Topical Encyclopedia Geographical Location: Korazin, also spelled Chorazin, was a town located in the region of Galilee, near the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee. It is situated approximately two miles north of Capernaum, another significant town in the ministry of Jesus. The exact location of ancient Korazin is identified with the modern site of Khirbet Kerazeh. Biblical References: Korazin is mentioned in the New Testament, specifically in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke. It is one of the towns where Jesus performed many of His mighty works, yet it did not repent. This lack of repentance led to a pronounced woe upon the city by Jesus. In Matthew 11:21 , Jesus declares, "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." Similarly, in Luke 10:13 , the same lament is recorded, emphasizing the gravity of the unrepentant hearts in Korazin despite witnessing Jesus' miracles. Historical and Archaeological Insights: Korazin was a Jewish town during the time of Jesus, and its inhabitants would have been familiar with Jewish customs and the teachings of the Torah. Archaeological excavations at the site have uncovered a synagogue dating back to the 3rd or 4th century AD, which provides insight into the religious life of the community. The synagogue is notable for its intricate basalt carvings and a "Moses' Seat," which was used by the leader of the synagogue. Theological Significance: The mention of Korazin in the Gospels serves as a stark reminder of the importance of responding to God's revelation with repentance and faith. Despite witnessing the power and authority of Jesus through His miracles, the people of Korazin remained unrepentant. This highlights the theme of accountability and the consequences of rejecting the message of the Kingdom of God. The woes pronounced upon Korazin, along with Bethsaida and Capernaum, underscore the greater responsibility borne by those who have received greater revelation. Jesus' lament over these cities serves as a warning to all who hear the Gospel but fail to respond with genuine repentance and transformation. Cultural Context: In the cultural context of the time, Jewish towns like Korazin were expected to adhere to the teachings of the Torah and the traditions of the elders. The presence of a synagogue indicates the centrality of religious life in the community. The failure of Korazin to repent, despite the clear evidence of Jesus' divine authority, would have been seen as a serious spiritual failing. Legacy: Today, Korazin stands as a testament to the historical reality of Jesus' ministry in Galilee and serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of spiritual complacency. The ruins of Korazin, with its ancient synagogue and other archaeological findings, continue to attract scholars and visitors interested in the historical and biblical significance of the region. Library Rejection of Errors Thesaurus Korazin (2 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance Korazin (2 Occurrences). Matthew 11:21 "Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty ... /k/korazin.htm - 7k Korban (1 Occurrence) Korathites (1 Occurrence) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible ThesuarusConcordance Korazin (2 Occurrences)Matthew 11:21 Luke 10:13 Subtopics Related Terms |