Learn more about Chorazin

Introduction to Chorazin

Chorazin (also spelled “Korazin” or “Chorazim”) was a small town in Galilee, mentioned in the New Testament as one of the cities where Jesus performed many of His mighty works. Despite witnessing these miracles, Chorazin, along with Bethsaida and Capernaum, was condemned by Jesus for its unrepentance. The city stands as a powerful symbol of spiritual accountability and serves as a warning in Jesus’ teachings.

Chorazin Pronunciation

“Chorazin” is pronounced as KOR-uh-zin or KO-rah-zeen, depending on the English transliteration from the Greek Χοραζίν (Chorazin). The accent is typically on the first syllable.

Chorazin in the Bible

Chorazin is specifically mentioned in the New Testament, where it becomes a byword for unrepentance in the face of divine revelation:

• Matthew 11:21: “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes.”
• Luke 10:13: Echoes the same condemnation, emphasizing the accountability of Chorazin for rejecting the signs of the Kingdom of God.

Though not mentioned elsewhere in the Old or New Testament, Chorazin’s significance lies in the profound rebuke Jesus delivers to it, implying that the city had seen great acts of power but failed to respond in faith and repentance.

Historical and Geographical Context of Chorazin

Chorazin was located approximately 2.5 miles (4 km) north of Capernaum, on the northwestern shore of the Sea of Galilee. Archaeological excavations at a site known as Khirbet Kerazeh have revealed remains of a synagogue from the 3rd or 4th century CE, built of black basalt and featuring detailed stone carvings, including depictions of Jewish symbols such as the menorah.

Although the ruins discovered are from a few centuries after Jesus’ ministry, they suggest a thriving Jewish community that continued to exist long after the New Testament period. The town’s destruction or decline is not detailed in Scripture, but it was likely affected by the socio-political upheavals that shook the region in later centuries.

Related Themes and Meanings to Chorazin

• Unrepentance in the Face of Revelation: Chorazin's legacy serves as a warning about the consequences of witnessing God's power and yet refusing to change.
• Jesus’ Ministry in Galilee: The mention of Chorazin situates it among the towns heavily impacted by Jesus’ teachings and miracles, along with Bethsaida and Capernaum.
• Divine Judgment and Mercy: The comparison to Tyre and Sidon, notorious for their wickedness in the Old Testament, highlights the severity of Chorazin’s spiritual neglect.

Trivia and Interesting Facts about Chorazin

• The ancient synagogue found at Chorazin includes a carved seat known as the “Seat of Moses,” which is possibly referred to in Matthew 23:2.
• Chorazin, along with Bethsaida and Capernaum, forms what is sometimes called the “Evangelical Triangle,” the region where Jesus performed a large number of His miracles and teachings.
• Despite its spiritual significance and mention by Jesus, Chorazin is not referenced in other historical or biblical texts, making its inclusion in the Gospels particularly striking.
• Archaeological digs have uncovered residential structures, ritual baths (mikva’ot), and olive presses, providing a glimpse into the daily life of a Galilean Jewish town in the Roman period.

Chorazin remains a sobering reminder of the importance of responding to God’s call with faith and humility. Its condemnation by Jesus underscores the principle that spiritual privilege comes with great responsibility.