Matthew 7:13

KJV

Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide [is] the gate, and broad [is] the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:

KJV (with Strong's)

Enter ye in {G1525} at {G1223} the strait {G4728} gate {G4439}: for {G3754} wide {G4116} is the gate {G4439}, and {G2532} broad {G2149} is the way {G3598}, that leadeth {G520} to {G1519} destruction {G684}, and {G2532} many {G4183} there be {G1526} which {G3588} go in {G1525} thereat {G1223}{G846}:

Complete Jewish Bible

"Go in through the narrow gate; for the gate that leads to destruction is wide and the road broad, and many travel it;

Berean Standard Bible

Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and many enter through it.

American Standard Version

Enter ye in by the narrow gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many are they that enter in thereby.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 7:13 presents a profound and urgent call from Jesus to choose a specific path in life, contrasting it sharply with an alternative. This verse, a pivotal point in the Sermon on the Mount, warns against the popular, seemingly easy road that leads to spiritual ruin, while implicitly urging adherence to a more challenging, narrow way that ultimately leads to life, a theme further developed in the subsequent verse. It underscores the critical nature of spiritual discernment and the eternal consequences of one's choices.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Matthew 7:13 stands as a solemn warning within the climactic section of Jesus’s Sermon on the Mount, spanning [Matthew chapters 5-7](/matthew/5 "The Sermon on the Mount"). Preceding this verse, Jesus has expounded on foundational Kingdom principles, including the nature of true righteousness ([Matthew 5:20](/matthew/5-20 "Righteousness Exceeding the Scribes and Pharisees")), prayer ([Matthew 6:5-15](/matthew/6-5-15 "Jesus' Teaching on Prayer")), the dangers of materialism ([Matthew 6:19-24](/matthew/6-19-24 "Treasures in Heaven")), and the Golden Rule ([Matthew 7:12](/matthew/7-12 "The Golden Rule")). The "two paths" imagery serves as a concluding exhortation, urging listeners to make a decisive choice in light of all the preceding teachings. It immediately sets the stage for [Matthew 7:14](/matthew/7-14 "The Narrow and Wide Gates"), which explicitly states the outcome of the narrow path, and then leads into warnings against false prophets ([Matthew 7:15-20](/matthew/7-15-20 "Warning Against False Prophets")) and the importance of truly doing God's will ([Matthew 7:21-23](/matthew/7-21-23 "Not Everyone Who Says 'Lord, Lord'")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Jewish thought, the concept of "two ways" was a common motif, found in wisdom literature like Proverbs (e.g., [Proverbs 4:18-19](/proverbs/4-18-19 "The Path of the Righteous and the Wicked")) and later in texts like the Qumran community's "Manual of Discipline" (The Two Ways). This motif often represented the path of righteousness versus the path of wickedness, leading to life or death, respectively. Gates were also significant in ancient cities, serving as points of entry, commerce, and judgment. A "strait gate" (narrow entrance) would imply a restricted, perhaps less traveled, or more difficult entry point, contrasting with a wide, easily accessible main gate. The imagery would resonate with a populace familiar with walled cities and the challenges of travel, symbolizing the demanding nature of true commitment to God's covenant.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the Sermon on the Mount and broader biblical theology. The most prominent is **The Choice of Two Paths**, emphasizing that life presents a fundamental spiritual dichotomy, requiring a deliberate decision between following God's will and conforming to worldly ways. This choice is not neutral; it leads to vastly different eternal outcomes. Another key theme is **The Difficulty and Exclusivity of True Discipleship**. The "strait gate" signifies that genuine adherence to Jesus's teachings is not a path of ease or popularity, but one that demands self-denial and commitment, often running counter to societal norms, as seen in other calls to [take up one's cross](/luke/9-23 "Luke 9:23 - Take Up Your Cross"). Finally, the verse highlights **The Popularity and Peril of the Broad Way**, serving as a stark warning against merely following the majority. The fact that "many there be which go in thereat" underscores the deceptive appeal of the easy, undemanding path, which ultimately leads to "destruction," a concept of spiritual ruin and eternal loss, echoing the wages of sin described in [Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Wages of Sin").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **strait (Greek, _stenós'_):** From G4728, meaning "narrow (from obstacles standing close about)." This word emphatically conveys the idea of constriction, difficulty, or a confined space. It is crucial to understand that "strait" here means "narrow," not "straight" in the sense of being uncurved. The path is not easy or spacious; it requires careful navigation, discipline, and a focused commitment.
