Parallel Bible VersionsNASB/KJV Study BibleGreek Bible Study Tools

Matthew 7:14

New American Standard Bible (NASB ©1995) [2]
— “For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it.
King James Version (KJV 1769) [2]
— Because strait [is] the gate, and narrow [is] the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
English Revised Version (ERV 1885)
— For narrow is the gate, and straitened the way, that leadeth unto life, and few be they that find it.
American Standard Version (ASV 1901) [2]
— For narrow is the gate, and straitened the way, that leadeth unto life, and few are they that find it.
Webster's Revision of the KJB (WEB 1833)
— Because strait [is] the gate, and narrow [is] the way, which leadeth to life, and few there are that find it.
Darby's Translation (DBY 1890)
— For narrow the gate and straitened the way that leads to life, and they are few who find it.
Rotherham's Emphasized Bible (EBR 1902)
— Because, narrow, is the gate, and, confined, the way, that leadeth unto life,—and, few, are they who find, it.
Young's Literal Translation (YLT 1898)
— how strait [is] the gate, and compressed the way that is leading to the life, and few are those finding it!
Douay-Rheims Challoner Revision (DR 1750)
— How narrow is the gate, and strait is the way that leadeth to life: and few there are that find it!
Geneva Bible (GNV 1560)
— Because the gate is streight, and the way narowe that leadeth vnto life, and fewe there be that finde it.
Original King James Bible (AV 1611) [2]
— Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way which leadeth vnto life, and few there be that finde it.
Lamsa Bible (1957)
— O how narrow is the door, and how difficult is the road which carries to life, and few are those who are found on it.
John Etheridge Peshitta-Aramaic NT (1849)
— How small is the gate, and narrow the way, that leadeth unto salvation; and they are few who find it!
James Murdock Peshitta-Aramaic NT (1852)
— How small the gate and straitened the way that leadeth to life, and few they who find it!

Strong's Numbers & Red-LettersGreek New TestamentColor-Code/Key Word Studies
Because 3754
{3754} Prime
ὅτι
hoti
{hot'-ee}
Neuter of G3748 as conjugation; demonstrative that (sometimes redundant); causatively because.
strait 4728
{4728} Prime
στενός
stenos
{sten-os'}
Probably from the base of G2476; narrow (from obstacles standing close about).
[is] the x3588
(3588) Complement

ho
{ho}
The masculine, feminine (second) and neuter (third) forms, in all their inflections; the definite article; the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom).
gate, 4439
{4439} Prime
πύλη
pule
{poo'-lay}
Apparently a primary word; a gate, that is, the leaf or wing of a folding entrance (literally or figuratively).
and 2532
{2532} Prime
καί
kai
{kahee}
Apparently a primary particle, having a copulative and sometimes also a cumulative force; and, also, even, so, then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words.
narrow 2346
{2346} Prime
θλίβω
thlibo
{thlee'-bo}
Akin to the base of G5147; to crowd (literally or figuratively).
z5772
<5772> Grammar
Tense - Perfect (See G5778)
Voice - Passive (See G5786)
Mood - Participle (See G5796)
Count - 463
[is] the x3588
(3588) Complement

ho
{ho}
The masculine, feminine (second) and neuter (third) forms, in all their inflections; the definite article; the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom).
way, 3598
{3598} Prime
ὁδός
hodos
{hod-os'}
Apparently a primary word; a road; by implication a progress (the route, act or distance); figuratively a mode or means.
which 3588
{3588} Prime

ho
{ho}
The masculine, feminine (second) and neuter (third) forms, in all their inflections; the definite article; the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom).
leadeth 520
{0520} Prime
ἀπάγω
apago
{ap-ag'-o}
From G0575 and G0071; to take off (in various senses).
z5723
<5723> Grammar
Tense - Present (See G5774)
Voice - Active (See G5784)
Mood - Participle (See G5796)
Count - 2549
unto 1519
{1519} Prime
εἰς
eis
{ice}
A primary preposition; to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases.
life, 2222
{2222} Prime
ζωή
zoe
{dzo-ay'}
From G2198; life (literally or figuratively).
and 2532
{2532} Prime
καί
kai
{kahee}
Apparently a primary particle, having a copulative and sometimes also a cumulative force; and, also, even, so, then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words.
few 3641
{3641} Prime
ὀλίγος
oligos
{ol-ee'-gos}
Of uncertain affinity; puny (in extent, degree, number, duration or value); especially neuter (adverbially) somewhat.
there be 1526
{1526} Prime
εἰσί
eisi
{i-see'}
Third person plural present indicative of G1510; they are.
z5748
<5748> Grammar
Tense - Present (See G5774)
Voice - No Voice Stated (See G5799)
Mood - Indicative (See G5791)
Count - 1612
that find 2147
{2147} Prime
εὑρίσκω
heurisko
{hyoo-ris'-ko}
A prolonged form of a primary word εὕρω [[heuro]], {hyoo'-ro}; which (together with another cognate form, εὑρέω [[heureo]], {hyoo-reh'-o}) is used for it in all the tenses except the present and imperfect; to find (literally or figuratively).
z5723
<5723> Grammar
Tense - Present (See G5774)
Voice - Active (See G5784)
Mood - Participle (See G5796)
Count - 2549
it. 846
{0846} Prime
αὐτός
autos
{ow-tos'}
From the particle αὖ [[au]] (perhaps akin to the base of G0109 through the idea of a baffling wind; backward); the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the compound of G1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Commentary

Matthew 7:14

_ _ Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life — In other words, the whole course is as difficult as the first step; and (so it comes to pass that).

_ _ few there be that find it — The recommendation of the broad way is the ease with which it is trodden and the abundance of company to be found in it. It is sailing with a fair wind and a favorable tide. The natural inclinations are not crossed, and fears of the issue, if not easily hushed, are in the long run effectually subdued. The one disadvantage of this course is its end — it “leadeth to destruction.” The great Teacher says it, and says it as “One having authority.” To the supposed injustice or harshness of this He never once adverts. He leaves it to be inferred that such a course righteously, naturally, necessarily so ends. But whether men see this or no, here He lays down the law of the kingdom, and leaves it with us. As to the other way, the disadvantage of it lies in its narrowness and solicitude. Its very first step involves a revolution in all our purposes and plans for life, and a surrender of all that is dear to natural inclination, while all that follows is but a repetition of the first great act of self-sacrifice. No wonder, then, that few find and few are found in it. But it has one advantage — it “leadeth unto life.” Some critics take “the gate” here, not for the first, but the last step in religion; since gates seldom open into roads, but roads usually terminate in a gate, leading straight to a mansion. But as this would make our Lord’s words to have a very inverted and unnatural form as they stand, it is better, with the majority of critics, to view them as we have done. But since such teaching would be as unpopular as the way itself, our Lord next forewarns His hearers that preachers of smooth things — the true heirs and representatives of the false prophets of old — would be rife enough in the new kingdom.

Matthew Henry's Commentary

See commentary on Matthew 7:12-14.

John Wesley's Explanatory Notes

[[no comment]]

Geneva Bible Translation Notes

Matthew 7:14

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

(c) The way is straight and narrow: we must pass through this rough way and suffer, endure, be changed and so enter into life.

Cross-Reference Topical ResearchStrong's Concordance
because:
or, How

narrow:

Matthew 16:24-25 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. ... For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.
Proverbs 4:26-27 Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established. ... Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil.
Proverbs 8:20 I lead in the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of judgment:
Isaiah 30:21 And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This [is] the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left.
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].
Isaiah 57:14 And shall say, Cast ye up, cast ye up, prepare the way, take up the stumblingblock out of the way of my people.
Jeremiah 6:16 Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where [is] the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk [therein].
Mark 8:34 And when he had called the people [unto him] with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
John 15:18-20 If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before [it hated] you. ... Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also.
John 16:2 They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service.
John 16:33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
Acts 14:22 Confirming the souls of the disciples, [and] exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.
1 Thessalonians 3:2-5 And sent Timotheus, our brother, and minister of God, and our fellowlabourer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you, and to comfort you concerning your faith: ... For this cause, when I could no longer forbear, I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter have tempted you, and our labour be in vain.

and few:

Matthew 20:16 So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen.
Matthew 22:14 For many are called, but few [are] chosen.
Matthew 25:1-12 Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. ... But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not.
Luke 12:32 Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.
Luke 13:23-30 Then said one unto him, Lord, are there few that be saved? And he said unto them, ... And, behold, there are last which shall be first, and there are first which shall be last.
Romans 9:27-29 Esaias also crieth concerning Israel, Though the number of the children of Israel be as the sand of the sea, a remnant shall be saved: ... And as Esaias said before, Except the Lord of Sabaoth had left us a seed, we had been as Sodoma, and been made like unto Gomorrha.
Romans 9:32 Wherefore? Because [they sought it] not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumblingstone;
Romans 11:5-6 Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace. ... And if by grace, then [is it] no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if [it be] of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.
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.
Ephesians 2:2-3 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: ... Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.
1 Peter 3:20-21 Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water. ... The like figure whereunto [even] baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:
Random Bible VersesNew Quotes



Chain-Reference Bible SearchCross References with Concordance

Pv 4:26; 8:20. Is 30:21; 35:8; 57:14. Jr 6:16. Mt 16:24; 20:16; 22:14; 25:1. Mk 8:34. Lk 12:32; 13:23. Jn 15:18; 16:2, 33. Ac 14:22. Ro 9:27, 32; 11:5; 12:2. Ep 2:2. 1Th 3:2. 1P 3:20.

Newest Chat Bible Comment
Comment HereExpand User Bible CommentaryComplete Biblical ResearchComplete Chat Bible Commentary
Recent Chat Bible Comments