New Testament · Gospel

Matthew 7:13

The Narrow Gate

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 7:13 · Berean Standard Bible
What It Means

Matthew 7:13, in plain English

Choose the narrow gate, because the wide, easy path that everyone takes leads to destruction.

Why it's here

Jesus is being honest: following Him isn't the popular or easy choice, but it's the one that leads to real life.

Who's speaking

Jesus, calling you to a serious decision.

Where it sits in the story

This is where the Sermon gets personal: after all the teaching, Jesus asks, 'Which path will you choose?'

A Closer Look

The scholarly reading

Jesus presents two gates and two paths: the wide gate (plateia pyle) leading to apoleia (destruction) and the narrow gate (stene pyle) leading to life, warning that the majority choose the easier path.

Language and setting

City gates were familiar images; the narrow gate may allude to a small pedestrian entrance requiring one to pass through singly and with effort.

Voice

Jesus, beginning the Sermon's conclusion with a call to decision.

Significance

This begins the four contrasts that conclude the Sermon: two gates, two trees, two claims, and two builders.

In context

Matthew 7:11–15

11So if you who are evil know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!

12In everything, then, do to others as you would have them do to you. For this is the essence of the Law and the Prophets.

13Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and many enter through it.

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

15Beware of false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.

Read all of Matthew 7 — Judge not, ask boldly, and choose the hard road. Jesus closes his great sermon with a storm that separates the wise from the foolish.

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