A.T. Robertson Commentary Luke 10:13

"Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works had been done in Tyre and Sidon, which were done in you, they would have repented long ago, sitting in sackcloth and ashes." — Luke 10:13 (ASV)

Would have repented (αν μετενοησαν). Conclusion (apodosis) of second-class condition, determined as unfulfilled.

Long ago (παλα). Implies a considerable ministry in these cities of which we are not told. Chorazin not mentioned save here and Mt 11:21. Perhaps Καραζε near Tell Hum (Capernaum).

Sitting in sackcloth and ashes (εν σακκω κα σποδο καθημενο). Pictorial and graphic. The σακκος (sackcloth) was dark coarse cloth made of goat's hair and worn by penitents, mourners, suppliants. It is a Hebrew word, sag. The rough cloth was used for sacks or bags. To cover oneself with ashes was a mode of punishment as well as of voluntary humiliation.