What Does Matthew 11:20 Mean in the King James?

Then began he to upbraid the cities wherein most of his mighty works were done, because they repented not:

Matthew 11:20 · KJV

The analysis reads the King James wording.

King James Version The King James Version, first published in 1611. Selah Verse shows the standard text.

THE KEY

Power can be witnessed without being allowed to turn the one who sees it.

THE MEANING

The verse names a familiar gap: mighty works can stand in full view while a person remains unchanged in direction. Its rebuke reaches you wherever you witness goodness yet keep the same inward course.

WHAT THIS UNDOES

It undoes the belief that seeing powerful works is the same as changing direction: witnessing is not itself turning.

THE ROOT

μετενόησαν

metenoēsan

GROWS FROM

⁨μετά⁩ + ⁨νοέω⁩ (meta + noéō)

To turn or reconsider one’s mind and perception.

“repented” in this verse is metenoēsan. The Greek points to a turn in perception and direction, not merely a feeling of regret. The works are witnessed, but the turning that would change the cities’ course is absent.

ALSO GROWS

metanoia: Turning; a changed mind or reorientation.

μετάνοια

The related noun names the inward turn that the verse says has not happened.

metanoeō: To reconsider or turn; the verb expressing that reorientation.

μετανοέω

This verb makes the missing response active: seeing the works does not, by itself, turn a person.

THE PATTERN

A turn toward the LORD changes the direction of the relationship and what can be received.

Therefore say thou unto them, Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Turn ye unto me, saith the LORD of hosts, and I will turn unto you, saith the LORD of hosts.

Zechariah 1:3 · KJVTurning changes the relationship from distance to mutual nearness.

Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;

Acts 3:19 · KJVTurning opens into a changed course and the removal of what covers the way.

Nevertheless when it shall turn to the Lord, the vail shall be taken away.

2 Corinthians 3:16 · KJVThe turn removes a veil, revealing what was already hidden from view.

THE THREAD

Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?

Romans 2:4 · KJV

The same Greek word family names the turn in both verses. Here the works are met without turning; Romans shows goodness leading toward that turn, so the rebuke exposes a response still missing.

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