King James Version

What Does Luke 13:23 Mean?

Luke 13:23 in the King James Version says “Then said one unto him, Lord, are there few that be saved? And he said unto them,” — study this verse from Luke chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Then said one unto him, Lord, are there few that be saved? And he said unto them,”

Luke 13:23 · KJV

Salvation

Context

21

It is like leaven, which a woman took and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened.

22

And he went through the cities and villages, teaching, and journeying toward Jerusalem.

23

Then said one unto him, Lord, are there few that be saved? And he said unto them,

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.

25

When once the master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door, and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, Lord, open unto us; and he shall answer and say unto you, I know you not whence ye are:

Read Luke 13 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Someone asks: 'Lord, are there few that be saved?' Jesus responds: 'Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able' (Κύριε, εἰ ὀλίγοι οἱ σῳζόμενοι; ὁ δὲ εἶπεν πρὸς αὐτούς, Ἀγωνίζεσθε εἰσελθεῖν διὰ τῆς στενῆς θύρας· ὅτι πολλοί, λέγω ὑμῖν, ζητήσουσιν εἰσελθεῖν καὶ οὐκ ἰσχύσουσιν). Jesus redirects from speculation to personal urgency. The verb 'agōnizomai' (ἀγωνίζεσθε, strive) means agonize, fight, compete intensely—salvation requires wholehearted commitment. The 'narrow door' (στενῆς θύρας) admits only those willing to abandon self-righteousness and trust Christ alone.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The question about few being saved reflects Jewish debate over Gentile inclusion and salvation criteria. Some rabbis taught that all Israel would be saved; others emphasized strict observance requirements. Jesus' answer warns against presuming salvation through ethnic heritage ('we have eaten and drunk in thy presence,' v.26) or religious association. His warning that 'many will seek to enter and shall not be able' challenges comfortable assumptions about automatic salvation. The narrow gate/broad way contrast (Matthew 7:13-14) became central to Christian understanding of salvation's exclusivity through Christ.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does the call to strive and agonize teach about the seriousness of pursuing salvation?
  2. How does Jesus' answer challenge both presumptuous assurance and anxious uncertainty about salvation?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 14 words
εἶπεν1 of 14

“he said”

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

δὲ2 of 14

“And”

G1161

but, and, etc

τις3 of 14

“one”

G5100

some or any person or object

αὐτούς4 of 14

“him”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

Κύριε5 of 14

“Lord”

G2962

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

εἰ6 of 14

“are there few”

G1487

if, whether, that, etc

ὀλίγοι7 of 14
G3641

puny (in extent, degree, number, duration or value); especially neuter (adverbially) somewhat

οἱ8 of 14
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

σῳζόμενοι9 of 14

“that be saved”

G4982

to save, i.e., deliver or protect (literally or figuratively)

ὁ10 of 14
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

δὲ11 of 14

“And”

G1161

but, and, etc

εἶπεν12 of 14

“he said”

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

πρὸς13 of 14

“unto”

G4314

a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,

αὐτούς14 of 14

“him”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Luke. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Luke 13:23 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Luke 13:23 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 7:14Matthew 22:14Luke 12:13-15Matthew 20:16John 21:21-22Matthew 24:3-5

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