Matthew 11:23

“And thou Capernaum, etc.] This city is singled out from all the rest, and spoken to particularly, because of its peculiar advantages: which art exalted unto heaven; which has respect to the very great privileges this place enjoyed, it being the city where Christ chose to dwell, and for a time fixed his abode in; where he first began to preach, and where such a train of miracles were done; a particular enumeration, of which has been before given: as also it may refer to the situation of the place, which was very high and lofty, so that it seemed to reach unto heaven; for the account that R. Benjamin Tudelensis f690 gives of it is, that “Capernaum, which is, by interpretation, “the village of…”

“And thou, Capernaum--(See on Mat 4:13). which art exalted unto heaven--Not even of Chorazin and Bethsaida is this said. For since at Capernaum Jesus had His stated abode during the whole period of His public life which He spent in Galilee, it was the most favored spot upon earth, the most exalted in privilege. shall be brought down to hell: for if the mighty works, which have been done in thee, had been done in Sodom--destroyed for its pollutions. it would have remained until this day--having done no such violence to conscience, and so incurred speakably less guilt.”

“And thou, Capernaum - See the notes at Matthew 4:13. Which art exalted to heaven - This is an expression used to denote great privileges. He meant that they were especially favored with instruction. The city was prosperous. It was signally favored by its wealth. Most of all, it was signally favored by the presence, the preaching, and the miracles of the Lord Jesus Christ. Here he spent a large portion of his time in the early part of his ministry, and in Capernaum and its neighborhood he performed his chief miracles. Shalt be brought down to hell - This does not mean that all the people would go to hell, but that the city which had flourished so prosperously would lose its prosperity, and…”

“Thou Capernaum, who hast been exalted to heaven - That is, highly honoured by my presence and miracles. Matthew 11:24”

“11:23 the place of the dead: Greek Hades, which corresponds to the Hebrew term Sheol (see study note on Ps 6:5).”

“Capernaum: Mat 4:13, Mat 8:5, Mat 17:24; Luk 4:23; Joh 4:46-54 which art: Isa 14:13-15; Lam 2:1; Eze 28:12-19, Eze 31:16, Eze 31:17; Oba 1:4; Luk 14:11; Pe2 2:4-9 in Sodom: Gen 13:13, Gen 19:24, Gen 19:25; Eze 16:48-50; Jde 1:7; Rev 11:8 Matthew 11:24”