Woe to Chorazin: Χοραζίν (Strong’s G5523: Chorazin) Faces Divine Judgment

Strong’s G5523: A city in Galilee mentioned in Jesus’ pronouncements of judgment, Χοραζίν (Chorazin) was likely a prosperous fishing town near Capernaum where Jesus performed many miracles. Despite witnessing these signs, its inhabitants remained unrepentant, leading to its memorable rebuke in the gospels.

U- Unveiling the Word

Χοραζίν represents more than just a geographical location in the gospels – it stands as a powerful symbol of missed spiritual opportunities and divine judgment. This Galilean town, situated about two miles north of Capernaum, witnessed numerous miracles performed by Jesus during His ministry. The significance of Chorazin lies not just in its historical context but in its role as a cautionary tale of spiritual hardness. Jesus specifically mentioned it alongside Bethsaida and Capernaum as cities that had received abundant divine revelation yet remained unrepentant. The early church understood this pronouncement as a sobering reminder that greater revelation brings greater responsibility.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: Χοραζίν, Chorazin, /kho-rad-zin’/
• Phonetic Guide: KHO (guttural) – rad (as in radical) – ZEEN
• Part of Speech: Proper Noun

Etymology:
While the exact etymology is uncertain, scholars suggest possible origins:

• Hebrew חוֹרָשִׁים (horeshim) meaning “wooded places”
• Aramaic כּוֹרָזִין (korazin) possibly meaning “herald of secrets”

D – Defining Meanings

• A town in Galilee where Jesus performed miracles
• A symbol of unrepentance despite divine revelation
• A place of judgment in Jesus’ teachings

For compound words: Not applicable as this is a proper noun

Translation Options:

• Chorazin – Most common English rendering
• Korazin – Alternative transliteration reflecting Aramaic origin
• Horazin – Less common variant

E – Exploring Similar Words

• Βηθσαϊδά (Bethsaida) /bay-thsah-ee-DAH/ – Another town rebuked alongside Chorazin See G966
• Καπερναούμ (Capernaum) /kap-er-nah-OOM/ – Third town mentioned in same judgment context See G2584

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a proper noun, Χοραζίν exhibits these features:

• Case: Nominative
• Number: Singular
• Gender: Feminine
• Declension: Indeclinable

The word remains unchanged in different grammatical contexts, typical of non-Greek proper nouns in New Testament Greek.

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

Lexical sources provide fascinating insights into Χοραζίν’s significance. BDAG identifies it as a town in upper Galilee, while Thayer’s emphasizes its proximity to Capernaum. Archaeological evidence supports the traditional identification with modern Kerazeh/Korazim. The ruins there include a magnificent synagogue, suggesting the town’s prosperity during the first century. LSJ notes its absence from classical Greek sources, indicating its purely Semitic origins. Moulton and Milligan observe that the town’s name appears in various forms in ancient manuscripts, suggesting its non-Greek nature. The consensus among lexicographers is that Chorazin represented a significant Jewish settlement that played a crucial role in Jesus’ Galilean ministry.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First Appearance:
Matthew 11:21: “Woe to you, [Chorazin] [Χοραζίν]! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty works done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes.”

Additional References:
Luke 10:13

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Χοραζίν stands as a powerful reminder of spiritual responsibility and divine judgment. As a town that witnessed Jesus’ mighty works yet remained unrepentant, it serves as a warning about the dangers of hardening one’s heart to divine revelation. The good news emerges in the contrast – while Chorazin represents missed opportunity, the Messiah’s message of repentance and transformation remains open to all who would receive it today. The town’s judgment underscores God’s justice while highlighting His patience in giving ample opportunity for repentance.

D – Did You Know?

• Archaeological excavations have uncovered a magnificent synagogue at Chorazin built from black basalt stone
• The town’s ruins feature a “Moses’ Seat,” one of the few such artifacts discovered
• Despite its significance in the gospels, Chorazin is mentioned only twice in the New Testament

Strong’s G5523: A city in Galilee mentioned in Jesus’ pronouncements of judgment, Χοραζίν (Chorazin) was likely a prosperous fishing town near Capernaum where Jesus performed many miracles. Despite witnessing these signs, its inhabitants remained unrepentant, leading to its memorable rebuke in the gospels.

Part of speech: Proper Noun

Tags: Galilean towns, judgment, unrepentance, Jesus’ ministry, archaeological sites, Biblical geography, woes of Jesus, New Testament cities, Jewish settlements​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​