Matthew 7:14

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

Because {G3754} strait {G4728} is the gate {G4439}, and {G2532} narrow {G2346} is the way {G3598}, which {G3588} leadeth {G520} unto {G1519} life {G2222}, and {G2532} few {G3641} there be {G1526} that find {G2147} it {G846}.

Complete Jewish Bible

but it is a narrow gate and a hard road that leads to life, and only a few find it.

Berean Standard Bible

But small is the gate and narrow the way that leads to life, and only a few find it.

American Standard Version

For narrow is the gate, and straitened the way, that leadeth unto life, and few are they that find it.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 7:14 serves as a profound summary of Jesus' teaching on discipleship, presenting a stark contrast between two distinct paths. It reveals that the entrance to true spiritual life is through a "strait" (narrow, difficult) gate, leading to a "narrow" way that few are willing to find and traverse. This verse underscores the challenging yet ultimately life-giving nature of genuine commitment to Christ, emphasizing that the path to eternal life is not one of ease or popular acceptance, but one requiring intentionality and perseverance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse stands as the climactic conclusion to Jesus' teaching on the "Two Ways" within the broader [Sermon on the Mount](/matthew/5 "The Sermon on the Mount"), specifically following His warning in [Matthew 7:13](/matthew/7-13 "Matthew 7:13 - The Wide Gate and Broad Way"). In [Matthew 7:13](/matthew/7-13 "Matthew 7:13 - The Wide Gate and Broad Way"), Jesus describes the "wide gate and broad way that leads to destruction, and many enter through it." Verse 14 then presents the antithetical path, highlighting its difficulty and the scarcity of those who discover it. This dualistic presentation is a common rhetorical device in biblical wisdom literature, forcing the hearer to choose between opposing realities, such as the [way of the righteous and the way of the wicked in Psalm 1](/psalms/1 "Psalm 1 - The Two Ways"). The immediate context of the Sermon on the Mount itself is Jesus' foundational teaching on the ethics and character required of those who would live as citizens of the [Kingdom of Heaven](/matthew/5-3 "Matthew 5:3 - Blessed are the Poor in Spirit").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient times, city gates often served as points of entry, defense, and even commerce, with some gates being wider for general traffic and others narrower for specific purposes or less frequented routes. The concept of a "way" or "path" was also deeply ingrained in Jewish thought, frequently used metaphorically to describe a person's conduct, moral choices, or spiritual journey (e.g., "the way of the Lord" or "the way of righteousness"). For Jesus' original audience, who lived under Roman occupation and within a complex religious landscape, the idea of choosing a distinct "way" would have resonated deeply, particularly as it challenged prevailing notions of religious observance and national identity. The cultural expectation might have been that God's favor would be broad and encompassing for His chosen people, making Jesus' declaration of a "narrow way" for "few" a radical and counter-cultural statement.
* **Key Themes:** Matthew 7:14 contributes significantly to several key themes within the Sermon on the Mount and the Gospel of Matthew. Firstly, it emphasizes the theme of **Discipleship and Commitment**, illustrating that following Jesus is not a passive or easy endeavor but requires deliberate choice and sustained effort. Secondly, it highlights the **Exclusivity of Salvation**, suggesting that while God's invitation is universal, the path to true life is singular and demanding, aligning with later New Testament declarations that [Jesus is the only way to the Father](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life"). Thirdly, the verse touches on the theme of **Urgency and Decision**, compelling listeners to examine their own spiritual trajectory and make a conscious choice for the narrow path. Finally, it subtly introduces the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Human Responsibility**, as the gate and way are divinely established, yet humans must actively "find" and "enter" them.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **strait (Greek, _stenós'_):** From G4728. This word means "narrow," "confined," or "restricted." It implies difficulty of passage due to physical constriction or the presence of obstacles. In this context, it vividly describes the gate as not merely small, but challenging to enter, requiring a deliberate effort or even a shedding of encumbrances to pass through. It suggests that the initial step into the life of discipleship is not effortless.
* **narrow (Greek, _thlíbō'_):** From G2346. While the KJV translates this as "narrow" for the way, the underlying Greek verb `thlíbō` means "to crowd," "to press," "to afflict," or "to suffer tribulation." This suggests that the "narrow way" is not just physically constricted, but also characterized by pressures, difficulties, and even suffering. It's a path that presses in on the one walking it, demanding conformity and often involving hardship, contrasting sharply with the broad, unhindered path of destruction.
* **life (Greek, _zōḗ'_):** From G2222. This term refers to "life" in its fullest, most profound sense, particularly spiritual and eternal life, as opposed to mere physical existence (`psychē`). It signifies the divine, abundant life that originates from God and is given through Christ. This is the ultimate goal and reward of traversing the narrow way, a quality of existence characterized by communion with God and eternal flourishing.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Because strait [is] the gate":** This clause introduces the reason for the difficulty. The "gate" represents the point of entry into the spiritual journey. It is described as "strait" (narrow, constricted), implying that access is not easy or automatic. It demands a focused, intentional approach, perhaps requiring one to divest oneself of burdens or distractions to pass through.
* **"and narrow [is] the way":** Following the gate, the "way" or path itself is also "narrow." This signifies that the entire journey of discipleship, not just the initial entry, is characterized by restriction, discipline, and potential hardship. It's a path that doesn't accommodate worldly compromises or a casual attitude, requiring adherence to God's standards and Christ's teachings.
* **"which leadeth unto life":** This phrase clearly states the glorious destination of this challenging path. The "life" referred to is `zōḗ`, the abundant, spiritual, and eternal life found in God through Christ. Despite the difficulty of the gate and way, the outcome is supremely valuable and eternally significant, making the arduous journey worthwhile.
* **"and few there be that find it":** This is a sobering and challenging declaration. It highlights the reality that, despite the promise of life, only a minority will discover and commit to this narrow path. This scarcity is not due to God's unwillingness to save, but to humanity's reluctance to embrace the demands of true discipleship, preferring the easier, broader path of the world.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 7:14 makes powerful use of **Metaphor** and **Contrast**. The "gate" and "way" are powerful metaphors for the spiritual journey and the choices one makes in life. The "strait gate" and "narrow way" stand in stark **Contrast** to the "wide gate" and "broad way" described in [Matthew 7:13](/matthew/7-13 "Matthew 7:13 - The Wide Gate and Broad Way"), creating a clear dichotomy that compels the listener to choose. This literary technique emphasizes the exclusivity and distinctiveness of the path to life. The phrase "few there be that find it" employs **Understatement** or **Litotes** (a form of understatement) to underscore the significant challenge and the limited number of those who truly commit, making the warning even more poignant and impactful. The entire passage functions as an **Allegory**, where the physical imagery of gates and roads represents spiritual realities and moral choices.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly impacts our understanding of salvation, discipleship, and the nature of God's kingdom. It challenges the notion of an easy or universal path to eternal life, asserting that genuine faith involves a transformative commitment that often runs counter to societal norms and personal comfort. The "narrowness" speaks to the exclusivity of Christ as the only way to God, but also to the specific demands of His Lordship – a life of humility, obedience, and self-denial. It implies that true spiritual life is not merely a belief system but a way of living that requires intentional effort and perseverance, acknowledging that while God's grace is freely given, its reception necessitates a radical reorientation of one's life. The sobering reality that "few find it" is not a statement of divine limitation, but a reflection of human resistance to the demands of true discipleship and the allure of the world's easier paths.

