Matthew 7:14

14 But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.

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Matthew 7:14 in Other Translations

King James Version (KJV)
14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
English Standard Version (ESV)
14 For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.
New Living Translation (NLT)
14 But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it.
The Message Bible (MSG)
14 The way to life - to God! - is vigorous and requires total attention.
American Standard Version (ASV)
14 For narrow is the gate, and straitened the way, that leadeth unto life, and few are they that find it.
GOD'S WORD Translation (GW)
14 But the narrow gate and the road that lead to life are full of trouble. Only a few people find the narrow gate.
Holman Christian Standard Bible (CSB)
14 How narrow is the gate and difficult the road that leads to life, and few find it.
New International Reader's Version (NIRV)
14 But the gate is small and the road is narrow that lead to life. Only a few people find it.

Matthew 7:14 Meaning and Commentary

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 (stenov topov) , "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 Christ the way, though they are said to be "scarcely" saved, by reason of their afflictions and trials, they meet with in their way to the kingdom; yet they are, and shall be certainly saved: they shall be safely brought to glory; which will be an abundant recompense for all the troubles and sorrows that have attended them in their journey.

And few there be that find it;
the way, and so consequently the life it leads to. "The gate is strait"; small and little, and so unobserved: there is but one way to heaven, and the generality of men neglect it. "The way is narrow", and so disagreeable; the company few, and not engaging. Men choose large gates, broad ways, and much company. The flesh loves to walk at liberty, unconfined, and uncontrolled, and with a multitude to do evil: hence, Zion's ways are thin of passengers; a small number, comparatively speaking, walk thereto, and will be saved; a remnant, a little flock, a little city, and few men in it. It is asked in the Talmud F17,

``why is the world to come created with "jod?" (the least of the letters in the "Hebrew alphabet") the answer is, because (Myjewm wbv Myqydu) , "the righteous which are in it are few".''

Some read the words, as the Syriac, Arabic, and Vulgate Latin, with a note of admiration, "how strait is the gate!" &c. and so some copies.


FOOTNOTES:

F17 T. Bab. Menachot, fol. 29. 2.

Matthew 7:14 In-Context

12 So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.
13 “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it.
14 But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.
15 “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves.
16 By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles?

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