Luke 10:13 Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida!

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After Jesus appoints the seventy and is sending them out.

KJV

Luke 10:13 Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works had been done in Tyre and Sidon, which have been done in you, they had a great while ago repented, sitting in sackcloth and ashes.

NIV

Luke 10:13 “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.

LISTENERS HEARD

Too bad for you, Chorazin! Too bad for you, Bethsaida! Because if these powerful things were produced in Tyre and Sidon, those coming into being in you, long ago, would have changed their mind, having sat in hair cloth and ashes. 

MY TAKE

It is sad but slightly funny when people don't appreciate the miracles in their lives.

GREEK ORDER

Οὐαί σοι, Χοραζείν: οὐαί σοι, Βηθσαιδά:
Too bad for you, Chorazin! Too bad for you, Bethsaida!

ὅτι          εἰ ἐν Τύρῳ καὶ Σιδῶνι ἐγενήθησαν       αἱ      δυνάμεις            αἱ     γενόμεναι             ἐν ὑμῖν,
Because if in Tyre   and Sidon,  were produced these powerful things those coming into being in you,

πάλαι       ἂν                ἐν σάκκῳ    καὶ  σποδῷ καθήμενοι μετενόησαν.
long ago, would have in hair cloth and ashes.  having sat  changed their mind,

LOST IN TRANSLATION

The word "woe" is a humorous one. The word is very like the Jewish, "oy vey," which it sound like. It can be used to express sorrow but is more commonly used in exaggeration.

The rest of this verse is complicated, but it can be translated accurately if we proceed carefully. The verb translated as "done" and "performed" generally means "become" and "happens," but it meaning changes when applied to things. It meaning also changes when it is in the passive voice and the middle voice, both of which are used here. In the passive, with means "were produced." In the middle voice, where the subject acts on itself. The meaning is "comes into being," but the form is a participle with an article before it making it act like a noun, "those coming into being."

There are also a number of changes of tense, that the Bible translations ignore. The word translated as "repented" means "change their minds."

# KJV TRANSLATION ISSUES
12
  • WT - Wrong Tense - The verb "had" indicates the past perfect tense, but the tense is something that happens at a specific point in time (past, present, or future).
  • WW --Wrong Word -- The word translated as "done" should be something more like "were produced."
  • WW --Wrong Word -- The word translated as "which" should be something more like "those."
  • WT - Wrong Tense - The verb "have" indicates the past perfect tense, but the tense is something that happens at a specific point in time (past, present, or future).
  • WV --Wrong Voice - The verb here is translated as passive but it is the middle voice.
  • WF -- Wrong Form -  This is not an active verb but a participle, a verbal adjective, ending with "-ing. "
  • WW --Wrong Word -- The word translated as "done" should be something more like "coming into being."
  • CW --Confusing Word -- The "had" does not capture the word's specific meaning in this situation.
  • WW --Wrong Word -- The word translated as "done" should be something more like "produced
  • WF -- Wrong Form -  This "while" is not a noun but an adverb.
  • CW --Confusing Word -- The "repented" does not capture the word's specific meaning.
  • WT -- Wrong Tense -- This participle is the past perfect tense, which requires a "having" before the verb.
# NIV TRANSLATION ISSUES
9
  • WN  --Wrong Number- The word "that" is translated as singular but the Greek word is plural.
  • WW --Wrong Word -- The word translated as "were" should be something more like "were produced."
  • WT - Wrong Tense - The verb "had" indicates the past perfect tense, but the tense is something that happens at a specific point in time (past, present, or future).
  • WV --Wrong Voice - The verb here is translated as passive but it is the middle voice.
  • WW --Wrong Word -- The word translated as "performed" should be something more like "coming into being."
  • WF -- Wrong Form -  This is not an active verb but a participle, a verbal adjective, ending with "-ing. "
  • WW --Wrong Word -- The word translated as "performed" should be something more like "produced."
  • CW --Confusing Word -- The "repented" does not capture the word's specific meaning.
  • WT -- Wrong Tense -- This participle is the past perfect tense, which requires a "having" before the verb.
EACH WORD of KJV

