Luke 10:14
But it shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the judgment, than for you.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
3 of 11
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 11
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Historical Context
Tyre and Sidon were ancient Phoenician port cities notorious for idolatry, immorality, and opposition to Israel. Prophets pronounced devastating judgments on them (Isaiah 23, Ezekiel 26-28, Joel 3:4-8, Amos 1:9-10). Yet these Gentile cities never enjoyed the revelation granted to Israel. They never witnessed the Exodus, received the Law, or heard the prophets. Chorazin and Bethsaida had incomparably greater privileges—they saw the Messiah, witnessed miracles, and heard the gospel—yet refused to repent. Their judgment will therefore be more severe.
Questions for Reflection
- What does this verse teach about degrees of punishment in final judgment, and how does this affect our understanding of hell?
- How should living in a gospel-saturated culture with easy access to biblical truth increase our urgency to respond in genuine repentance and faith?
- What responsibility do churches bear to clearly proclaim the gospel, knowing that greater revelation brings greater accountability?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
But it shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the judgment, than for you. This verse reiterates verse 12's principle with different cities. The phrase plēn Tyrō kai Sidōni anektoteron estai en tē krisei ē hymin (πλὴν Τύρῳ καὶ Σιδῶνι ἀνεκτότερον ἔσται ἐν τῇ κρίσει ἢ ὑμῖν, "But for Tyre and Sidon it will be more tolerable in the judgment than for you") uses the comparative adjective anektoteron (ἀνεκτότερον, "more tolerable") to indicate degrees of punishment.
The noun the judgment (tē krisei, τῇ κρίσει) refers to the final judgment—the great white throne (Revelation 20:11-15) when all stand before God to give account. This establishes biblical teaching on degrees of punishment in hell. While all unbelievers face eternal separation from God, Jesus indicates varying severity based on revelation received and responsibility assigned. Those who sinned in ignorance receive fewer stripes; those who knew and rejected face more severe judgment (Luke 12:47-48).
This principle should terrify comfortable churchgoers in gospel-saturated cultures who remain unconverted. Access to Scripture, preaching, and Christian witness increases accountability. The scribe who knew the greatest commandment wasn't far from the kingdom (Mark 12:34)—but 'not far' still means lost. Proximity to truth without embracing it compounds condemnation.