Matthew 7:13

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:

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}:

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

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

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

Matthew 7:13 (KJV) serves as a profound warning and an urgent call to discipleship within Jesus's Sermon on the Mount. This verse presents a stark contrast between two paths, each leading to a dramatically different destiny.

Context

This verse is a pivotal moment in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew chapters 5-7), where Jesus lays out the principles of the Kingdom of God. It follows teachings on prayer, seeking God's will, and the Golden Rule, culminating in a series of solemn warnings. The call to "enter ye in at the strait gate" is an invitation to a life of genuine obedience and commitment to Christ, contrasting sharply with the popular, easy path that many choose. It sets the stage for the subsequent verse, Matthew 7:14, which clarifies the outcome of the narrow way.

Key Themes

  • The Choice of Two Paths: Jesus clearly presents two distinct spiritual paths, emphasizing the critical decision each individual must make. One path is challenging but leads to life, while the other is appealing to the masses but leads to ruin.
  • Difficulty of True Discipleship: The "strait gate" signifies that following Christ is not always easy or comfortable. It often requires self-denial, discipline, and adherence to God's truth, which may go against worldly desires or popular opinion. This theme is echoed in other calls to follow Jesus, such as taking up one's cross daily.
  • The Broad Way's Popularity: The phrase "many there be which go in thereat" highlights that the path to destruction is often the most appealing, least demanding, and most widely traveled. This serves as a warning against simply following the crowd or popular trends without discerning their ultimate destination.
  • Consequences: The ultimate outcome of each path is starkly defined: one leads to "destruction," while the other (implied by the subsequent verse) leads to life. This underscores the eternal significance of one's choices.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV word "strait" (Greek: stenos) is crucial here. It means narrow, constricted, or difficult, not "straight" as in not crooked. This emphasizes the challenging and restrictive nature of the path. The Greek word for "destruction" is apoleia, which signifies ruin, perishing, or utter loss, often in an eternal sense, rather than annihilation. It speaks to the utter failure and loss of purpose for those who choose the broad way, echoing concepts of spiritual death as seen in Romans 6:23.

Practical Application

Matthew 7:13 calls believers to intentionality and discernment. It challenges us to:

  • Examine Our Path: Are we choosing the path of least resistance, or are we committed to the demanding but rewarding path of genuine faith and obedience to Christ?
  • Resist Conformity: Do not simply follow the majority or popular culture, as the broad way is often attractive precisely because "many there be which go in thereat."
  • Embrace Discipline: The "strait gate" requires effort, sacrifice, and a willingness to live counter-culturally for the sake of the Kingdom. This involves ongoing spiritual growth and adherence to God's Word.

This verse reminds us that while God's grace is freely given, true discipleship demands a deliberate and often challenging commitment to follow Jesus, leading to true life.

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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

  • Luke 13:24 (116 votes)

    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 (116 votes)

    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 (107 votes)

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

  • John 14:6 (77 votes)

    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 (58 votes)

    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 (34 votes)

    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 (31 votes)

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