Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version “Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able to. New Living Translation “Work hard to enter the narrow door to God’s Kingdom, for many will try to enter but will fail. English Standard Version “Strive to enter through the narrow door. For many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able. Berean Standard Bible “Make every effort to enter through the narrow door. For many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able. Berean Literal Bible "Strive to enter in through the narrow door; for many, I say to you, will seek to enter in, and will not be able. King James Bible Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able. New King James Version “Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I say to you, will seek to enter and will not be able. New American Standard Bible “Strive to enter through the narrow door; for many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able. NASB 1995 “Strive to enter through the narrow door; for many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able. NASB 1977 “Strive to enter by the narrow door; for many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able. Legacy Standard Bible “Strive to enter through the narrow door, for many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able. Amplified Bible “Strive to enter through the narrow door [force aside unbelief and the attractions of sin]; for many, I tell you, will try to enter [by their own works] and will not be able. Christian Standard Bible “Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because I tell you, many will try to enter and won’t be able Holman Christian Standard Bible “Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because I tell you, many will try to enter and won’t be able American Standard Version Strive to enter in by the narrow door: for many, I say unto you, shall seek to enter in, and shall not be able. Contemporary English Version Do all you can to go in by the narrow door! A lot of people will try to get in, but will not be able to. English Revised Version Strive to enter in by the narrow door: for many, I say unto you, shall seek to enter in, and shall not be able. GOD'S WORD® Translation "Try hard to enter through the narrow door. I can guarantee that many will try to enter, but they won't succeed. Good News Translation "Do your best to go in through the narrow door; because many people will surely try to go in but will not be able. International Standard Version "Keep on struggling to enter through the narrow door, because I tell you that many people will try to enter, but won't be able to do so. Majority Standard Bible ?Make every effort to enter through the narrow gate. For many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able. NET Bible "Exert every effort to enter through the narrow door, because many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able to. New Heart English Bible "Strive to enter in by the narrow door, for many, I tell you, will seek to enter in, and will not be able. Webster's Bible Translation Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say to you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able. Weymouth New Testament "Strain every nerve to force your way in through the narrow gate," He answered; "for multitudes, I tell you, will endeavour to find a way in and will not succeed. World English Bible “Strive to enter in by the narrow door, for many, I tell you, will seek to enter in and will not be able. Literal Translations Literal Standard Version“Be striving to go in through the straight gate, because many, I say to you, will seek to go in, and will not be able; Berean Literal Bible "Strive to enter in through the narrow door; for many, I say to you, will seek to enter in, and will not be able. Young's Literal Translation 'Be striving to go in through the straight gate, because many, I say to you, will seek to go in, and shall not be able; Smith's Literal Translation Strive earnestly to enter through the narrow gate: for many, I say to you, shall seek to enter in, and shall not be able. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleStrive to enter by the narrow gate; for many, I say to you, shall seek to enter, and shall not be able. Catholic Public Domain Version “Strive to enter through the narrow gate. For many, I tell you, will seek to enter and not be able. New American Bible “Strive to enter through the narrow door, for many, I tell you, will attempt to enter but will not be strong enough. New Revised Standard Version “Strive to enter through the narrow door; for many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleStrive to enter in through the narrow door; for I say to you, that many will seek to enter in, and will not be able. Aramaic Bible in Plain English But Yeshua said to them, “Strive hard to enter the narrow gate, for I say to you, many shall seek to enter and they shall not be able.” NT Translations Anderson New TestamentStrive to enter in through the strait gate; for many, I say to you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able. Godbey New Testament Haweis New Testament Exert all your powers to enter through the strait gate: for many, I tell you, will seek to enter, but will not be able. Mace New Testament strive to enter in at the narrow gate: for I declare unto you, that many shall try to get in, and shall not be able. Weymouth New Testament "Strain every nerve to force your way in through the narrow gate," He answered; "for multitudes, I tell you, will endeavour to find a way in and will not succeed. Worrell New Testament Worsley New Testament Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The Narrow Door…23“Lord,” someone asked Him, “will only a few people be saved?” Jesus answered, 24“Make every effort to enter through the narrow door. For many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able. 25After the master of the house gets up and shuts the door, you will stand outside knocking and saying, ‘Lord, open the door for us.’ But he will reply, ‘I do not know where you are from.’… Cross References Matthew 7:13-14 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 small is the gate and narrow the way that leads to life, and only a few find it. Matthew 25:10-12 But while they were on their way to buy it, the bridegroom arrived. Those who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet, and the door was shut. / Later the other virgins arrived and said, ‘Lord, lord, open the door for us!’ / But he replied, ‘Truly I tell you, I do not know you.’ Matthew 22:14 For many are called, but few are chosen.” Philippians 2:12 Therefore, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not only in my presence, but now even more in my absence, continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling. 2 Peter 1:10-11 Therefore, brothers, strive to make your calling and election sure. For if you practice these things you will never stumble, / and you will receive a lavish reception into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Hebrews 4:11 Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will fall by following the same pattern of disobedience. 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way as to take the prize. / Everyone who competes in the games trains with strict discipline. They do it for a crown that is perishable, but we do it for a crown that is imperishable. / Therefore I do not run aimlessly; I do not fight like I am beating the air. ... Revelation 3:8 I know your deeds. Behold, I have placed before you an open door, which no one can shut. I know that you have only a little strength, yet you have kept My word and have not denied My name. Romans 9:27-29 Isaiah cries out concerning Israel: “Though the number of the Israelites is like the sand of the sea, only the remnant will be saved. / For the Lord will carry out His sentence on the earth thoroughly and decisively.” / It is just as Isaiah foretold: “Unless the Lord of Hosts had left us descendants, we would have become like Sodom, we would have resembled Gomorrah.” Matthew 19:24 Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” John 10:9 I am the gate. If anyone enters through Me, he will be saved. He will come in and go out and find pasture. Acts 14:22 strengthening the souls of the disciples and encouraging them to continue in the faith. “We must endure many hardships to enter the kingdom of God,” they said. 2 Timothy 4:7-8 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. / From now on there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but to all who crave His appearing. Isaiah 55:6 Seek the LORD while He may be found; call on Him while He is near. Proverbs 1:28-29 Then they will call on me, but I will not answer; they will earnestly seek me, but will not find me. / For they hated knowledge and chose not to fear the LORD. Treasury of Scripture Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say to you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able. Strive. Luke 21:36 Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man. Genesis 32:25,26 And when he saw that he prevailed not against him, he touched the hollow of his thigh; and the hollow of Jacob's thigh was out of joint, as he wrestled with him… Matthew 11:12 And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force. the strait. Matthew 7:13,14 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: … for. Proverbs 1:24-28 Because I have called, and ye refused; I have stretched out my hand, and no man regarded; … Proverbs 14:6 A scorner seeketh wisdom, and findeth it not: but knowledge is easy unto him that understandeth. Proverbs 21:25 The desire of the slothful killeth him; for his hands refuse to labour. Jump to Previous Able Attempt Best Door Effort Endeavour Enter Find Force Gate Multitudes Narrow Seek Straight Strain Strait Strive Striving Succeed Try WayJump to Next Able Attempt Best Door Effort Endeavour Enter Find Force Gate Multitudes Narrow Seek Straight Strain Strait Strive Striving Succeed Try WayLuke 13 1. Jesus preaches repentance upon the punishment of the Galilaeans and others.6. The fruitless fig tree may not stand. 10. He heals the crooked woman; 18. shows the powerful working of the word, by the parable of the grain of mustard seed, 20. and of leaven; 22. exhorts to enter in at the strait gate; 31. and reproves Herod and Jerusalem. Make every effort The phrase "Make every effort" is translated from the Greek word "ἀγωνίζομαι" (agonizomai), which conveys the idea of striving, struggling, or contending with intense effort. This word is often used in the context of athletic competitions, suggesting a disciplined and determined pursuit. In the Christian life, this implies a call to diligent and persistent effort in seeking God's kingdom, emphasizing that spiritual growth and salvation require active participation and commitment. to enter through the narrow door For many, I tell you will try to enter and will not be able Persons / Places / Events 1. Jesus ChristThe speaker of this verse, providing a teaching on the nature of salvation and the kingdom of God. 2. The Narrow Door A metaphor used by Jesus to describe the challenging path to salvation and eternal life. 3. The Many Represents those who seek entry into the kingdom of God but fail due to not following the prescribed path. 4. The Kingdom of God The