Devine Scripture

Matthew 11:20

What does Matthew 11:20 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 11:20 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 11:20 means

Following his lament over the unrepentant generation, Jesus began to sternly rebuke the specific cities where he had performed the majority of his mighty works. His condemnation was not for their lack of exposure to truth, but for their persistent refusal to repent despite witnessing undeniable demonstrations of God's power. Their unresponsiveness to such clear evidence of the Kingdom of God indicated a profound spiritual hardness that would incur severe judgment.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

Then began he to upbraid the cities wherein most of his mighty works were done, because they repented not.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Then began he to upbraid the cities wherein most of his mighty works were done, because they repented not:

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

Then began he to upbraid the cities wherein most of his mighty works were done, because they repented not.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Then he went on to say hard things to the towns where most of his works of power were done, because they had not been turned from their sins.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

Then began he to reproach the cities in which were done most of his mighty works, because they did not reform.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Then began he to upbraid the cities wherein were done the most of his miracles, for that they had not done penance.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Then began he to reproach the cities in which most of his works of power had taken place, because they had not repented.

Context

This verse marks a significant shift, as Jesus moves from a general critique of the generation to specific condemnations. Having highlighted the people's unresponsiveness to both John and himself, Jesus now turns to those cities that had the greatest exposure to his miracles. This sets the stage for the pronouncement of woes and the comparison of these cities to notorious ancient cities, emphasizing the gravity of their impenitence.

v.19The Son of man came eating and drinking, and they say, Behold, a gluttonous man and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners! And wisdom is justified by her works.

v.20This passage

v.21Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works had been done in Tyre and Sidon which were done in you, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • 2 Timothy 2:25

    in meekness correcting them that oppose themselves; if peradventure God may give them repentance unto the knowledge of the truth,

  • Acts 17:20

    For thou bringest certain strange things to our ears: we would know therefore what these things mean.

  • Revelation 9:20

    And the rest of mankind, who were not killed with these plagues, repented not of the works of their hands, that they should not worship demons, and the idols of gold, and of silver, and of brass, and of stone, and of wood; which can neither see, nor hear, nor walk:

  • Psalms 81:11

    But my people hearkened not to my voice; And Israel would none of me.

  • Revelation 2:21

    And I gave her time that she should repent; and she willeth not to repent of her fornication.

  • Isaiah 1:2

    Hear, O heavens, and give ear, O earth; for Jehovah hath spoken: I have nourished and brought up children, and they have rebelled against me.

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