* [Luke 13:24](/luke/13-24 "Luke 13:24 - Strive to Enter the Narrow Gate")
* [John 10:9](/john/10-9 "John 10:9 - Jesus is the Door")
* [Philippians 2:12](/philippians/2-12 "Philippians 2:12 - Work Out Your Salvation")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 7:14 serves as both a sobering warning and a profound invitation. It calls us to sober self-examination, prompting us to honestly assess the path we are currently walking. Are we seeking the path of least resistance, conforming to popular opinion, or are we intentionally striving to walk the narrow way that demands sacrifice, discipline, and unwavering commitment to Christ? This verse reminds us that true spiritual growth and eternal life are not found in comfort or popularity, but in a radical alignment with God's will, even when it means standing apart from the crowd. It challenges us to embrace the difficulties and pressures that come with authentic discipleship, knowing that the "life" at the end of this journey is infinitely more valuable than any worldly comfort. It encourages perseverance in the face of tribulation, reminding us that the path is narrow, but the destination is glorious.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What specific areas of my life might be characterized by the "wide gate" or "broad way", leading me away from God's will?**
* **What "burdens" or "encumbrances" might I need to shed to more fully embrace the "strait gate" and "narrow way" of Christ's discipleship?**
* **How does my daily walk reflect the "narrowness" of the path, and what practical steps can I take to deepen my commitment to it?**
* **In what ways does the promise of "life" motivate me to endure the challenges of the narrow way?**

### FAQ
**Does "few there be that find it" mean that God is exclusive or that salvation is difficult to attain?**

Answer: This phrase does not imply that God is unwilling to save or that salvation is inherently difficult for Him to grant. Rather, it speaks to the human response to God's gracious invitation. The "narrowness" of the gate and way refers to the demands of true discipleship—surrender, obedience, self-denial, and a willingness to follow Christ even when it means going against the world's values. Many are unwilling to embrace these demands, preferring a path of ease or self-determination. Therefore, "few find it" because few are willing to truly commit to the radical transformation and costly discipleship that the narrow way entails, not because God limits access. [Jesus Himself declares that He is the way, the truth, and the life](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life"), making the path clear, though challenging.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 7:14 finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is not merely the one who describes the narrow way; He *is* the narrow way. As He declares in [John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life"), "I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." The "strait gate" is entered through faith in Him, for [He is the door through whom we enter and find pasture](/john/10-9 "John 10:9 - Jesus is the Door"). Jesus Himself walked the narrowest of ways, enduring rejection, suffering, and ultimately the cross, to open this path for humanity. His life was a perfect embodiment of the narrow way—a life of complete obedience to the Father's will, even unto death ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Humility and Obedience")). He calls us to take up our cross and follow Him ([Matthew 16:24](/matthew/16-24 "Matthew 16:24 - Take Up Your Cross and Follow Jesus")), acknowledging that His "yoke is easy, and [His] burden is light" ([Matthew 11:30](/matthew/11-30 "Matthew 11:30 - Jesus' Easy Yoke")) not because the path is without challenge, but because He Himself empowers us and walks with us, making the journey possible and the "life" at its end a glorious reality. The "life" that the narrow way leads to is the very life of God, freely given through Christ's sacrifice, allowing us to enter into eternal communion with the Father.

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 13:23

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

Luke 13:30

And, behold, there are last which shall be first, and there are first which shall be last.

Matthew 22:14

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

Matthew 16:24

¶ Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any [man] will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.

Matthew 16:25

For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.

Romans 12:2

And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what [is] that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Isaiah 35:8

And an highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called The way of holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it; but it [shall be] for those: the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err [therein].