Matthew 11:23

Authorized King James Version

And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted unto heaven, shalt be brought down to hell: for if the mighty works, which have been done in thee, had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#2
σύ
G4771
thou
thou
#3
Καπερναούμ,
G2584
Capernaum
capernaum (i.e., caphanachum), a place in palestine
#4
τῆς
G3588
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#5
ἕως
G2193
to
a conjunction, preposition and adverb of continuance, until (of time and place)
#6
τῆς
G3588
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#7
οὐρανοῦ
G3772
heaven
the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)
#8
ὑψωθεῖσα,
G5312
art exalted
to elevate (literally or figuratively)
#9
ἕως
G2193
to
a conjunction, preposition and adverb of continuance, until (of time and place)
#10
ᾅδου
G86
hell
properly, unseen, i.e., "hades" or the place (state) of departed souls
#11
καταβιβασθήσῃ·
G2601
shalt be brought down
to cause to go down, i.e., precipitate
#12
ὅτι
G3754
for
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
#13
εἰ
G1487
if
if, whether, that, etc
#14
ἐν
G1722
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#15
Σοδόμοις
G4670
Sodom
sodoma (i.e., sedom), a place in palestine
#16
γενόμεναι
G1096
had been done
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
#17
τῆς
G3588
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#18
δυνάμεις
G1411
the mighty works
force (literally or figuratively); specially, miraculous power (usually by implication, a miracle itself)
#19
τῆς
G3588
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#20
γενόμεναι
G1096
had been done
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
#21
ἐν
G1722
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#22
σοί
G4671
thee
to thee
#23
ἔμειναν
G3306
to stay (in a given place, state, relation or expectancy)
#24
ἂν
G302
it would have remained
whatsoever
#25
μέχρι
G3360
until
as far as, i.e., up to a certain point (as a preposition, of extent (denoting the terminus, whereas g0891 refers especially to the space of time or pl
#26
τῆς
G3588
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#27
σήμερον
G4594
this day
on the (i.e., this) day (or night current or just passed); generally, now (i.e., at present, hitherto)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Matthew, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Matthew.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within Roman imperial rule over Jewish Palestine with messianic expectations. The author writes to address Jewish Christians seeking to understand Jesus as Messiah, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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