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.

LUKE 10:13KJV
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Luke 10:13 (KJV)

What does Luke 10:13 mean?

Luke 10:13 records Jesus pronouncing sorrow and warning over the towns of Chorazin and Bethsaida, saying that if the miracles done in them had happened in the ancient cities of Tyre and Sidon, those cities would have repented long ago in deep humility. Jesus is highlighting the seriousness of rejecting clear signs from God.

Jesus is speaking to a crowd, addressing the people of these Galilean towns who have witnessed his miracles but have not responded with repentance. By comparing them to Tyre and Sidon—cities known in Jewish tradition for their wickedness—Jesus emphasizes how much more accountable Chorazin and Bethsaida are, since they have seen greater evidence of God’s power.

The Greek behind Luke 10:13

  • οὐαί (ouai, G3759): This word, translated "woe," expresses deep sorrow, warning, or impending judgment. It is not just disappointment but a strong declaration that trouble or disaster is coming.
  • μετενόησαν (metenoēsan, G3340): This is the verb for "repented." In Greek, it means to change one’s mind or turn around, especially in a moral or spiritual sense. Jesus is saying Tyre and Sidon would have responded with real change if given the same opportunity.
  • σάκκῳ (sakkō, G4526) and σποδῷ (spodō, G4700): "Sackcloth and ashes" were traditional signs of mourning and repentance in the ancient world. Mentioning these shows the depth of humility and sorrow Jesus expected.

Why Luke 10:13 matters

  • Luke 10:13 clarifies that witnessing miracles or signs does not guarantee a faithful response; people can still choose to ignore or reject what they see.
  • The verse highlights the idea of greater responsibility for those who have received more light or clearer revelation from God.
  • By referencing Tyre and Sidon, Jesus connects his warning to well-known biblical stories, making his message more pointed for his Jewish listeners and showing that God’s expectations are consistent across history.

Where else these words appear

“Chorazin” Greek G5523 · used in 2 verses

  • Matthew 11:21 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.

“ashes” Greek G4700 · used in 3 verses

  • Matthew 11:21 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.
  • Hebrews 9:13 For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh:

“sackcloth” Greek G4526 · used in 4 verses

  • Matthew 11:21 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.
  • Revelation 6:12 And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal, and, lo, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became as blood;
  • Revelation 11:3 And I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days, clothed in sackcloth.

“ago” Greek G3819 · used in 6 verses

  • Matthew 11:21 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.
  • Mark 15:44 And Pilate marvelled if he were already dead: and calling unto him the centurion, he asked him whether he had been any while dead.
  • 2 Peter 1:9 But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.