What Does Matthew 11:24 Mean in the King James?
But I say unto you, That it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment, than for thee.
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
The one who has seen more can face a less bearable judgment than Sodom.
THE MEANING
Your encounter with what is true matters in the reckoning: the more light you receive, the more weight your response carries. The verse says Sodom’s outcome in the day of judgment is more bearable than the outcome for the one addressed. Judgment is not flat or detached from what has been shown.
WHAT THIS UNDOES
The belief that judgment treats every life as though it received the same light is undone here.
THE ROOT
ἀνεκτότερον
anektoteron
GROWS FROM
ἀνέχω
hold up; bear, endure
“tolerable” in this verse is anektoteron. The comparative frames judgment as something that can be borne, with one outcome more bearable than another. The same word family appears in the phrase “bear with,” bringing the idea of endurance into view.
ALSO GROWS
anechomai: to bear with, endure
ἀνέχομαι
This verb shares the root family behind “tolerable,” joining the ability to endure with the judgment being compared.
anochē: forbearance, restraint
ἀνοχή
This related noun names a holding back or forbearance, another expression of what is borne or held.
κρίσεως
kriseōs
GROWS FROM
κρίνω
decide, distinguish, judge
This Greek word family includes judging and making a decision. Beside “more bearable,” it presents the day of judgment as a decisive assessment with distinct outcomes.
ALSO GROWS
krisis: judgment, decision
κρίσις
This is the noun used in the verse, naming the decisive assessment whose outcomes are compared.
kritēs: judge, one who decides
κριτής
The related word for a judge makes the act of deciding visible within the word family.
THE PATTERN
Greater revelation or responsibility brings greater accountability.
You only have I known of all the families of the earth: therefore I will punish you for all your iniquities.But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation.THE THREAD
Would to God ye could bear with me a little in my folly: and indeed bear with me.The Greek verb translated “bear with” belongs to the same word family as ἀνεκτότερον (anektoteron), “more tolerable.” That shared root gives the comparison a concrete edge: judgment concerns what can be borne, and the verse says Sodom’s outcome is more bearable.
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