The Greek word used for "strive" carries the intensity of an athlete competing for a prize, highlighting that entering God's kingdom isn't passive wishing but an all-out struggle. This isn't about merely wanting salvation; it's about actively, with all your might, pushing towards that narrow door.
“Strive to enter through the narrow door. For many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able. When once the master of the house has risen and shut the door, and you begin to stand outside and to knock at the door, saying, ‘Lord, open to us,’ then he will answer you, ‘I do not know where you come from.’
English Standard Version (ESV)
A curious questioner asks Jesus if few people will be saved, prompting Jesus to shift from parables to a direct exhortation. He urges his listeners to earnestly strive to enter through a narrow door, warning that many will try and fail. This is part of Jesus' broader teaching about the Kingdom of God, emphasizing that entering it requires determined effort, not mere passive desire or relying on one's current status.
Jesus doesn't mince words: entering God's kingdom requires serious effort. But what does that 'striving' actually look like?
The word Jesus uses for 'strive' is powerful, originally describing athletes competing intensely in games. It implies a full-out, all-consuming effort – not a casual wish, but a determined struggle.
A Demanding Race
Think of the effort involved in a race or a wrestling match. It requires training, dedication, and pouring every ounce of energy into the pursuit. Jesus applies this intense imagery to our spiritual journey. It's about actively wrestling with sin, pushing through difficulties, and making salvation the absolute top priority in our lives.
More Than Just Wishing
This isn't about passively hoping for the best. Many will 'seek' to enter, but their seeking will be weak, superficial, and lacking the necessary commitment. True striving means actively engaging in faith, prayer, obedience, and perseverance, even when it's hard.
Why is the door 'narrow'? And what does it mean that so many will be turned away despite their seeking?
Jesus contrasts the 'narrow door' with a broader way that leads to destruction. This isn't about God arbitrarily limiting access; it's about the nature of His kingdom and the choices people make.
A Defining Entrance
The narrowness signifies exclusivity – not in a way that punishes the sincere, but in a way that requires a definitive choice. It means leaving behind the popular, easy path of sin and self-reliance for the challenging, God-centered way.
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The Deception of 'Seeking'
Many will 'seek' to enter, perhaps even with good intentions or a desire for salvation, but they will seek in the wrong way or at the wrong time. They might rely on their own efforts, outward religious performance, or try to squeeze through at the last moment when the door is shut. Their seeking is not the active, committed striving Jesus calls for, and therefore, they 'shall not be able' to enter.
Understand the original words
agōnizomai · Greek Verb
To struggle, fight, or exert intense effort; metaphorically used for the earnest, sacrificial commitment required to follow Christ.
pylē · Greek Noun
A symbol of the exclusive and challenging path of faith in Jesus, emphasizing that entry into God's kingdom requires a decisive, focused commitment rather than a broad, easy path.
oikodespotēs · Greek Noun
Refers to the head of a household who exercises authority over who may enter; in this context, it represents God or Christ as the Judge of entrance into the kingdom.
Jesus' teaching on the 'narrow door' comes during his ministry when he is actively calling people to follow him. The historical context highlights that this wasn't an abstract theological point but a direct response to questions about who would be saved, urging listeners to take immediate, earnest action.
c. 27-30 AD— this verse
Jesus' Public Ministry
Jesus travels throughout Galilee and Judea, teaching about the Kingdom of God and calling people to repent and believe.
c. 27-30 AD
Jesus' Teachings on the Kingdom
Jesus uses parables and direct teachings to explain the nature of God's kingdom, its exclusivity, and the requirements for entry.
c. 30 AD
The Question About Fewness of the Saved
A question is posed to Jesus regarding whether few people will be saved, prompting his teaching on striving to enter the narrow door.
c. 30 AD
Jesus' Journey to Jerusalem
Jesus begins his final journey to Jerusalem, a period marked by intense teaching and confrontation leading up to his crucifixion.
This passage echoes Jesus' teaching on the narrow door and difficult path to life, emphasizing the contrast between the easy, popular way leading to destruction and the challenging, less-traveled way leading to life. It reinforces the idea that entering into God's kingdom requires intentionality and effort.
1 Corinthians 9:24-25Paul uses the metaphor of athletes competing in games, urging believers to 'strive' for victory. This connects directly with the word 'strive' in Luke 13:24, highlighting that spiritual life requires intense effort and discipline to gain an eternal reward.
Galatians 5:7Paul asks, 'You were running well. Who hindered you from obeying the truth?' This suggests that a spiritual race can be started but also hindered, resonating with the idea that many 'seek' to enter but ultimately 'will not be able to,' implying they fall short due to some obstruction or lack of sustained effort.
Philippians 2:12-13This passage calls believers to 'work out your own salvation with fear and trembling,' clarifying that it is God who works in them. This parallels the call to 'strive' in Luke 13:24, showing that human effort in seeking salvation is empowered by God's internal work.
Hebrews 12:1The author encourages believers to 'run with endurance the race that is set before us,' again using the athletic imagery of a contest. This reinforces the need for persistent striving and focus on the goal of entering God's kingdom, as described in Luke's Gospel.
vincentLuke 13:24: "Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able."
StriveUsed only by Luke and Paul, except John 18:36. Originally to contend for a prize in the public games; and thus conveying a sense of struggle. The kindred noun, ἀγωνία, agony, is used of Christ's struggle in Gethsemane (Luke 22:44). Compare 1 Timothy 6:12; 2 Timothy 4:7.Strait gate (στενῆς θύρας)Rev., narrow door. See on Matthew 7:13. The door of a house, and not…
calvinLuke 13:23-24: "Then said one unto him, Lord, are there few that be saved? And he said unto them,"
- And one saith to him, Lord, are there few who obtain salvation? And he said to them, 24. Strive to enter by the narrow gate: for many, I say to you, will seek to enter, and shall not be able.
Luke 13:23. And one saith to him Although Matthew relates this answer, as if it were immediately connected with other sentences taken out of our Lord's sermons, yet I rather think that the occasion of it…
The Greek word used for "strive" carries the intensity of an athlete competing for a prize, highlighting that entering God's kingdom isn't passive wishing but an all-out struggle. This isn't about merely wanting salvation; it's about actively, with all your might, pushing towards that narrow door.
A curious questioner asks Jesus if few people will be saved, prompting Jesus to shift from parables to a direct exhortation. He urges his listeners to earnestly strive to enter through a narrow door, warning that many will try and fail. This is part of Jesus' broader teaching about the Kingdom of God, emphasizing that entering it requires determined effort, not mere passive desire or relying on one's current status.
A curious questioner asks Jesus if few people will be saved, prompting Jesus to shift from parables to a direct exhortation. He urges his listeners to earnestly strive to enter through a narrow door, warning that many will try and fail. This is part of Jesus' broader teaching about the Kingdom of God, emphasizing that entering it requires determined effort, not mere passive desire or relying on one's current status.
"“Strive to enter through the narrow door. For many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able. When once the master of the house has risen and shut the door, and you begin to stand outside and to knock at the door, saying, ‘Lord,…" — The Greek word used for "strive" carries the intensity of an athlete competing for a prize, highlighting that entering God's kingdom isn't passive wishing but an all-out struggle. This isn't about me…
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Last reviewed October 2026
