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What is the meaning of Matt 11:23? To what exactly to the terms "Heaven" and "Hell" refer?

See: Matthew 11:23,24

After Jesus left Nazareth he went to live in Capernaum. Jesus lived and taught and performed miracles in Capernaum, in this respect Capernaum was exalted. Yet for all this the majority in Capernaum wouldn’t believe that he was the Messiah. Towards the end of his ministry he had to leave Capernaum and go to Galilee because the Jews wanted to kill him.

Consequently, Capernaum was to be brought very low. ‘Heaven’ in context is a metaphor for exaltation, and ‘hell’ is a metaphor for debasement.

We might reasonably suppose that this has a dual fulfilment:

  1. When the Romans warred against the Jews and exiled them from the land.
  2. When the dead are raised to judgment, there will be many from Christ’s time at Capernaum who will be rejected and consigned to the second death.
  3. Luke 13:28 There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when ye shall see Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets, in the kingdom of God, and you yourselves thrust out.

To whom much is given, much is expected.

I hope this helps.

God bless,
Glenn