Luke 13:24
What does Luke 13:24 mean?
A plain-English look at Luke 13:24 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Luke 13:24 means
Instead of giving a numerical answer, Jesus commands His listeners to "strive to enter in by the narrow door." The word "strive" implies intense effort, struggle, and commitment, indicating that salvation is not automatic or easy. He warns that many will try to enter but will not be able, underscoring the seriousness of this pursuit. The "narrow door" symbolizes the demanding path of genuine discipleship and repentance that leads to salvation, contrasting with broader, easier paths.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Strive to enter in by the narrow door: for many, I say unto you, shall seek to enter in, and shall not be able.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Strive to enter in by the narrow door: for many, I say unto you, shall seek to enter in, and shall not be able.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Do your best to go in by the narrow door, for I say to you, A number will make the attempt to go in, but will not be able to do so.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862`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;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Strive to enter by the narrow gate: for many, I say to you, shall seek to enter and shall not be able.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Strive with earnestness to enter in through the narrow door, for many, I say to you, will seek to enter in and will not be able.
Context
In response to the question about the number of saved individuals in verse 23, Jesus immediately shifts from a speculative answer to a direct command for personal action. This verse introduces the powerful metaphor of the "narrow door" and the imperative to "strive to enter," emphasizing the active and difficult nature of seeking salvation. This sets the stage for a more detailed explanation of why many will fail to enter, regardless of their past associations with Jesus.
v.23And one said unto him, Lord, are they few that are saved? And he said unto them,
v.24This passage
v.25When once the master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door, and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, open to us; and he shall answer and say to you, I know you not whence ye are;
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- John 7:34
Ye shall seek me, and shall not find me: and where I am, ye cannot come.
- Romans 10:3
For being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and seeking to establish their own, they did not subject themselves to the righteousness of God.
- Isaiah 1:15
And when ye spread forth your hands, I will hide mine eyes from you; yea, when ye make many prayers, I will not hear: your hands are full of blood.
- Proverbs 14:6
A scoffer seeketh wisdom, and findeth it not; But knowledge is easy unto him that hath understanding.
- Luke 21:36
But watch ye at every season, making supplication, that ye may prevail to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.
- Proverbs 21:25
The desire of the sluggard killeth him; For his hands refuse to labor.
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