probably from the base of ἵστημι; narrow (from obstacles standing close about):--strait.
Transliteration:stenós
Pronunciation:sten-os'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word στενός (stenós, `{{G4728}}`) fundamentally means "narrow," "confined," or "strait." Its etymological root is often linked to ἵστημι (histēmi, `{{G2476}}`), meaning "to stand," suggesting the idea of things standing close together, thereby creating a restricted or compressed space. This core meaning implies a lack of spaciousness, often due to surrounding constraints, pressure, or limiting factors. While it can denote physical narrowness, its primary use in the New Testament is metaphorical, conveying a sense of difficulty, challenge, or limited options due to the restrictive nature of the "narrowness." It stands in contrast to concepts of breadth, ease, or unrestricted access.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term στενός (stenós, `{{G4728}}`) appears only twice in the New Testament, both times in the teachings of Jesus within the Synoptic Gospels, specifically in the context of the "narrow gate" and "narrow way."
* In **[[Matthew 7:13]]**, Jesus commands, "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it."
* In **[[Matthew 7:14]]**, he continues, "But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it." (Here, στενός modifies "road" or "way").
* A parallel passage is found in **[[Luke 13:24]]**: "Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able to." (Luke uses "door" instead of "gate," but the concept remains identical).
In these crucial passages, στενός describes the path or entry point to eternal life. The "narrowness" of the gate/door and the way signifies that this path is not one of ease, convenience, or popularity. It implies a demanding journey that requires deliberate choice, self-denial, and adherence to specific principles taught by Christ. This narrowness stands in stark contrast to the "broad" way, which is characterized by ease, accommodation, and popularity, yet ultimately leads to destruction. The "narrow gate/door" represents the challenging and decisive commitment required to begin this journey of discipleship.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **Antonym:** The direct antonym presented in the same context is πλατύς (platys, `{{G4116}}`), meaning "broad" or "wide," used in [[Matthew 7:13]] to describe the path to destruction.
* **Related Concepts of Difficulty/Pressure:** While not direct synonyms, the concept of στενός often evokes or is associated with words like θλίψις (thlipsis, `{{G2347}}`), which means "tribulation," "affliction," or "distress." The "narrow way" is frequently characterized by thlipsis, as following Christ often involves experiencing pressure, hardship, or opposition.
* **The "Way":** The term ὁδός (hodos, `{{G3598}}`), meaning "way," "road," or "journey," is central to the metaphor, as στενός qualifies the nature of this spiritual journey.
* **Entry Points:** πύλη (pylē, `{{G4439}}`, "gate") and θύρα (thyra, `{{G2374}}`, "door") are the specific entry points that are described as στενός.
* **Etymological Root:** The connection to ἵστημι (histēmi, `{{G2476}}`, "to stand") reinforces the idea of being hemmed in or restricted by things "standing" close together.
### Theological Significance
The concept of the "narrow way" (stenós hodós) is a profound and foundational teaching of Jesus, carrying significant theological implications:
* **Demanding Discipleship:** The "narrowness" signifies that the path to life is not one of compromise, moral laxity, or easy belief. It demands radical commitment, self-denial, taking up one's cross, and following Christ wholeheartedly ([[Matthew 16:24]]; [[Luke 9:23]]). It requires a life lived in accordance with Christ's teachings, which often run counter to worldly values and desires.
* **Exclusivity of Christ's Path:** The narrow gate implies that there is a specific, divinely appointed way to salvation, centered on Jesus Christ. It challenges universalism or the idea that all paths lead to God.
* **Fewness of True Believers:** The observation that "only a few find it" ([[Matthew 7:14]]) highlights the challenging reality that genuine, costly commitment to Christ and His way is not a majority pursuit. It underscores the difficulty and the cost of true discipleship, serving as a warning against superficial or nominal faith.
* **The Nature of God's Kingdom:** Entry into God's kingdom is not automatic. It requires a decisive response, repentance, and a transformed life, a departure from the broad, popular paths of the world.
* **Warning Against Conformity:** The stark contrast between the narrow way and the broad way serves as a potent warning against conformity to the world's standards, values, and easygoing morality, which ultimately lead to destruction.
* **Divine Call and Human Responsibility:** While the way is narrow and few find it, the call to "make every effort to enter" ([[Luke 13:24]]) emphasizes human responsibility to respond earnestly to God's gracious invitation.
### Summary
The Greek word στενός (stenós, `{{G4728}}`), meaning "narrow" or "strait," is used by Jesus in the New Testament to describe the gate/door and the way that leads to eternal life. This "narrowness" stands in stark contrast to the "broad" way that leads to destruction. Theologically, στενός encapsulates the demanding, challenging, and exclusive nature of genuine Christian discipleship. It signifies that the path to salvation requires a deliberate and costly commitment, self-denial, and adherence to Christ's teachings, often running counter to popular opinion and worldly ease. The "narrow way" underscores that true followers of Christ will be few, highlighting the seriousness of salvation and the profound transformation required to walk with Him.
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