But I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the day of judgment, than for you.

MATTHEW 11:22KJV
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Matthew 11:22 (KJV)

What does Matthew 11:22 mean?

Matthew 11:22 says that on the day of judgment, it will be easier for the cities of Tyre and Sidon than for the people Jesus is addressing. Jesus is warning that those who have seen his works and still do not respond will face a stricter judgment than even notoriously sinful cities.

Jesus is speaking to people in Galilean towns who have witnessed his miracles but have not changed their ways. By comparing them to Tyre and Sidon—cities known for their wickedness—Jesus highlights the seriousness of rejecting his message when given clear evidence. The verse stresses responsibility for how people respond to what they have seen and heard.

The Greek behind Matthew 11:22

  • "Τύρος" (Turos, Tyre) and "Σιδών" (Sidōn, Sidon) are ancient cities often mentioned in the Hebrew Bible as examples of paganism and judgment. Their mention here draws a strong contrast with the Jewish towns Jesus is addressing.
  • "ἀνεκτότερον" (anektoteron, more tolerable) means "more bearable" or "easier to endure." The Greek here carries the sense that judgment is not the same for everyone; some will face harsher consequences than others, depending on their response to what they have received.
  • "ἡμέρα κρίσεως" (hēmera kriseōs, day of judgment) refers to a future time of divine evaluation. The Greek term for "judgment" (κρίσεως, kriseōs) often includes the idea of a formal decision or verdict.

Why Matthew 11:22 matters

  • This verse clears up the idea that all judgment is equal; Jesus suggests that greater knowledge or opportunity brings greater responsibility.
  • The comparison to Tyre and Sidon emphasizes how serious it is to ignore clear evidence of God’s work, even more so than notorious examples of sinfulness.
  • Matthew 11:22 connects to the wider passage where Jesus is rebuking unresponsive towns, showing his concern for how people respond to his message and miracles.

Where else these words appear

“tolerable” Greek G414 · used in 6 verses

  • Matthew 10:15 Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city.
  • Matthew 11:24 But I say unto you, That it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment, than for thee.
  • Luke 10:12 But I say unto you, that it shall be more tolerable in that day for Sodom, than for that city.

“Tyre” Greek G5184 · used in 11 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 7:24 And from thence he arose, and went into the borders of Tyre and Sidon, and entered into an house, and would have no man know it: but he could not be hid.
  • Luke 10:13 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.

“Sidon” Greek G4605 · used in 11 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 7:24 And from thence he arose, and went into the borders of Tyre and Sidon, and entered into an house, and would have no man know it: but he could not be hid.
  • Luke 6:17 And he came down with them, and stood in the plain, and the company of his disciples, and a great multitude of people out of all Judaea and Jerusalem, and from the sea coast of Tyre and Sidon, which came to hear him, and to be healed of their diseases;

“But” Greek G4133 · used in 31 verses

  • Matthew 11:24 But I say unto you, That it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment, than for thee.
  • Luke 11:41 But rather give alms of such things as ye have; and, behold, all things are clean unto you.
  • Acts 8:1 And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles.