King James Version

What Does Matthew 7:13 Mean?

Matthew 7:13 in the King James Version says “Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there ... — study this verse from Matthew chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat : strait: or, narrow

Matthew 7:13 · KJV


Context

11

If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?

12

Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.

13

Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat : strait: or, narrow

14

Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. Because: or, How

15

Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jesus contrasts two paths: 'Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat' (Greek: στενὴ ἡ πύλη καὶ τεθλιμμένη ἡ ὁδός, 'narrow the gate and constricted the way'). The 'wide gate' and 'broad way' suggest easy, popular path requiring little sacrifice. It 'leads to destruction' (ἀπώλειαν) - eternal ruin, not annihilation. 'Many' travel this path - majority does not determine truth. The imagery evokes Deuteronomy 30:15-20's choice between life and death, blessing and curse. The easy path is deceptive - comfortable now but catastrophic eternally.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Two-ways teaching was common in Jewish and early Christian instruction (Deuteronomy 30:15-20, Jeremiah 21:8, Didache 1-6, Barnabas 18-20). Jesus' audience, mostly poor peasants, might have expected the elite's path to be narrow and difficult, but Jesus reverses this - the popular path leads to destruction regardless of who travels it. Early Christians, a persecuted minority, found comfort in this teaching - their narrow, difficult path was correct despite societal opposition.

Reflection Questions

  1. What makes the broad path attractive yet ultimately destructive?
  2. How does cultural popularity or majority opinion mislead regarding truth and life?
  3. What specific 'narrow gate' choices challenge you to swim against cultural currents?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 25 words
εἰσερχόμενοι1 of 25

Enter ye in

G1525

to enter (literally or figuratively)

δι'2 of 25

at

G1223

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

οἱ3 of 25

which

G3588

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

στενῆς4 of 25

the strait

G4728

narrow (from obstacles standing close about)

πύλη5 of 25

gate

G4439

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

ὅτι6 of 25

for

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

πλατεῖα7 of 25

wide

G4116

spread out "flat" ("plot"), i.e., broad

οἱ8 of 25

which

G3588

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

πύλη9 of 25

gate

G4439

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

καὶ10 of 25

and

G2532

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

εὐρύχωρος11 of 25

broad

G2149

spacious

οἱ12 of 25

which

G3588

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

ὁδὸς13 of 25

is the way

G3598

a road; by implication, a progress (the route, act or distance); figuratively, a mode or means

οἱ14 of 25

which

G3588

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

ἀπάγουσα15 of 25

that leadeth

G520

to take off (in various senses)

εἰς16 of 25

to

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

οἱ17 of 25

which

G3588

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

ἀπώλειαν18 of 25

destruction

G684

ruin or loss (physical, spiritual or eternal)

καὶ19 of 25

and

G2532

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

πολλοί20 of 25

many

G4183

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

εἰσιν21 of 25

there be

G1526

they are

οἱ22 of 25

which

G3588

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

εἰσερχόμενοι23 of 25

Enter ye in

G1525

to enter (literally or figuratively)

δι'24 of 25

at

G1223

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

αὐτῆς·25 of 25
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 Matthew. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Matthew 7:13 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 Matthew 7:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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