Matthew 11:23

Thou, Capernaum. See on Matt. 4:13; Mark 2:1. The language here used of Capernaum is very similar to that used of Lucifer in Isa. 14:13, 15.

Exalted unto heaven. This clause may be translated alternatively as a question, “Will you be exalted unto heaven?” Capernaum seems to have been proud of its position and power as the chief Jewish city of Galilee (see on ch. 4:13).

Hell. Gr. hades, from two Greek words, a, “not,” and idein, “to see,” and thus, literally, “unseen,” meaning the “unseen [world],” the realm, or abode, of the dead; hence, “death,” or “grave.” In Jewish usage she’ol is the temporary abode of all the dead, both righteous and wicked. For the word she’ol see on 2 Sam. 12:23; Prov. 15:11. For “the gates of death” see on Ps. 9:13. The NT usage of hades is the same as that of the OT she’ol. It is important to distinguish between the “hell” of hades and that of Gehenna, Gr. geenan, the “hell” of fire (see on Matt. 5:22). In the LXX hades is the usual translation for the Heb. she’ol, “grave,” as in Hosea 13:14, where she’ol, “grave,” stands poetically parallel to maweth, “death.” Here both “grave” and “death” are personified. The word hades appears on many ancient tombstones in Asia Minor, of the “grave of” such and such a person.

Compare the expression, “brought down to hell,” with Isa. 14:15.

The mighty works. See v. 20; see p. 208.

Sodom. See on ch. 10:15.

Would have remained. Compare Jer. 17:25, 27, with regard to Jerusalem.