Definition: Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works had been done in Tyre and Sidon, which have been done in you, they had a great while ago repented, sitting in sackcloth and ashes.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Luke 10:13. It's a really powerful message about forgiveness and the consequences of our actions. Here’s a simplified explanation: The Core Idea: This verse is essentially saying that if people in Tyre and Sidon (ancient cities in Lebanon) had done truly amazing, significant good deeds – things that made a big difference – then those people would have already repented and stopped their bad behavior a long time ago. It's suggesting that our actions, even if they seem small or insignificant, can have a ripple effect and impact others. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida!” – This is the key part. "Woe" means sorrow and misfortune. “Chorazin” and “Bethsaida” are two towns in Israel mentioned in the Bible. The verse is saying that both of these towns were experiencing significant problems or difficulties. “If the mighty works had been done…” – This refers to past good deeds performed by people in Tyre and Sidon. “Mighty works” means something truly remarkable, like great acts of charity, healing, or justice. "...which have been done in you..." – This is where the connection comes in. The verse says that these same mighty works could have been done by people in your town (Chorazin and Bethsaida) as well! It’s suggesting that you too, are capable of good deeds. "...they had a great while ago repented..." – This is the crucial part. “Repent” means to feel remorse or regret for one's sins. The verse says these powerful acts had happened long before, and they’ve stopped. "...sitting in sackcloth and ashes." – This paints a very bleak picture. It means that people in Tyre and Sidon were suffering because of their bad behavior – they were covered in dirt (sackcloth) and were left with nothing (ashes). It symbolizes a state of utter despair and regret. So, what's the big takeaway? The verse is essentially saying: “Don’t be complacent about your actions.” Even if you’re not doing anything extraordinary right now , your choices matter. Your good deeds – however small they seem – can have a lasting impact on others and contribute to a better world. It's a call to action to strive for goodness and to consider the consequences of our behavior. --- Resources for further exploration: Bible Gateway: [https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/Luke/10](https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/Luke/10) Different Bible Translations: Many translations offer different interpretations, so it’s good to compare them. Do you have any specific questions about this verse that you'd like me to answer? For example, would you like me to: Explain the historical context of the story? Discuss the theological message behind it?