Woe -- "Woe" is an exclamation of grief, meaning "woe" or "alas." Jesus uses it humorously. Today we would say "so sad for you" or "boo-hoo to you." The word is very like the Jewish, "oy vey" which can be used to express sorrow but is more commonly used cynically. More about this phrase in this article on Christ's humor using exaggeration.

unto -- This word "to" comes from the indirect object form of the following word that requires the addition of a preposition in English. The most common is a "to" for the English indirect object.

thee, -- The word for "you" is the indirect object form of the singular, second-person pronoun in the form of an indirect object, which usually requires a preposition in English, like "to you."

Chorazin! -- "Chorazin"is the name of a village in the north Galilee to the east of Capernaum.

woe -- "Woe" is an exclamation of grief, meaning "woe" or "alas." Jesus uses it humorously. Today we would say "so sad for you" or "boo-hoo to you." The word is very like the Jewish, "oy vey" which can be used to express sorrow but is more commonly used in exaggeration. More about this phrase in this article on Christ's humor using exaggeration.

unto -- This word "to" comes from the indirect object form of the following word that requires the addition of a preposition in English. The most common is a "to" for the English indirect object.

thee, -- The word for "you" is the indirect object form of the singular, second-person pronoun in the form of an indirect object, which usually requires a preposition in English, like "to you."

Bethsaida!  -- This is the name of a village in the north Galilee to the east of Chorazin.

for -- The word translated as "for" introduces a statement of fact or cause, "for what," "because," "since," and "wherefore." Jesus usually uses this word to mean "because" in statements that seem like an answer to a question because of the change of context.

if -- The "if" here is used to express conditions "if" (implying nothing about its fulfillment) or indirect and direct questions, "whether."It also means "if ever" and "whenever." When used in an "if" clause, the verb is the subjunctive form of possibility. When citing a fact  the sense is more  "whether," "since" or "as sure as."

the -- The word translated as "the" is the Greek definite article, "the," which usually precedes a noun or changes the word it precedes (adjective, infinitive, participle, etc.) to act like a noun. The Greek article is much closer to our demonstrative pronouns ("this," "that," "these," "those") than the English "the." See this article for more. 

mighty works -- "Mighty works" is a word that describes abilities and capacities, what actions a person can do or has done so "power," "might," "influence," and "force." It does not carry a sense of authority over others, either people or laws. The verb form of this word is translated as "can" in the NT. Much more about the meaning of this word in this article about "power" and "authority."

had - (WT) This helping verb "had" indicates that the verb is the tense indicating an action completed in the past. This is not the tense of the verb here.

been -- This helping verb "been" indicates that the verb is passive. Helping or auxiliary verbs are needed to translate the Greek verb forms into English.

done -- (WW) The word translated as "done" means "to become," that is, to enter into a new state. When applied to events, this word means "to happen," "to occur," or "take place." For things, it can be "to be produced." When the participle takes a predicate, the sense is "coming into" something. The form of the verb's object can indicate the time or to whom it "happens." This the not the word usually translated as "done."

in  -- The word translated as "in" means "in," "within," "with" (an instrument), "by" (near), "by" (means of), "during" (time),  or "among"  with an indirect-object form object.  With the direct object form, it means "into," "on," and "for." When referring to time, it means "during." It can mean "on," "at," or "by" in the sense of "near."

Tyre - Tyre is an ancient Phoenician city on the coast of what is now Lebanon. In the masculine form, it is Greek for "cheese."

and -- The Greek word translated as "and" is used as the conjunction "and," but it also is used to add emphasis, "even," "also," and "just."

