal destiny goes from condemnation to salvation upon the acceptance of the gospel. So be ready to share it at all times!
Heavenly Father, help us to be diligent in our study and in our sharing of Your word. May we be faithful to this calling and willing to get the word out. The world needs Jesus. Each person in the world needs Jesus. May we be willing to share this wonderful story of hope and redemption. Amen.
