Matthew 11:21

Woe. Gr. ouai, usually translated “woe” as here, but sometimes rendered “alas” (Rev. 18:10, 16, 19). The word envisions impending grief, calamity, or doom.

Chorazin. Mentioned only here and in the parallel passage, Luke 10:13. It is not included in Josephus’ list of Galilean cities and towns. Probably near Capernaum and the Lake of Galilee, Chorazin is usually identified with Khirbet Kerazeh, about 2 mi. north of Tell Hum (see on Matt. 4:13).

Bethsaida. From the Aramaic Beth sayeda’, “house [or place] of fishing [or hunting].” Bethsaida was at the northern end of the Lake Galilee, a little to the east of the place where the Jordan River enters the lake. Philip the Tetrarch (see on Luke 3:1) rebuilt the city and named it Bethsaida Julia, in honor of Julia, daughter of the emperor Augustus (Josephus Antiquities xviii. 2. 1). The only recorded miracle in this vicinity is that of restoring sight to a blind man (see Mark 8:22-26).

The mighty works. Aside from the miracle recorded in Mark 8:22-26, no miracles are recorded for either Chorazin or Bethsaida. But of course only a few of all Christ’s miracles are recorded in the Gospel accounts (see John 20:30; 21:25).

Tyre and Sidon. See Vol. II, pp. 67-69. A few months later Jesus was to pay a brief visit to the borders of Tyre and Sidon (see ch. 15:21-29).

Sackcloth and ashes. Sackcloth was commonly worn by suppliants and mourners, and as symbol of repentance (see on Esther 4:1).