King James Version

What Does Luke 13:24 Mean?

Luke 13:24 in the King James Version says “Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able.” — study this verse from Luke chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able.”

Luke 13:24 · KJV

Context

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:

26

Then shall ye begin to say, We have eaten and drunk in thy presence, and thou hast taught in our streets.

Read Luke 13 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jesus warns: 'Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able.' The word 'strive' (Greek 'agōnizesthe,' ἀγωνίζεσθε) means agonize, fight, exert intense effort—where we get 'agonize.' The 'strait gate' (Greek 'stenēs,' στενῆς, narrow) contrasts the wide gate leading to destruction (Matthew 7:13-14). Salvation requires earnest pursuit, not casual interest. The warning 'many...will seek to enter in, and shall not be able' indicates external religious activity without genuine faith fails. Seeking without striving, desiring without committing, won't save. Salvation is by grace through faith, but genuine faith strives to enter.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This answered the question 'Lord, are there few that be saved?' (v. 23). Jewish assumption was that all Israel would be saved except apostates. Jesus shatters this presumption—many seeking salvation won't attain it because they seek wrong things or in wrong ways. The narrow gate requires humble repentance and faith, which pride resists. The wider religious path—ritual observance without heart transformation—is crowded but leads to death. Early Christian preaching emphasized 'strive'—Paul used athletic metaphors (1 Corinthians 9:24-27, Philippians 3:12-14). The striving isn't to earn salvation but to genuinely pursue and embrace it, fighting unbelief and sin.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does 'strive to enter' teach about the intensity and seriousness required in pursuing salvation?
  2. How does the warning that many will seek but not be able enter correct presumption about automatic salvation?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 15 words
Ἀγωνίζεσθε1 of 15

“Strive”

G75

to struggle, literally (to compete for a prize), figuratively (to contend with an adversary), or genitive case (to endeavor to accomplish something)

εἰσελθεῖν2 of 15

“to enter in”

G1525

to enter (literally or figuratively)

διὰ3 of 15

“at”

G1223

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

τῆς4 of 15
G3588

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

στενῆς5 of 15

“the strait”

G4728

narrow (from obstacles standing close about)

πύλης·6 of 15

“gate”

G4439

a gate, i.e., the leaf or wing of a folding entrance (literally or figuratively)

ὅτι7 of 15

“for”

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

πολλοί8 of 15

“many”

G4183

(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely

λέγω9 of 15

“I say”

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

ὑμῖν10 of 15

“unto you”

G5213

to (with or by) you

ζητήσουσιν11 of 15

“will seek”

G2212

to seek (literally or figuratively); specially, (by hebraism) to worship (god), or (in a bad sense) to plot (against life)

εἰσελθεῖν12 of 15

“to enter in”

G1525

to enter (literally or figuratively)

καὶ13 of 15

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

οὐκ14 of 15

“not”

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

ἰσχύσουσιν15 of 15

“be able”

G2480

to have (or exercise) force (literally or figuratively)

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 13:24 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 13:24 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 7:13-142 Peter 1:101 Corinthians 9:24-27Hebrews 4:11Luke 21:36Ezekiel 33:31

Test Your Knowledge

Luke 13 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterLuke Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Luke 13 with CommentaryAll Luke ChaptersComplete Luke QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes