📖 Biblical Definition
Chorazin was a Galilean town near Capernaum and Bethsaida — part of the gospel triangle where Jesus performed the bulk of His Galilean ministry. Many of His mighty works were done there, yet the town did not repent. Christ pronounced one of His sharpest woes upon it: "Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works, which were done in you, had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes" (Matthew 11:21; Luke 10:13). Greater revelation means greater responsibility — and where revelation does not produce repentance, judgment is heavier than at Sodom and Tyre. The same logic still falls on every Bible-saturated culture that turns away.
📜 Webster 1828 Definition
Chorazin — a town of Galilee cursed by our Lord for unbelief.
expand to see more
Chorazin lay near the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee, only a few miles from Capernaum. The Gospels record no specific miracle there but list it among the towns where the bulk of Jesus' works were performed and rejected.
📖 Key Scripture
Matthew 11:21 — "Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida!"
Matthew 11:22 — "It shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the day of judgment, than for you."
Luke 10:13 — "Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida!"
Luke 10:14 — "It shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the judgment, than for you."
⚠️ Modern Corruption
Skipped because Jesus' woes do not fit a sentimentalized portrait of Him.
expand to see more
The modern pulpit prefers the Beatitudes to the Woes. But Jesus pronounced both, and Chorazin reminds us that exposure to mighty works without repentance is dangerous, not advantageous.
The town that saw the most light and refused it received the heaviest woe. Privilege without repentance is judgment compounded.
🔗 Greek & Hebrew Roots
Aramaic origin uncertain; possibly 'wooded' or 'hidden.'
expand to see more
G5523 — Chorazin — Chorazin
G3759 — ouai — woe! alas!
G3340 — metanoeo — to repent, change one's mind
Usage
"Chorazin saw the mighty works and yawned; that yawn is a verdict."
"Privilege without repentance is the heaviest of judgments."
"Where Tyre would have torn its sackcloth, Chorazin polished its sandals."