Sidon, -- Tyre is an ancient Phoenician city on the coast of what is now Lebanon. This word technically refers to the people of Sidon.

which --  (WW) The word translated as "which" is the Greek definite article, "the," which usually precedes a noun or changes the word it precedes (adjective, infinitive, participle, etc.) to act like a noun. The Greek article is much closer to our demonstrative pronouns ("this," "that," "these," "those") than the English "the." See this article for more. 

have -- (WT) This helping verb "have" indicates that the verb is the tense indicating an action completed in the past. This is not the tense of the verb here.

been -- (WV) This helping verb "been" indicates that the verb is passive. This is not the passive voice but the middle voice, a thing acting on itself, with this verb,"coming into being."

done -- (WW, WF) The word translated as "done" means "to become," that is, to enter into a new state. When applied to events, this word means "to happen," "to occur," or "take place." In the passive, it means "coming into a new state of being." For things, it can be "to be produced." When the participle takes a predicate, the sense is "coming into" something. The form of the verb's object can indicate the time or to whom it "happens." This the not the word usually translated as "done." This is not an active verb but a participle, a verbal adjective, ending with "-ing. "  

in  -- The word translated as "in" means "in," "within," "with" (an instrument), "by" (near), "by" (means of), "during" (time),  or "among"  with an indirect-object form object.  With the direct object form, it means "into," "on," and "for." When referring to time, it means "during." It can mean "on," "at," or "by" in the sense of "near."

you,. -- The Greek pronoun "you" here is plural and in the form of an indirect object, "to you," "for you," etc. As the object of a preposition, this form implies no movement, but in a fixed position or events occur at a specified time or while the action was being performed.

they -- This is from the third-person, plural form of the verb.

had -- (CW) "Had" is a particle used with verbs to indicate that the action is limited by circumstances or defined by conditions. There is no exact equivalent in English but "possibly" is close. Its meaning is largely determined by the verb form but "would have" is the most common, even when not with a subjunctive verb.

a -- There is no indefinite article in Greek, but when a noun doesn't have a definite article, the indefinite article can be added in English translation.

great while ago  -  (WF) "Great while ago" is an adverb means "long ago," "long ," " of old," "before," "just past," and similar ideas. This is not a noun but an adverb, "long ago."

repented, -- (CW) The word translated as "repent" has nothing to do with sin or, generally, with religion or asking for forgiveness. The Greek word translated as "repent" has a primary meaning of understanding something after the fact, with the sense of seeing it is too late. Its specific meaning is to "understand afterward," as seeing the truth after a mistake is made. From this idea, it comes to mean to change your mind, shifting your perspective.

missing "having"  -- (WT) The helping vcrb, "having," is needed to show the past perfect tense of the verb. 
 

sitting -   "Sitting" is a Greek verb that means to "be seated," "sit," especially of courts, councils, assemblies, etc.  The sense of being put in a position of authority as we would say "chair." It also means to "sit still" or "sit idle." The form is the past perfect participle, "having sat."

in  -- The word translated as "in" means "in," "within," "with" (an instrument), "by" (near), "by" (means of), "during" (time),  or "among"  with an indirect-object form object.  With the direct object form, it means "into," "on," and "for." When referring to time, it means "during." It can mean "on," "at," or "by" in the sense of "near."

sackcloth - "Sackcloth" is "a coarse cloth of hair" used for sacks because it was uncomfortable for clothing. This was worn by people as a signing of mourning or penance. This is not a common term for Christ to use. 

and -- The Greek word translated as "and" is used as the conjunction "and," but it also is used to add emphasis, "even," "also," and "just."

ashes. - "Ashes" is a word that means "wood ashes" and, more generally, "dust." It was rubbed on sackcloth as a sign of mourning. this is not a common term for Christ to use. 