ultimate destination and goal for believers, representing eternal life and communion with God. 5. The Effort The active pursuit and commitment required to follow Jesus and His teachings. Teaching Points The Urgency of SalvationThe call to "make every effort" underscores the urgency and importance of seeking salvation earnestly and without delay. The Exclusivity of the Path The "narrow door" signifies that the path to salvation is exclusive and requires adherence to the teachings of Jesus, not just a superficial acknowledgment. The Reality of Rejection Jesus warns that many will seek to enter but will not be able, highlighting the reality that not all who desire entry will be granted it, emphasizing the need for genuine faith and obedience. The Necessity of Perseverance The effort required to enter through the narrow door suggests a need for perseverance and steadfastness in the Christian life, resisting complacency and distraction. The Role of Jesus as the Door Understanding that Jesus Himself is the door (John 10:9) reminds us that salvation is found in a personal relationship with Him, not through works or merit.(24) Strive to enter in at the strait gate.--See Notes on Matthew 7:13-14. Another instance of general teaching adapted to a special occasion. We note, however, the variation, "strive to enter in"--i.e., struggle as the wrestler struggles (the word being the same as that in 1Corinthians 9:25; 1Timothy 6:12), instead of the simple "enter ye in," and the compression of the whole illustration.Verse 24. - Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able. The Master, as was frequently his custom, gave no direct answer to his questioner, but his teaching which immediately follows contained the answer to the query. The older authorities, in place of "at the strait gate," read "through the narrow door." The meaning of the image, however, is the same, whichever reading be adopted. The image was not a new one. It had been used before by the Lord, perhaps more than once (see Matthew 7:13, 14), and not improbably had been suggested by some town or fortress hard by the spot where he was teaching - a fort on a hill with a narrow road winding up to a narrow door. In the rabbinical schools he frequented in his youth, he might, too, have heard some adaptation of the beautiful allegory known as the 'Tablet' of Cebes, the disciple of Socrates: "Dost thou not perceive a narrow door, and a pathway before the door, in no way crowded, but few, very few, go in thereat?" The teaching of the Master here is, that the door of salvation is a narrow one, and, to pass through it, the man must strive in real earnest. "See," he seems to say; "if only few are saved, it will not be because the Jews are few and the Gentile nations many, but because, of the Jews and Gentiles, only a few really strive. Something different from race or national privileges will be the test at that narrow door which leads to life. "Many will seek to enter in, and shall not be able." The reason for the exclusion of these many is to be sought in themselves. They wished to enter in, but confined themselves to wishes. They made no strong, vigorous efforts. Theirs was no life of stern self-surrender, of painful self-sacrifice. To wish to pass through that narrow door is not enough. Parallel Commentaries ... Greek “Make every effortἈγωνίζεσθε (Agōnizesthe) Verb - Present Imperative Middle or Passive - 2nd Person Plural Strong's 75: From agon; to struggle, literally, figuratively, or genitive case. to enter εἰσελθεῖν (eiselthein) Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active Strong's 1525: To go in, come in, enter. From eis and erchomai; to enter. through διὰ (dia) Preposition Strong's 1223: A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through. the τῆς (tēs) Article - Genitive Feminine Singular Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. narrow στενῆς (stenēs) Adjective - Genitive Feminine Singular Strong's 4728: Narrow, strait. Probably from the base of histemi; narrow. door. θύρας (thyras) Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular Strong's 2374: (a) a door, (b) met: an opportunity. Apparently a primary word; a portal or entrance. For ὅτι (hoti) Conjunction Strong's 3754: Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because. many, πολλοί (polloi) Adjective - Nominative Masculine Plural Strong's 4183: Much, many; often. I tell λέγω (legō) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular Strong's 3004: (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command. you, ὑμῖν (hymin) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 2nd Person Plural Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou. will try ζητήσουσιν (zētēsousin) Verb - Future Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural Strong's 2212: To seek, search for, desire, require, demand. Of uncertain affinity; to seek; specially, to worship, or to plot. to enter εἰσελθεῖν (eiselthein) Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active Strong's 1525: To go in, come in, enter. From eis and erchomai; to enter. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely. will not be able. ἰσχύσουσιν (ischysousin) Verb - Future Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural Strong's 2480: To have strength, be strong, be in full health and vigor, be able; meton: I prevail. From ischus; to have force. Links Luke 13:24 NIVLuke 13:24 NLT Luke 13:24 ESV Luke 13:24 NASB Luke 13:24 KJV Luke 13:24 BibleApps.com Luke 13:24 Biblia Paralela Luke 13:24 Chinese Bible Luke 13:24 French Bible Luke 13:24 Catholic Bible NT Gospels: Luke 13:24 Strive to enter in by the narrow (Luke Lu Lk) |
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