* **gate (Greek, _pylē'_):** From G4439, meaning "a gate, i.e. the leaf or wing of a folding entrance (literally or figuratively)." The gate represents the point of entry or decision. In ancient cities, gates were significant, controlling access and often serving as places of judgment or public assembly. Here, it symbolizes the initial, decisive commitment required to embark on the path of discipleship.
* **destruction (Greek, _apṓleia'_):** From G684, meaning "ruin or loss (physical, spiritual or eternal)." This is a powerful term signifying utter ruin, perishing, or complete loss, not annihilation but a state of being utterly undone or lost in an eternal sense. It denotes the tragic and irrecoverable outcome for those who choose the broad way, a state of spiritual perdition.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Enter ye in at the strait gate:"** This is an imperative command, an urgent call to action. The "strait gate" signifies a demanding point of entry, requiring intentionality, humility, and a willingness to forsake the easier, more popular routes. It implies a conscious decision to embrace a life of discipleship that is characterized by adherence to God's standards, which often run counter to worldly values.
* **"for wide [is] the gate, and broad [is] the way,"** This clause provides the reason for the urgency of the command. It describes the alternative path, which is characterized by ease and spaciousness. The "wide gate" and "broad way" suggest a path that accommodates many, requires little effort, and aligns with popular opinion or self-indulgence. This path is appealing precisely because it lacks restrictions and demands.
* **"that leadeth to destruction,"** This phrase reveals the ultimate, dire consequence of choosing the broad way. "Destruction" (apṓleia) signifies utter ruin, spiritual perdition, and eternal loss. It is a stark warning that the seemingly comfortable and popular path has a devastating and irreversible end, emphasizing the eternal stakes involved in one's spiritual choices.
* **"and many there be which go in thereat:"** This final clause highlights the tragic reality that despite the clear warning, a multitude will choose the path of destruction. It underscores the deceptive allure of the broad way and the human tendency to follow the crowd, even when it leads to ruin. This serves as a sober reminder that popularity is not an indicator of truth or righteousness.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 7:13 is rich with **Metaphor** and **Contrast**. The central metaphor is that of "two paths" and "two gates," representing two distinct ways of life with divergent spiritual destinations. The "strait gate" and "narrow way" metaphorically describe the demanding, disciplined life of genuine discipleship, while the "wide gate" and "broad way" symbolize a life of ease, self-indulgence, or conformity to worldly values. This imagery is further amplified by the stark **Contrast** presented: "strait" versus "wide," and the ultimate outcomes of "destruction" versus the implied "life" (from the subsequent verse). This antithetical parallelism powerfully underscores the critical choice facing every individual, highlighting the eternal significance of their decisions. The verse also employs **Hyperbole** in the vividness of the "many" who choose the broad way, emphasizing the pervasive nature of spiritual error and the counter-cultural call of Christ.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse is foundational to understanding the nature of salvation and discipleship in the Kingdom of God. It underscores the theological truth that while God's grace is freely offered, entering into a relationship with Him and living a life pleasing to Him requires a deliberate, often challenging, commitment. The "strait gate" signifies that the path to true life is not one of universalism or an undemanding acceptance, but one that necessitates repentance, faith, and a willingness to submit to Christ's Lordship. It challenges the notion that all paths lead to God or that sincerity alone is sufficient. Instead, it posits that there is a specific, divinely appointed way, and choosing any other path, no matter how appealing or popular, leads to ultimate spiritual ruin. This highlights God's justice and the serious consequences of rejecting His way.

