Devine Scripture

Matthew 11:24

What does Matthew 11:24 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 11:24 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 11:24 means

Jesus concluded his condemnation of Capernaum by stating that it would be more tolerable for the land of Sodom on the Day of Judgment than for Capernaum. This reiterates the principle that greater revelation brings greater accountability. The people of Capernaum, having witnessed Jesus' miracles firsthand, had a profound opportunity to repent. Their deliberate refusal rendered their spiritual culpability higher than even Sodom, emphasizing the profound seriousness of rejecting the clear evidence of the Son of God.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

But I say unto you that it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment, than for thee.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

But I say unto you, That it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment, than for thee.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

But I say unto you that it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment, than for thee.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But I say to you that it will be better for the land of Sodom in the day of judging, than for you.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

but I say to you, to the land of Sodom it shall be more tolerable in a day of judgment than to thee.'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

But I say unto you, that it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment than for thee.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But I say to you, that it shall be more tolerable for [the] land of Sodom in judgment-day than for thee.

Context

This verse serves as the final, emphatic pronouncement on Capernaum, reiterating the principle of judgment based on light received. It directly follows the comparison of Capernaum to Sodom, leaving no doubt about the severity of their impending judgment. This concludes Jesus' woes against the unrepentant cities and transitions to a profoundly different tone in the subsequent verses.

v.23And thou, Capernaum, shalt thou be exalted unto heaven? thou shalt go down unto Hades: for if the mighty works had been done in Sodom which were done in thee, it would have remained until this day.

v.24This passage

v.25At that season Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou didst hide these things from the wise and understanding, and didst reveal them unto babes:

Cross references

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

  • Lamentations 4:6

    For the iniquity of the daughter of my people is greater than the sin of Sodom, That was overthrown as in a moment, and no hands were laid upon her.

  • Matthew 10:15

    Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment, than for that city.

  • Matthew 11:22

    But I say unto you, it shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon in the day of judgment, than for you.

  • Luke 10:12

    I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable in that day for Sodom, than for that city.

  • Mark 6:11

    And whatsoever place shall not receive you, and they hear you not, as ye go forth thence, shake off the dust that is under your feet for a testimony unto them.

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