Devine Scripture

Matthew 7:14

What does Matthew 7:14 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 7:14 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 7:14 means

This verse contrasts the 'broad way' with the 'narrow gate' and 'straitened way' that leads to eternal 'life.' The 'narrow' and 'straitened' (difficult, constricted) path signifies a life of discipleship that demands self-denial, obedience to Christ's teachings, and often goes against popular opinion. The challenging nature of this way explains why 'few' find it. It emphasizes that true discipleship is a deliberate, arduous journey, but it is the only one that results in genuine, eternal life with God. This passage calls for careful consideration and unwavering commitment.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

For narrow is the door and hard the road to life, and only a small number make discovery of it.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

how strait <FI>is<Fi> the gate, and compressed the way that is leading to the life, and few are those finding it!

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

How narrow is the gate, and strait is the way that leadeth to life: and few there are that find it!

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

For narrow the gate and straitened the way that leads to life, and they are few who find it.

Context

This verse directly contrasts with the previous one, fully describing the alternative path—the narrow way leading to life. It solidifies the choice presented, making it clear that true discipleship is demanding but ultimately rewarding. This stark choice between two paths naturally leads to the need for discernment, setting the stage for Jesus' subsequent warning about false prophets who might mislead people from the narrow way to life.

v.13Enter ye in by the narrow gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many are they that enter in thereby.

v.14This passage

v.15Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravening wolves.

Cross references

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

  • Romans 9:32

    Wherefore? Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by works. They stumbled at the stone of stumbling;

  • Matthew 20:16

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

  • Proverbs 8:20

    I walk in the way of righteousness, In the midst of the paths of justice;

  • 1 Peter 3:20

    that aforetime were disobedient, when the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls, were saved through water:

  • Luke 13:23

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

  • John 15:18

    If the world hateth you, ye know that it hath hated me before it hated you.

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