EACH WORD of NIV

Woe -- "Woe" is an exclamation of grief, meaning "woe" or "alas." Jesus uses it humorously. Today we would say "so sad for you" or "boo-hoo to you." The word is very like the Jewish, "oy vey" which can be used to express sorrow but is more commonly used cynically. More about this phrase in this article on Christ's humor using exaggeration.

to -- This word "to" comes from the indirect object form of the following word that requires the addition of a preposition in English. The most common is a "to" for the English indirect object.

you, -- The word for "you" is the indirect object form of the singular, second-person pronoun in the form of an indirect object, which usually requires a preposition in English, like "to you."

Chorazin! -- "Chorazin"is the name of a village in the north Galilee to the east of Capernaum.

woe -- "Woe" is an exclamation of grief, meaning "woe" or "alas." Jesus uses it humorously. Today we would say "so sad for you" or "boo-hoo to you." The word is very like the Jewish, "oy vey" which can be used to express sorrow but is more commonly used cynically. More about this phrase in this article on Christ's humor using exaggeration.

to -- This word "to" comes from the indirect object form of the following word that requires the addition of a preposition in English. The most common is a "to" for the English indirect object.

you, -- The word for "you" is the indirect object form of the singular, second-person pronoun in the form of an indirect object, which usually requires a preposition in English, like "to you."

Bethsaida!  -- This is the name of a village in the north Galilee to the east of Chorazin.

For -- The word translated as "for" introduces a statement of fact or cause, "for what," "because," "since," and "wherefore." Jesus usually uses this word to mean "because" in statements that seem like an answer to a question because of the change of context.

if -- The "if" here is used to express conditions "if" (implying nothing about its fulfillment) or indirect and direct questions, "whether."It also means "if ever" and "whenever." When used in an "if" clause, the verb is the subjunctive form of possibility. When citing a fact  the sense is more  "whether," "since" or "as sure as."

the -- The word translated as "the" is the Greek definite article, "the," which usually precedes a noun or changes the word it precedes (adjective, infinitive, participle, etc.) to act like a noun. The Greek article is much closer to our demonstrative pronouns ("this," "that," "these," "those") than the English "the." See this article for more. 

 

miracles -- "Miracles " is a word that describes abilities and capacities, what actions a person can do or has done so "power," "might," "influence," and "force." It does not carry a sense of authority over others, either people or laws. The verb form of this word is translated as "can" in the NT. Much more about the meaning of this word in this article about "power" and "authority."

that -- (WN) The word translated as "that" is the Greek definite article, "the," which usually precedes a noun or changes the word it precedes (adjective, infinitive, participle, etc.) to act like a noun. The Greek article is much closer to our demonstrative pronouns ("this," "that," "these," "those") than the English "the." See this article for more.  This word is not singular but plural.

were -- (WV) This helping verb "were" indicates that the verb is passive. This is not the passive voice but the middle voice, a thing acting on itself, with this verb,"coming into being."

performed-- (WW WF) The word translated as "performed" means "to become," that is, to enter into a new state. When applied to events, this word means "to happen," "to occur," or "take place." In the passive, it means "coming into a new state of being." For things, it can be "to be produced." When the participle takes a predicate, the sense is "coming into" something. The form of the verb's object can indicate the time or to whom it "happens." This the not the word usually translated as "performed." This is not an active verb but a participle, a verbal adjective, ending with "-ing. "  

in  -- The word translated as "in" means "in," "within," "with" (an instrument), "by" (near), "by" (means of), "during" (time),  or "among"  with an indirect-object form object.  With the direct object form, it means "into," "on," and "for." When referring to time, it means "during." It can mean "on," "at," or "by" in the sense of "near."

you,. -- The Greek pronoun "you" here is plural and in the form of an indirect object, "to you," "for you," etc. As the object of a preposition, this form implies no movement, but in a fixed position or events occur at a specified time or while the action was being performed.

had - (WT) This helping verb "had" indicates that the verb is the tense indicating an action completed in the past. This is not the tense of the verb here.

been -- This helping verb "been" indicates that the verb is passive. Helping or auxiliary verbs are needed to translate the Greek verb forms into English.

