Matthew Chapter 7 · Verse 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:
Original Language Analysis
δι'
at
G1223
δι'
at
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
2 of 25
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
οἱ
which
G3588
οἱ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πύλη
gate
G4439
πύλη
gate
Strong's:
G4439
Word #:
5 of 25
a gate, i.e., the leaf or wing of a folding entrance (literally or figuratively)
ὅτι
for
G3754
ὅτι
for
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
6 of 25
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
οἱ
which
G3588
οἱ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πύλη
gate
G4439
πύλη
gate
Strong's:
G4439
Word #:
9 of 25
a gate, i.e., the leaf or wing of a folding entrance (literally or figuratively)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
10 of 25
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
οἱ
which
G3588
οἱ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὁδὸς
is the way
G3598
ὁδὸς
is the way
Strong's:
G3598
Word #:
13 of 25
a road; by implication, a progress (the route, act or distance); figuratively, a mode or means
οἱ
which
G3588
οἱ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
εἰς
to
G1519
εἰς
to
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
16 of 25
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
οἱ
which
G3588
οἱ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
17 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
19 of 25
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
πολλοί
many
G4183
πολλοί
many
Strong's:
G4183
Word #:
20 of 25
(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely
οἱ
which
G3588
οἱ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
22 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Proverbs 16:25There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.John 14:6Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.John 10:9I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.Isaiah 55:7Let 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 9:6Forsake the foolish, and live; and go in the way of understanding.Galatians 5:24And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.Matthew 3:2And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.Matthew 3:8Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance:Revelation 20:15And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.Matthew 23:13But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in.
Historical Context
Two-ways teaching was common in Jewish and early Christian instruction (Deuteronomy 30:15-20, Jeremiah 21:8, Didache 1-6, Barnabas 18-20). Jesus' audience, mostly poor peasants, might have expected the elite's path to be narrow and difficult, but Jesus reverses this - the popular path leads to destruction regardless of who travels it. Early Christians, a persecuted minority, found comfort in this teaching - their narrow, difficult path was correct despite societal opposition.
Questions for Reflection
- What makes the broad path attractive yet ultimately destructive?
- How does cultural popularity or majority opinion mislead regarding truth and life?
- What specific 'narrow gate' choices challenge you to swim against cultural currents?
Analysis & Commentary
Jesus contrasts two paths: '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' (Greek: στενὴ ἡ πύλη καὶ τεθλιμμένη ἡ ὁδός, 'narrow the gate and constricted the way'). The 'wide gate' and 'broad way' suggest easy, popular path requiring little sacrifice. It 'leads to destruction' (ἀπώλειαν) - eternal ruin, not annihilation. 'Many' travel this path - majority does not determine truth. The imagery evokes Deuteronomy 30:15-20's choice between life and death, blessing and curse. The easy path is deceptive - comfortable now but catastrophic eternally.