Luke 13:23

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

¶ Then said one unto him, Lord, are there few that be saved? And he said unto them,

Complete Jewish Bible:

Someone asked him, “Are only a few people being saved?”

Berean Standard Bible:

“Lord,” someone asked Him, “will only a few people be saved?” Jesus answered,

American Standard Version:

And one said unto him, Lord, are they few that are saved? And he said unto them,

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

Then^{G1161} said^{G2036} one^{G5100} unto^{G4314} him^{G846}, Lord^{G2962}, are there few^{{G1487}{G3641}} that be saved^{G4982}? And^{G1161} he said^{G2036} unto them^{G846},

Cross-References (KJV):

Explore This Verse Across Other Resources:

BibleHub.com BibleRef.com

Commentary for Luke 13:23

Luke 13:23 captures a moment in the narrative of the Gospel of Luke where an unnamed individual poses a question to Jesus: "Lord, are there few that be saved?" This question reflects a common concern among Jewish people of the time regarding the criteria for salvation and the number of those who would ultimately be saved. In the historical context of first-century Palestine, under Roman occupation, there was a strong belief in a future resurrection and judgment, with the hope that God would deliver His faithful people.

The question is indicative of the eschatological tensions of the era, as various groups within Judaism held different views on salvation, from strict legalism to more inclusive approaches. Jesus' subsequent response, which is not fully captured in the verse itself but continues in the following passages, emphasizes the importance of striving to enter through the narrow door, suggesting that salvation is not about one's ancestry or status but about an individual's response to God's invitation.

The themes present in this verse include the universal concern for salvation, the nature of the Kingdom of God, and the challenge of discipleship. Jesus' teachings here underscore the need for decisive action and commitment to follow him, implying that many will seek to enter the Kingdom but may find themselves excluded because they did not meet the requirements of true faith and obedience. This passage, therefore, serves as a call to self-examination and perseverance in the faith, with an emphasis on the urgency of living out one's commitment to God.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: G1161
   There are 2556 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: δέ
   Transliteration: dé
   Pronunciation: deh
   Description: a primary particle (adversative or continuative); but, and, etc.:--also, and, but, moreover, now (often unexpressed in English).
   
2. Strong's Number: G2036
   There are 901 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ἔπω
   Transliteration: épō
   Pronunciation: ep'-o
   Description: a primary verb (used only in the definite past tense, the others being borrowed from ἐρέω, ῥέω, and φημί); to speak or say (by word or writing):--answer, bid, bring word, call, command, grant, say (on), speak, tell. Compare λέγω.
   
3. Strong's Number: G5100
   There are 419 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: τὶς
   Transliteration: tìs
   Pronunciation: tis
   Description: an enclitic indefinite pronoun; some or any person or object:--a (kind of), any (man, thing, thing at all), certain (thing), divers, he (every) man, one (X thing), ought, + partly, some (man, -body, - thing, -what), (+ that no-)thing, what(-soever), X wherewith, whom(-soever), whose(-soever).
   
4. Strong's Number: G4314
   There are 674 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: πρός
   Transliteration: prós
   Pronunciation: pros
   Description: a strengthened form of πρό; a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e. pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of, i.e. near to; usually with the accusative case, the place, time, occasion, or respect, which is the destination of the relation, i.e. whither or for which it is predicated):--about, according to , against, among, at, because of, before, between, (where-)by, for, X at thy house, in, for intent, nigh unto, of, which pertain to, that, to (the end that), X together, to (you) -ward, unto, with(-in). In the comparative case, it denotes essentially the same applications, namely, motion towards, accession to, or nearness at.
   
5. Strong's Number: G846
   There are 3776 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: αὐτός
   Transliteration: autós
   Pronunciation: ow-tos'
   Description: from the particle (perhaps akin to the base of ἀήρ through the idea of a baffling wind) (backward); the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative ἑαυτοῦ) of the third person , and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons:--her, it(-self), one, the other, (mine) own, said, (self-), the) same, ((him-, my-, thy- )self, (your-)selves, she, that, their(-s), them(-selves), there(-at, - by, -in, -into, -of, -on, -with), they, (these) things, this (man), those, together, very, which. Compare αὑτοῦ.
   
6. Strong's Number: G2962
   There are 687 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: κύριος
   Transliteration: kýrios
   Pronunciation: koo'-ree-os
   Description: from (supremacy); supreme in authority, i.e. (as noun) controller; by implication, Master (as a respectful title):-- God, Lord, master, Sir.
   
7. Strong's Number: G1487
   There are 271 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: εἰ
   Transliteration: ei
   Pronunciation: i
   Description: a primary particle of conditionality; if, whether, that, etc.:--forasmuch as, if, that, (al-)though, whether. Often used in connection or composition with other particles, especially as in εἴγε, εἰ δὲ μή(γε), εἰ καί, εἰ μή, εἰ μή τι, εἴ περ, εἴ πως, εἴ τις, ἐκ. See also ἐάν.
   
8. Strong's Number: G3641
   There are 42 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ὀλίγος
   Transliteration: olígos
   Pronunciation: ol-ee'-gos
   Description: of uncertain affinity; puny (in extent, degree, number, duration or value); especially neuter (adverbially) somewhat:--+ almost, brief(-ly), few, (a) little, + long, a season, short, small, a while.
   
9. Strong's Number: G4982
   There are 103 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: σώζω
   Transliteration: sṓzō
   Pronunciation: sode'-zo
   Description: from a primary (contraction for obsolete , "safe"); to save, i.e. deliver or protect (literally or figuratively):--heal, preserve, save (self), do well, be (make) whole.