Meaning, commentary and cross references
Matthew 7:14
“For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.”In other translations
KJV · King James Version
Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
NIV · New International Version
But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.
WEB · World English Bible
How narrow is the gate and the way is restricted that leads to life! There are few who find it.
What does Matthew 7:14 mean?
John Gill · Exposition of the Entire Bible, on Matthew 7:14
Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way,.... And so, difficult to enter in at; and when entered, the way is unpleasant to the flesh to walk in, being hedged up on each side with afflictions and tribulations; and moreover, is like the "narrow place", or , "the strait place", as the Septuagint in Numbers 22:26 render it; in which the angel that met Balaam stood; and in which there was no turning to the right hand or the left; and such is the way to eternal happiness. The great encouragement to walk on in it is, because it is that way which leadeth unto life: unto eternal life: it certainly leads thither; it never fails of bringing persons to it; believers in Christ, all that walk in…
John Gill, Exposition of the Entire Bible (1746–63). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
John Calvin · Commentaries, on Matthew 7:12–14
Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the road, which leadeth to life, and there are few who find it. 31. And as you wish that men should do to you, do you also to them likewise. Matthew 7:12. All things whatsoever you would wish The word therefore (oun) is superfluous, as we often find such particles occurring, and without any addition to the sense, in detached sentences. [467] I have already said, that Matthew does not give here a single discourse, but a summary of doctrine collected out of many sermons.
John Calvin, Commentaries (Calvin Translation Society English text). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
Context: Matthew 7:11–17 (WEB)
11If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him! 12Therefore, whatever you desire for men to do to you, you shall also do to them; for this is the law and the prophets. 13“Enter in by the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter in by it. 14How narrow is the gate and the way is restricted that leads to life! There are few who find it. 15“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravening wolves. 16By their fruits you will know them. Do you gather grapes from thorns or figs from thistles? 17Even so, every good tree produces good fruit, but the corrupt tree produces evil fruit.
Cross references
- Luke 13:23–30
One said to him, “Lord, are they few who are saved?” He said to them,
- Matthew 22:14
For many are called, but few chosen.”
- Matthew 16:24–25
Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If anyone desires to come after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.
- Romans 12:2
Don’t be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what is the good, well-pleasing, and perfect will of God.
- Isaiah 35:8
A highway will be there, a road, and it will be called “The Holy Way”. The unclean shall not pass over it, but it will be for those who walk in the Way. Wicked fools shall not go there.
- Mark 8:34
He called the multitude to himself with his disciples and said to them, “Whoever wants to come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
- Proverbs 8:20
I walk in the way of righteousness, in the middle of the paths of justice,
- Acts 14:22
strengthening the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that through many afflictions we must enter into God’s Kingdom.