performed -- (WW) The word translated as "performed " means "to become," that is, to enter into a new state. When applied to events, this word means "to happen," "to occur," or "take place." For things, it can be "to be produced." When the participle takes a predicate, the sense is "coming into" something. The form of the verb's object can indicate the time or to whom it "happens." This the not the word usually translated as "performed ."

in  -- The word translated as "in" means "in," "within," "with" (an instrument), "by" (near), "by" (means of), "during" (time),  or "among"  with an indirect-object form object.  With the direct object form, it means "into," "on," and "for." When referring to time, it means "during." It can mean "on," "at," or "by" in the sense of "near."

Tyre - Tyre is an ancient Phoenician city on the coast of what is now Lebanon. In the masculine form, it is Greek for "cheese."

and -- The Greek word translated as "and" is used as the conjunction "and," but it also is used to add emphasis, "even," "also," and "just."

Sidon, -- Tyre is an ancient Phoenician city on the coast of what is now Lebanon. This word technically refers to the people of Sidon.

they -- This is from the third-person, plural form of the verb.

repented long ago, sitting in sackcloth and ashes.

would have -- "Would have " is a particle used with verbs to indicate that the action is limited by circumstances or defined by conditions. Its meaning is largely determined by the verb form but "would have" is the most common, even when not with a subjunctive verb.

repented, -- (CW) The word translated as "repent" has nothing to do with sin or, generally, with religion or asking for forgiveness. The Greek word translated as "repent" has a primary meaning of understanding something after the fact, with the sense of seeing it is too late. Its specific meaning is to "understand afterward," as seeing the truth after a mistake is made. From this idea, it comes to mean to change your mind, shifting your perspective. CW --Confusing Word -- The "repented" does not capture the word's specific meaning.

great while ago  -  (WF) "Great while ago" is an adverb means "long ago," "long ," " of old," "before," "just past," and similar ideas. This is not a noun but an adverb, "long ago."

 

missing "having"  -- (WT) The helping vcrb, "having," is needed to show the past perfect tense of the verb. 
 

sitting -   "Sitting" is a Greek verb that means to "be seated," "sit," especially of courts, councils, assemblies, etc.  The sense of being put in a position of authority as we would say "chair." It also means to "sit still" or "sit idle." The form is the past perfect participle, "having sat."

in  -- The word translated as "in" means "in," "within," "with" (an instrument), "by" (near), "by" (means of), "during" (time),  or "among"  with an indirect-object form object.  With the direct object form, it means "into," "on," and "for." When referring to time, it means "during." It can mean "on," "at," or "by" in the sense of "near."

sackcloth - "Sackcloth" is "a coarse cloth of hair" used for sacks because it was uncomfortable for clothing. This was worn by people as a signing of mourning or penance. This is not a common term for Christ to use. 

and -- The Greek word translated as "and" is used as the conjunction "and," but it also is used to add emphasis, "even," "also," and "just."

ashes. - "Ashes" is a word that means "wood ashes" and, more generally, "dust." It was rubbed on sackcloth as a sign of mourning. this is not a common term for Christ to use. 

COMPARISON: GREEK to KJV

Οὐαί [27 verses](exclam)"Woe" is ouai, which is an exclamation of pain or anger meaning "woe" or "alas" but it can be used sarcastically.

σοὶ [81 verses](pron 2nd sg dat) "You" is soi which is the singular, second-person pronoun, "you," in the form of an indirect pronoun.

Χοραζείν: [3 verses](noun sg voc) "Chorazin" is from the Greek Chorazinthe name of a village in Galilee.

οὐαί [27 verses](exclam)"Woe" is ouai, which is an exclamation of pain or anger meaning "woe" or "alas" but it can be used sarcastically.

σοὶ [81 verses](pron 2nd sg dat) "You" is soi which is the singular, second-person pronoun, "you," in the form of an indirect pronoun. -- The word for "you" is the indirect object form of the singular, second-person pronoun in the form of an indirect object, which usually requires a preposition in English, like "to you."

