### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **stenós**, represented by `{{G4728}}`, means **strait** or narrow. It appears **3 times** in **3 unique verses** in the Bible. The term describes something that is narrow, as if from obstacles standing close about.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{G4728}}` is used exclusively to describe the **strait** gate. In [[Matthew 7:13]], it is contrasted with the wide gate and broad way that leads to destruction, which many people enter. The following verse explains that because the gate is **strait** and the way is narrow, only a **few** `{{G3641}}` find the path that leads to life [[Matthew 7:14]]. In Luke, the command is given to **strive** to enter the **strait** gate, with a warning that many will seek to enter but will not be able [[Luke 13:24]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the meaning of the strait gate and its alternative:
* `{{G2346}}` **thlíbō** (narrow): This word is used alongside **stenós** to describe the way to life, translated as **narrow** [[Matthew 7:14]]. It signifies being crowded or afflicted, highlighting the difficulty of the path.
* `{{G4116}}` **platýs** (wide): In direct contrast to the strait gate, this term describes the **wide** gate that leads to destruction, which many enter [[Matthew 7:13]].
* `{{G2149}}` **eurýchōros** (broad): This word is used to describe the **broad** way that leads to destruction, emphasizing its spacious and easy nature [[Matthew 7:13]].
* `{{G75}}` **agōnízomai** (strive): This verb describes the effort required to enter the strait gate. Believers are commanded to **strive** to enter, indicating a conscious and fervent struggle [[Luke 13:24]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G4728}}` is centered on the doctrine of the two ways.
* **The Path of Destruction:** Scripture presents a path characterized by a **wide** `{{G4116}}` gate and a **broad** `{{G2149}}` way. This path **leadeth** `{{G520}}` to **destruction** `{{G684}}`, and **many** `{{G4183}}` are on it [[Matthew 7:13]].
* **The Path to Life:** In contrast, the path that **leadeth** `{{G520}}` to **life** `{{G2222}}` is through a **strait** `{{G4728}}` gate and a **narrow** `{{G2346}}` way. It is found by only a **few** `{{G3641}}`, underscoring its exclusivity [[Matthew 7:14]].
* **The Call to Effort:** Entry through the strait gate is not passive. It requires one to **strive** `{{G75}}` and **seek** `{{G2212}}` to enter. The warning that many will not **be able** `{{G2480}}` highlights the necessity of deliberate and forceful effort [[Luke 13:24]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G4728}}` **stenós** is a critical term used to illustrate the nature of the path to salvation. Though it appears only three times, it powerfully establishes the metaphor of the two ways. The **strait** gate represents a difficult, deliberate, and narrow entrance to **life** `{{G2222}}` that few find, standing in stark contrast to the easy, broad way to **destruction** `{{G684}}` that many follow. It serves as a call to **strive** `{{G75}}` and consciously choose the demanding path that leads to life.
TRV