* [Deuteronomy 30:19](/deuteronomy/30-19 "Choose Life")
* [Jeremiah 21:8](/jeremiah/21-8 "The Way of Life and the Way of Death")
* [Luke 13:24](/luke/13-24 "Strive to Enter Through the Narrow Door")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 7:13 serves as a profound mirror, inviting us to critically examine the trajectory of our lives. Are we, perhaps unconsciously, drifting along the broad, comfortable path that promises ease but delivers destruction? Or are we intentionally striving to enter and remain on the narrow way, even when it demands sacrifice, self-denial, and a counter-cultural stance? This verse calls us to a radical re-evaluation of our priorities, our allegiances, and our daily choices. It reminds us that true faith is not merely intellectual assent but a transformative commitment that shapes our actions, our values, and our very way of being in the world. Embracing the strait gate means choosing Christ's teachings over worldly wisdom, divine approval over popular opinion, and eternal life over temporal comfort. It compels us to cultivate discernment, resist conformity, and diligently pursue a life of obedience, knowing that the challenging path is the only one that leads to true and lasting fulfillment.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life am I tempted to choose the "broad way" of ease or popular opinion over the "strait gate" of God's truth?**
* **What specific sacrifices or disciplines might the "strait gate" be calling me to embrace in my walk with Christ?**
* **How does the warning about "many" on the broad way challenge my desire for social acceptance or conformity?**
* **What practical steps can I take today to ensure my life is aligned with the narrow way that leads to life?**

### FAQ

**Does "strait gate" mean salvation is only for a few, or that God is exclusive?**

Answer: The term "strait" (Greek: _stenós_) means narrow or constricted, implying difficulty and a specific, defined entrance, not that God is exclusive in His invitation. Rather, it emphasizes that the *path* to salvation and true life in Christ is specific and demanding, requiring repentance, faith, and submission to God's will. It's not about God limiting access, but about the nature of the path itself. Jesus invites all to come to Him ([Matthew 11:28](/matthew/11-28 "Come to Me, All Who Are Weary")), but He also makes it clear that following Him involves a cost and a commitment ([Luke 14:26-27](/luke/14-26-27 "The Cost of Discipleship")). The "few" who find it ([Matthew 7:14](/matthew/7-14 "The Narrow and Wide Gates")) are those who are willing to embrace the counter-cultural, self-denying demands of genuine discipleship, not because God arbitrarily limits access.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 7:13 finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ Himself. He is not merely the one who describes the "strait gate" and the "narrow way," but He *is* the Gate and the Way. In [John 10:9](/john/10-9 "Jesus is the Door"), Jesus declares, "I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved." This powerfully identifies Him as the singular, necessary entrance to salvation and true life. Furthermore, in [John 14:6](/john/14-1-6 "Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life"), He states, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." This confirms that the "strait gate" and "narrow way" are not abstract concepts or a set of rigid rules, but a person—Jesus Christ. To enter the "strait gate" is to put one's faith in Him, and to walk the "narrow way" is to follow Him, embodying His teachings and submitting to His Lordship, which indeed requires denying oneself and taking up one's cross daily ([Luke 9:23](/luke/9-23 "Luke 9:23 - Take Up Your Cross")). Thus, the warning of Matthew 7:13 becomes a profound invitation to embrace Christ as the exclusive and only means to eternal life, contrasting sharply with the broad paths of human devising that lead to ruin.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Luke 13:24

Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able.

Luke 13:25

When once the master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door, and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, Lord, open unto us; and he shall answer and say unto you, I know you not whence ye are:

Proverbs 16:25

¶ There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof [are] the ways of death.

John 14:6

Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

John 10:9

I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.

Isaiah 55:7

Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.

Proverbs 9:6

Forsake the foolish, and live; and go in the way of understanding.