Βηθσαιδάν: [2 verses](noun sg voc)  Bethsaida is from the Greek word Bethsaida, which is the name of a village in Galilee.

ὅτι [332 verses](adv/conj) "For" is hoti, which introduces a statement of fact "with regard to the fact that," "seeing that," and acts as a causal adverb meaning "for what," "because," "since," and "wherefore."

εἰ [90 verses](conj) "If" is ei, which is the particle used to express conditions "if" (with the indicative, implying nothing about its fulfillment) or indirect and direct questions, "whether." It also means "if ever," "in case," and "whenever." In citing a fact, it can mean "as sure as" or "since."  It is combined with various conjunctions to create derivative conditions. When appearing as εἰ δὲ (literally, "if however") the sense is "if this...then that." The construction εἰ δὲ μή . . means "otherwise." The construction  εἰ οὖν has the sense of "if so." However, it is also used to express a wish. After verbs of wonder, delight, indignation, disappointment, contentment, and similar emotions, it is use instead of  ὅτι, to express the object of the feeling in a hypothetical form, "that" with the indicative (not subjunctive). With the future tense, it is used for emphasis, a warning, or an intention. 

ἐν [413 verses](prep) "In" is en, which means, with its usual indirect (dative) object, "in," "on," "at," "by," "among," "within," "surrounded by," "in one's hands," "in one's power," "during,"  and "with." With a direct (accusative) object, it means "into," "on," and "for." Referring to time, it means. "in the course of" or "during." 

Τύρῳ [4 verses](oun sg fem dat) "Tyre" is from Tyroswhich is the Greek name of the historical city. -

καὶ [1089 verses](conj/adv) "And" is kai, which is the conjunction joining phrases and clauses, "and," or "also." After words implying sameness, "as" (the same opinion as you). Used in series, joins positive with negative "Not only...but also." Also used to give emphasis, "even," "also," and "just." In a series, it can be translated as "not only...but also." After words implying sameness "as."

Σιδῶνι [7 verses](noun fem dat) Sidon" is from Sidon, which is the Greek name of the historical city. -

ἐγενήθησαν  [117 verses](verb 3rd pl aor ind pass) "Had been done" is ginomai, which means "to become," "to come into being," "to happen," of things "to be produced," of events "happen," (passive) "take place," "come to pass," "to be engaged in," math "to be multiplied into," "become one of," "turn into." In the passive, it means "coming into a new state of being." When the participle takes a predicate, the sense is "coming into" something. This verb also has a number of special meanings with different prepositions. It is the complementary opposite of the verb "to be" (eimi) which indicates existence in the same state. A genitive object indicates the time during which it "happens" or a date on which it "falls." A dative object indicates to whom it happens.

αἱ [821 verses](article pl fem nom)  "The" is the Greek definite article, hos, ("the").   It usually precedes a noun or changes the word it precedes (adjective, infinitive, participle, etc.) to act like a noun. When not preceding a a word that can become a noun, takes the meaning of "the one" or, in the plural, "the ones." Proper nouns do normally not take articles but they are needed when the noun ending cannot be changed to show the noun's role in the sentence as an object, indirect object, or genitive (possessive) form. However, the Greek article is very close to "this" so the purpose of an article like this can also be demonstrative.There is no vocative definite article, (despite being shown in Perseus). When the vocative is meant, no article is used or they used ω or εSee this article.  

δυνάμεις [21 verses] (noun pl fem nom)  "Mighty works" is a word that describes abilities and capacities, what actions a person can do or has done. In the singular, "power," "might," "influence," and "force." In the plural, "powerful things," "mighty  things," and so on." Elemental forces are forces such as heat and cold.

