Luke 13:23

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

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},

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

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

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

Commentary

In Luke 13:23, an anonymous individual poses a profound and timeless question to Jesus: "Lord, are there few that be saved?" This query arises amidst Jesus' teachings as He journeys towards Jerusalem, revealing a common human concern about the scope of salvation and entry into God's Kingdom. The question itself, perhaps influenced by contemporary Jewish thought regarding who would inherit the age to come, reflects a curiosity about the ultimate destiny of humanity.

Context

This verse serves as a critical setup for Jesus' subsequent teaching, which is His direct response to the question. Prior to this, Jesus has been teaching about various topics, including repentance (Luke 13:3) and the urgency of recognizing the signs of the times. The question about the number of the saved prompts Jesus to shift the focus from a speculative numerical inquiry to a practical imperative concerning personal effort and commitment to His way.

Key Themes

  • The Nature of Salvation: The question directly addresses the concept of salvation, which in the Greek (`sōzō`, σῴζω) implies deliverance, preservation, and spiritual rescue from sin and its consequences, leading to eternal life. It highlights a deep-seated human desire to understand who will ultimately experience this deliverance.
  • Human Curiosity vs. Divine Imperative: The individual's question is rooted in human curiosity about the "how many." However, Jesus' response (beginning in Luke 13:24) masterfully redirects the focus from speculative numbers to the personal responsibility of striving to enter the Kingdom of God. He doesn't give a statistic but a command.
  • Urgency of Decision: Though not explicitly stated in verse 23, the very asking of the question, combined with Jesus' impending answer about the "strait gate" or "narrow door", underscores the critical and urgent nature of making a personal commitment to follow Christ.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated "saved" is sōzō (σῴζω), which carries a broad range of meanings including to save, deliver, preserve, heal, or make whole. In this theological context, it primarily refers to spiritual salvation – being rescued from the power and penalty of sin and brought into a right relationship with God, leading to eternal life. The question "are there few that be saved?" uses the Greek word oligos (ὀλίγος), meaning 'little,' 'small,' or 'few,' emphasizing the inquirer's concern about exclusivity.

Practical Application

This verse challenges us to consider where our own focus lies. Are we preoccupied with counting others or judging their spiritual standing? Or are we, like Jesus, more concerned with the personal call to enter the "narrow door" ourselves? The passage serves as a reminder that salvation is a serious and personal endeavor, requiring diligent effort and a genuine commitment to following Jesus Christ. Instead of speculating on the numbers, we are called to "work out our own salvation with fear and trembling", trusting in God's grace and striving to live according to His will.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Matthew 7:14

    Because strait [is] the gate, and narrow [is] the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.

  • Matthew 22:14

    For many are called, but few [are] chosen.

  • Matthew 20:16

    So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen.

  • Luke 12:13

    ¶ And one of the company said unto him, Master, speak to my brother, that he divide the inheritance with me.

  • Luke 12:15

    And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.

  • John 21:21

    Peter seeing him saith to Jesus, Lord, and what [shall] this man [do]?

  • John 21:22

    Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what [is that] to thee? follow thou me.
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