Lexical Summary Chorazin: Chorazin Original Word: Χοραζίν Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Chorazin. Of uncertain derivation; Chorazin, a place in Palestine -- Chorazin. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof uncertain origin Definition Chorazin, a city of Galilee NASB Translation Chorazin (2). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 5523: ΧοραζίνΧοραζίν ((so G L, also Matthew 11:21 Rec.; Luke 10:13 Rec.elz); Χόρζειν T Tr WH; (Χωραζίν, Luke 10:13 Rec.st bez; see εἰ, ἰ; Tdf. Proleg., p. 84; WH's Appendix, p. 155a)), ἡ, indeclinable Chorazin, a town of Galilee, which is mentioned neither in the O. T. nor by Josephus; according to Jerome (in his Onomast. (cf. Eusebius, onomasticon, Larsow and Parthey edition, p. 374)) two miles distant from Capernaum; perhaps the same place which in the talmud, Menach. f. 85, 1 is called כרזין (cf. Edersheim, Jesus the Messiah, ii. 139), the remains of which Robinson (Biblical Researches, iii. 347, 359f) thinks must be sought for in the ruins of the modern Tell Hum; but Wilson (Recovery of Jerusalem, American edition, pp. 270, 292ff; Our Work in Palestine, p. 188), with whom (Thomson (Land and Book, ii. 8)), Socin (in Baedeker's Palestine and Syria, English edition, p. 374), Wolff (in Riehm, p. 235) (the Conders (Handbook. to the Bible, p. 324), and the majority of recent scholars) agree, holds to the more probable opinion which identifies it with Kerazeh, a heap of ruins lying an hour's journey to the N. E. of Tell Hum: Matthew 11:21; Luke 10:13. Cf. Winers RWB under the word; Keim, i., p. 605 (English translation, ii. 367) and ii. 118 (English translation, iii. 143). STRONGS NT 5523: Χωραζίν [Χωραζίν, see Χοραζίν.] Topical Lexicon Geographical Setting Chorazin (χώραζιν) was a village in Lower Galilee, located about three kilometers (two miles) north of Capernaum and slightly inland from the northwestern shore of the Sea of Galilee. Early Christian writers such as Jerome (Commentary on Matthew 11) and Eusebius (Onomasticon) refer to it, and most modern scholars identify the site with Khirbet Kerazeh. Basalt ruins, including a third- to fourth-century synagogue ornately carved with Jewish symbols, attest to a community of some substance. Biblical Context and Usage The name occurs twice in the Greek New Testament: In both passages Jesus pronounces a double “Woe” upon Chorazin alongside Bethsaida. These sayings form part of larger sections (Matthew 11:20-24; Luke 10:13-15) where the Lord contrasts the unrepentant Galilean towns with pagan cities whose judgment will be lighter. Matthew 11:21: “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the miracles performed in you had been performed in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes.” Luke 10:13: “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the miracles performed in you had been performed in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago, sitting in sackcloth and ashes.” These parallel declarations emphasize accountability: the village had witnessed “mighty works” of Christ (Matthew 11:20) yet remained unresponsive. Historical Significance in Jesus’ Ministry The Gospels record no specific miracle in Chorazin, but Jesus’ rebuke presupposes repeated demonstrations of divine power there. Chorazin thus belonged to the “evangelical triangle” (Capernaum, Bethsaida, Chorazin) forming the core of the Galilean ministry. Its failure to repent despite privileged exposure illustrates the principle articulated later in Luke 12:48, “From everyone who has been given much, much will be required.” Theological Themes 1. Revelation and Responsibility 2. Implicit Christology 3. Eschatological Warning Archaeological and Post-Biblical Notes Excavation at Khirbet Kerazeh has uncovered: The later synagogue suggests that, despite Jesus’ denunciation, a Jewish community continued for centuries, reminding readers that divine judgment may operate on a different timetable than human expectation. Practical and Pastoral Applications 1. Guarding Against Gospel Familiarity Congregations long exposed to biblical teaching can mirror Chorazin’s peril if knowledge is not matched by obedience (James 1:22). 2. Encouragement for Evangelism Jesus’ lament reveals His desire for repentance even among those who ultimately refuse. Modern ministry should carry the same compassionate urgency. 3. Perspective on Miracle-Seeking Chorazin demonstrates that witnessing miracles does not guarantee faith. Genuine repentance remains the decisive evidence of regeneration. 4. Accountability of Christian Communities Local churches enjoying abundant resources in preaching, study aids, and freedom of worship will answer for how they steward such privileges (Hebrews 2:1-3). Summary Chorazin, a Galilean village privileged to behold Christ’s mighty works, stands in Scripture as a sober emblem of unrewarded opportunity. Its two mentions, both in solemn warnings, reinforce the biblical axiom that revelation demands response, and that a hard heart in the face of grace incurs stricter judgment. Forms and Transliterations εχόρευον Χοραζειν Χοραζείν Χοραζίν χορδαίς χορδήν χορεύουσαι χορευουσών Chorazin ChorazínLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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