αἱ [821 verses](article pl fem nom)  "Which" is the Greek definite article, hos, ("the").   It usually precedes a noun or changes the word it precedes (adjective, infinitive, participle, etc.) to act like a noun. When not preceding a a word that can become a noun, takes the meaning of "the one" or, in the plural, "the ones." Proper nouns do normally not take articles but they are needed when the noun ending cannot be changed to show the noun's role in the sentence as an object, indirect object, or genitive (possessive) form. However, the Greek article is very close to "this" so the purpose of an article like this can also be demonstrative.There is no vocative definite article, (despite being shown in Perseus). When the vocative is meant, no article is used or they used ω or εSee this article

 γενόμεναι  [117 verses](part pl aor mid fem nom) "Which were done" is ginomai, which means "to become," "to come into being," "to happen," of things "to be produced," of events "happen," (passive) "take place," "come to pass," "to be engaged in," math "to be multiplied into," "become one of," "turn into." It means changing into a new state of being. When the participle takes a predicate, the sense is "coming into" something. This verb also has a number of special meanings with different prepositions. It is the complementary opposite of the verb "to be" (eimi) which indicates existence in the same state. A genitive object indicates the time during which it "happens" or a date on which it "falls." A dative object indicates to whom it happens.

ἐν [413 verses](prep) "In" is en, which means, with its usual indirect (dative) object, "in," "on," "at," "by," "among," "within," "surrounded by," "in one's hands," "in one's power," "during,"  and "with." With a direct (accusative) object, it means "into," "on," and "for." Referring to time, it means. "in the course of" or "during."

ὑμῖν [289 verses](pron 2nd pl dat) "To you" is humin the plural form of su the pronoun of the second person, "you."

πάλαι [2 verses](adv) "Long ago" is from palai, which means "long ago," "long ," " of old," "before," "just past," and similar ideas. With present, means something lasting to the present. With past, something lasting to the past. 

ἂν [60 verses](particle) "Would" is an, which is a particle used with verbs to indicate that the action is limited by circumstances or defined by conditions. There is no exact equivalent in English, but it is translated as "possibly," "would have," "might," "should," and "could."  Its meaning is largely determined by the verb form but "would have" is the most common, even when not with a subjunctive verb. -

ἐν [413 verses](prep) "In" is en, which means, with its usual indirect (dative) object, "in," "on," "at," "by," "among," "within," "surrounded by," "in one's hands," "in one's power," "during,"  and "with." With a direct (accusative) object, it means "into," "on," and "for." Referring to time, it means. "in the course of" or "during."

σάκκῳ  [2 verses](noun sg masc dat) "Sackcloth" is sakkos, which is "a coarse cloth of hair" used for sacks because it was uncomfortable for clothing. This was worn by people as a signing of mourning or penance. 

καὶ [1089 verses](conj/adv) "And" is kai, which is the conjunction joining phrases and clauses, "and," or "also." After words implying sameness, "as" (the same opinion as you). Used in series, joins positive with negative "Not only...but also." Also used to give emphasis, "even," "also," and "just." In a series, it can be translated as "not only...but also." After words implying sameness "as."

σποδῷ [2 verses](noun sg fem dat ) "Ashes" is spodos, which means "wood ashes" and, more generally, "dust." It was rubbed on sackcloth as a sign of mourning. 

καθήμενοι [13 verses] (part pl perf mid masc nom ) "Sitting" is kathemai, which means "to sit," "to be seated," "to sit still," "to sit quiet," "to reside," and "to be placed." 

μετενόησαν [9 verses](verb 3rd pl aor ind act) "Repent," is from  metanoeo, which literally means "to perceive afterward," "to perceive too late," "to change one's mind," "to change one's purpose," and "to repent."

Wordplay

Christ is exaggerating here and in the following verses, for humorous effect. He may be mimicking the style of John that Baptist, who was the subject of the verses proceeding these. However, he doesn't take it as seriously, as he makes clear at the end, in  Mat 11:25

parallel comparison

This verse is identical to Matthew 11:21 except for the last word in the Greek, the word translated as "sitting" in KJV English. 

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