And you, Capernaum, will you be exalted to heaven? You will be brought down to Hades. For if the mighty works done in you had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus contrasts Capernaum's incredible spiritual privileges, being "exalted to heaven" by His presence and miracles, with its impending complete destruction, which he calls being "brought down to Hades." The point isn't just that Capernaum will be punished, but that its rejection of God's grace makes its fate even more severe than the notoriously wicked city of Sodom.
And you, Capernaum, will you be exalted to heaven? You will be brought down to Hades. For if the mighty works done in you had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus is rebuking the towns where he performed most of his miracles, like Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum, because they refused to repent. He contrasts their stubbornness with the potential repentance of cities like Tyre, Sidon, and even the notoriously wicked Sodom. By highlighting how even these wicked cities would have repented if given the same opportunities, Jesus emphasizes the profound spiritual blindness and rejection of his message in these Galilean towns.
Capernaum was 'exalted to heaven.' What made its fall so devastating?
Jesus leveled a severe judgment against Capernaum, a city where He had spent a significant portion of His ministry. The phrase 'exalted to heaven' didn't refer to its physical height or worldly prosperity, but to the immense spiritual privileges it received. Imagine having Jesus walk your streets, teach in your synagogues, and perform powerful miracles right before your eyes! These were unparalleled opportunities for hearing God's truth and witnessing His power firsthand.
However, these incredible blessings were met with indifference and a lack of repentance. Instead of transforming the city, these divine encounters highlighted its stubbornness. Because Capernaum experienced so much of God's presence and power without turning to Him, its future judgment would be far more severe than cities that never received such light. The greater the light, the greater the responsibility and the more profound the darkness of its rejection.
Jesus uses a hypothetical to reveal God's justice. What does Sodom teach us about God's heart?
Jesus presents a powerful 'what if' scenario: 'For if the mighty works done in you had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day.' This isn't about God being unsure of the future. Instead, it's a demonstration of divine justice and mercy.
Sodom was infamous for its wickedness and was ultimately destroyed by God. Yet, Jesus is saying that even those infamous sinners, if confronted with the same undeniable miracles performed in Capernaum, would have likely repented. The contrast highlights that Capernaum’s rejection of Jesus wasn't due to a lack of evidence or opportunity, but a hardened heart. God's judgment is always fair. He holds people accountable based on what they have been shown. The fact that Sodom have repented if given Capernaum's chances shows God's desire for all to turn to Him. Capernaum's outright refusal, despite overwhelming proof, seals its doom.
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Understand the original words
hypsoo · Greek Verb
In this context, it refers to the state of being spiritually proud or lifted up in one's own estimation. It is the antithesis of the humility required for entrance into the Kingdom of God.
hadēs · Greek Noun
Generally referring to the place of the dead (Sheol) or, metaphorically, a place of extreme humiliation, ruin, and separation from the presence of God. It stands in direct contrast to being exalted to heaven.
The prophecy against Capernaum, a city exalted by Jesus's presence and miracles, highlights that immense spiritual privilege, if rejected, leads to a more severe judgment than that faced by historically wicked cities like Sodom.
c. AD 30— this verse
Jesus Preaches in Capernaum
Jesus establishes His ministry base in Capernaum, performing numerous miracles and teaching extensively in the city and surrounding areas.
c. AD 30-33
Jesus Upbraids Galilean Cities
Jesus pronounces judgment on unrepentant cities like Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum for their rejection of His signs and teachings.
AD 66-70
First Jewish-Roman War
The Roman-Jewish War leads to widespread destruction and desolation in Galilee, including the complete ruin of cities that had rejected Jesus.
c. AD 135
End of Bar Kokhba Revolt
The final suppression of Jewish revolts against Rome results in further devastation and dispersal of Jewish populations in the region, ensuring the desolation of sites like Capernaum.
This passage describes the fall of the King of Tyre, comparing his lofty pride and perceived exaltation to the point of near-divinity with a judgment that brings him down to the dust, mirroring the judgment pronounced on Capernaum for its similar rejection of divine favor.
Luke 10:13-15This parallel passage in Luke uses almost identical language, comparing the unbelief of Chorazin and Bethsaida to the fate of Tyre and Sidon, highlighting the theme of greater judgment for those who have received more divine revelation and witness.
Jeremiah 22:8-9This Old Testament prophecy speaks of a land that has forsaken God and is thus subject to destruction, showing a historical precedent for God’s judgment on entire communities that reject Him despite abundant signs and blessings.
Genesis 19:24-25This passage details the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah by fire and brimstone, providing the historical backdrop for Jesus' comparison and emphasizing the severe consequences of widespread wickedness and rebellion against God.
calvinMatthew 11:20-24: "Then began he to upbraid the cities wherein most of his mighty works were done, because they repented not:"
- Then he began to upbraid the cities, in which most of his mighty works were done, because they had not repented of crimes: 21. Woe to thee, Chorazin! woe to thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works, which have been done in you, had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented of their crimes long ago in sackcloth and ashes. 22. But I say to you, It will be…
barnesMatthew 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."
And thou, Capernaum - See the notes at Matthew 4:13 . Which art exalted to heaven - This is an expression used to denote great privileges. He meant that they were especially favored with instruction. The city was prosperous. It was signally favored by its wealth. Most of all, it w…
Jesus contrasts Capernaum's incredible spiritual privileges, being "exalted to heaven" by His presence and miracles, with its impending complete destruction, which he calls being "brought down to Hades." The point isn't just that Capernaum will be punished, but that its rejection of God's grace makes its fate even more severe than the notoriously wicked city of Sodom.
Jesus is rebuking the towns where he performed most of his miracles, like Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum, because they refused to repent. He contrasts their stubbornness with the potential repentance of cities like Tyre, Sidon, and even the notoriously wicked Sodom. By highlighting how even these wicked cities would have repented if given the same opportunities, Jesus emphasizes the profound spiritual blindness and rejection of his message in these Galilean towns.
Jesus is rebuking the towns where he performed most of his miracles, like Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum, because they refused to repent. He contrasts their stubbornness with the potential repentance of cities like Tyre, Sidon, and even the notoriously wicked Sodom. By highlighting how even these wicked cities would have repented if given the same opportunities, Jesus emphasizes the profound spiritual blindness and rejection of his message in these Galilean towns.
"And you, Capernaum, will you be exalted to heaven? You will be brought down to Hades. For if the mighty works done in you had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day." — Jesus contrasts Capernaum's incredible spiritual privileges, being "exalted to heaven" by His presence and miracles, with its impending complete destruction, which he calls being "brought down to Had…
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Last reviewed October 2026