Chorazin

Chorazin was a Jewish town where Jesus once preached. It is mentioned only twice in the entire Bible, once in Luke and once in Matthew, and both times in a message of condemnation. Chorazin is located about 3 kilometers north of Capernaum and 5 kilometers west of the Jordan River. The city was built on a slope between 195 meters below sea level and 60 meters above, with a beautiful landscape. In ancient times, like Capernaum, Chorazin was a major city on an international highway and a very wealthy one. During Jesus’ ministry there, He preached the gospel of the kingdom and performed countless miracles. However, the local people were unwilling to believe and sought to drive Him out. Jesus said, “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, sitting in sackcloth and ashes” (Luke 10:13).

Archaeological work on Chorazin began in 1905. The city covered about five hectares, and excavations have uncovered an olive oil press, a bathhouse, houses, streets, and other facilities, including a synagogue built of black basalt. The synagogue was 21 meters long and 15 meters wide. Its main seat, known as the “Seat of Moses,” is beautifully carved and features an Aramaic inscription commemorating a man named Yudan. The synagogue’s construction dates back to the second century AD. During that time, this type of seat was reserved for respected teachers who had authority to serve in the synagogue. When Jesus spoke about the scribes and Pharisees, He said they “love to sit in the seat of Moses” (Matthew 23:2), referring to this very type of seat. Jesus mentioned the authority of the Seat of Moses when He said, “The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat. So practice and observe everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach” (Matthew 23:2-3).

Among the stonework of other buildings, carvings of a Gorgon (Medusa) and the zodiac were found, showing the extent of Hellenistic influence. Similar decorations, like the Gorgon Medusa, have been found in other Jewish synagogues outside of Chorazin, but during periods of strict adherence to Jewish law, they were largely destroyed. The reason the one found here survived is likely that the synagogue had already collapsed in an earthquake.

Chorazin appears to have been destroyed in an earthquake in the fifth century. Its ruins are now being preserved by the Israeli government. To date, all the ancient artifacts discovered have been dated to after the time of Jesus, and archaeologists have yet to find any remains from the first century.

Edited and compiled based on the Chinese Union Version of the Bible, Logos Bible Geography, and a comprehensive biblical interpretation.