Devine Scripture

Luke 13:23

What does Luke 13:23 mean?

A plain-English look at Luke 13:23 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Luke 13:23 means

Someone from the crowd asked Jesus a direct and profound question: "Lord, are they few that are saved?" This query reflects a common theological concern of the time and a universal human anxiety about the exclusivity or inclusivity of salvation. The questioner seeks to understand the scope of God's redemptive plan and the number of those who will ultimately enter His eternal kingdom, prompting Jesus to address the conditions for salvation.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And one said unto him, Lord, are they few that are saved? And he said unto them,

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Then said one unto him, Lord, are there few that be saved? And he said unto them,

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And one said unto him, Lord, are they few that are saved? And he said unto them,

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And someone said to him, Lord, will only a small number have salvation? And he said to them,

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and a certain one said to him, `Sir, are those saved few?' and he said unto them,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And a certain man said to him: Lord, are they few that are saved? But he said to them:

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And one said to him, Sir, [are] such as are to be saved few in number? But he said unto them,

Context

As Jesus continues His journey towards Jerusalem (verse 22), this verse introduces a direct question from a listener, shifting the focus from the nature of the kingdom to the experience of entering it. This personal query about the number of saved individuals prompts Jesus to provide a direct and challenging teaching on the demanding nature of discipleship and the urgency of salvation, rather than a mere statistical answer, setting up the metaphor of the narrow door.

v.22And he went on his way through cities and villages, teaching, and journeying on unto Jerusalem.

v.23This passage

v.24Strive to enter in by the narrow door: for many, I say unto you, shall seek to enter in, and shall not be able.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Matthew 22:14

    For many are called, but few chosen.

  • Matthew 19:25

    And when the disciples heard it, they were astonished exceedingly, saying, Who then can be saved?

  • Matthew 24:3

    And as he sat on the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?

  • Mark 13:4

    Tell us, when shall these things be? and whatshall bethe sign when these things are all about to be accomplished?

  • Matthew 7:14

    For narrow is the gate, and straitened the way, that leadeth unto life, and few are they that find it.

  • Matthew 20:16

    So the last shall be first, and the first last.

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