Matthew 7:14
For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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This verse highlights that the "gate" and "way" aren't just narrow and difficult after you find them; the very finding of them requires active searching and discerning, contrasting with the broad, obvious path of destruction. The emphasis is on the effort and seeking involved in discovering this life-giving path, not just enduring it once found.
Jesus is contrasting two paths: one leading to destruction, which is broad and easy to enter, and another leading to life, which is narrow and difficult. This verse explains why the path to life is not the default choice for most people—its entrance and journey require conscious effort and sacrifice, which the majority are unwilling to make.
Is the 'gate' at the beginning or the end of the journey? Understanding where this narrow entrance lies is key to finding the path to life.
Jesus describes two gates and two ways: one wide and easy, leading to destruction, and one narrow and hard, leading to life.
The Gate of Entry
It's crucial to see that the 'strait gate' isn't something you arrive at after a long, comfortable walk. Instead, it's the point of entry into the way of life. Many commentators highlight that this narrow gate is the initial decision, the commitment to follow Jesus' teachings, even when they are difficult.
Think of it like a small door in a large wall. You can't just saunter through; it requires a deliberate choice to enter and adopt a specific path.
The Narrow Way of Life
Once through the gate, the 'narrow way' itself is also described as 'hard' or 'pressed.' This implies a journey that requires constant effort, discipline, and perseverance, often pushing against the natural inclinations of our flesh and the pull of the wider world. It's not about finding a path that avoids all difficulty, but one that leads to true, abundant life.
Jesus states plainly that 'few' find this narrow way. What makes this life-giving path so elusive to the majority?
The verse doesn't just describe the gate and the way; it makes a stark observation: 'few there be that find it.' This isn't meant to be discouraging, but realistic.
The Allure of the Broad Way
Human nature often gravitates towards ease, comfort, and acceptance. The 'broad way' is wide, accommodating, and popular. It allows for greater freedom in pursuing personal desires and fitting in with the crowd. As one commentator notes, this way 'gives no check to appetites or passions.'
The Cost of the Narrow Way
Finding and walking the narrow way requires a conscious search and a willingness to deny oneself, resist sin, and endure hardship for the sake of a greater, eternal reward. It demands a different perspective – one that values spiritual treasure over worldly pleasures. It's a path less traveled precisely because it calls for a counter-cultural commitment and a surrender of self-will.
Understand the original words
zōēn · Greek Noun
The state of eternal communion and union with God, made possible through Jesus Christ. It is the restoration of the purpose for which humanity was created.
This passage asks a similar question about the number of people being saved, echoing the concern about 'few' finding the way to life mentioned in Matthew 7:14.
John 14:6Jesus declares Himself to be 'the way, the truth, and the life,' directly connecting His identity with the narrow path described in Matthew 7:14.
Philippians 3:18-19This passage describes people whose 'end is destruction' because they 'are enemies of the cross of Christ,' highlighting the contrast between those following the broad way and the narrow way.
1 Corinthians 1:18Paul speaks of the message of the cross as 'foolishness to those who are perishing' but 'the power of God' to those being saved, mirroring the difficult and exclusive nature of the narrow way.
Galatians 5:22-23The 'fruit of the Spirit' is presented as a direct contrast to the desires of the flesh, illustrating the self-denial and transformation required for the narrow way.
clarkeMatthew 7:14: "Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it."
Because strait is the gate - Instead of οτι because, I should prefer τι how, which reading is supported by a great majority of the best MSS., versions, and fathers. How strait is that gate! This mode of expression more forcibly points out the difficulty of the way to the kingdom. How strange is it that men should be unwilling to give up their worldly interests to secure the…
pulpitMatthew 7:14: "Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it."
Verse 14. - Because (ὅτι); for (Revised Version); "many ancient authorities read, How narrow is the gate, etc." (Revised Version margin). The reading, "how" (τί) is much easier, as avoiding the difficulty of the connexion of this verse with the preceding, but probably ὅτι is right. The connexion is either that it is parallel to the first ὅτι, and thus gives a second reason…
This verse highlights that the "gate" and "way" aren't just narrow and difficult after you find them; the very finding of them requires active searching and discerning, contrasting with the broad, obvious path of destruction. The emphasis is on the effort and seeking involved in discovering this life-giving path, not just enduring it once found.
Jesus is contrasting two paths: one leading to destruction, which is broad and easy to enter, and another leading to life, which is narrow and difficult. This verse explains why the path to life is not the default choice for most people—its entrance and journey require conscious effort and sacrifice, which the majority are unwilling to make.
Jesus is contrasting two paths: one leading to destruction, which is broad and easy to enter, and another leading to life, which is narrow and difficult. This verse explains the path to life is not the default choice for most people—its entrance and journey require conscious effort and sacrifice, which the majority are unwilling to make.
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"For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few." — This verse highlights that the "gate" and "way" aren't just narrow and difficult after you find them; the very finding of them requires active searching and discerning, contrasting with the broad,…
