Matthew 7:13-14 Narrow Gate and Wide Gate Paradox
In Matthew 7:13-14, Jesus instructs his followers to "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But narrow is the gate and constricted is the road that leads to life, and there are few who find it" [1, 2]. This passage concludes the Sermon on the Mount, serving as a call to decision regarding Jesus' teachings [3, 8].
The imagery of two gates and two ways presents a stark contrast between paths leading to life and destruction [1, 2, 8]. The "strait gate" (as rendered in some translations) is described as hardly wide enough to admit one, symbolizing the difficulty of the initial step in faith, which requires overcoming natural inclinations [3]. This difficulty extends to the entire "narrow way," which is characterized as difficult and unpleasant to the flesh, "hedged up on each side with afflictions and tribulations" [4, 7]. This path, however, "leadeth unto life" [2, 7].
Conversely, the "wide gate" is easily entered, and the "broad way" is easily trodden [3, 4]. This path is appealing because it aligns with natural inclinations and offers abundant company [4]. However, this seemingly easy route "leadeth to destruction" [1]. The choice between these two paths is not always obvious, as what appears right on the surface may not be the correct choice [6].
The "narrow gate" refers to the decision to follow Jesus as the Messiah, while the "wide gate and broad highway" represent the decision not to follow his teachings [8]. There is no middle ground; one must either follow Jesus to obtain eternal life or disown him and face God's condemnation [8]. The concept of few finding the narrow way is echoed in other New Testament passages, highlighting that few people come to the light revealed in Christ [5].
This passage functions as a critical exhortation, emphasizing the seriousness of discipleship and the consequences of one's choices. It underscores that the path to eternal life is challenging and requires deliberate effort, contrasting with the ease and popularity of the path to destruction [3, 4, 7].
Sources
- Matthew “Matthew 7:13 (BSB) — Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and many enter through it.”
- Matthew “Matthew 7:14 (LEB) — because narrow is the gate and constricted is the road that leads to life, and there are few who find it!”
- Matthew (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Matthew 7:13: CONCLUSION AND EFFECT OF THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT. (Mat. 7:13-29) Enter ye in at the strait gate--as if hardly wide enough to admit one at all. This expresses the difficulty of the first right step in religion, involving, as it does, a triumph over all our natural inclinations. Hence the still stronger expression in Luke (Luk 13:24), "Strive to enter in at the strait gate." for wide is the gate--easily entered. and broad is the way--easily trodden. that leadeth to destruction, and--thus lured "many there be which go in thereat."”
- Matthew (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Matthew 7:14: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life--In other words, the whole course is as difficult as the first step; and (so it comes to pass that). few there be that find it--The recommendation of the broad way is the ease with which it is trodden and the abundance of company to be found in it. It is sailing with a fair wind and a favorable tide. The natural inclinations are not crossed, and fears of the issue, if not easily hushed, are in the long run effectually subdued. The one disadvantage of this course is its end--i”
- Matthew (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Matthew 7:14: 7:14 Few people come to the light that is revealed in Christ (see 19:23; 20:16; 22:14; see also John 3:19; 6:66-71).”
- Proverbs (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Proverbs 14:12: 14:12 // 16:25 The right choice is not always the one that seems right on the surface (see Matt 7:13-14).”
- Matthew (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Matthew 7:13: 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 Num 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: un”
- Matthew (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Matthew 7:13: 7:13-27 The Sermon on the Mount closes with a call to decide about Jesus and his teaching (see 4:23; 9:35). Those who hear Jesus’ message regarding the Kingdom must follow him to obtain eternal life or disown him and experience God’s condemnation. There is no middle way (Deut 30:15-20; Ps 1; Prov 12:28; Jer 21:8). 7:13 Entering through the narrow gate refers to the decision to follow Jesus as the Messiah. The wide gate and broad highway refer to the decision not to follow Jesus and his teachings. • Hell refers to being thrown into the fire, not entering the Kingd”