Bible Strands
Matthew 7:13
Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and many enter through it.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Jesus addresses his disciples and the surrounding crowds at the conclusion of the Sermon on the Mount, immediately following the instruction in Matthew 7:12.
The words — The Greek εἰσέλθατε (eiselthate) is an imperative meaning "do enter," and πλατεῖα (plateia) literally translates to "wide."
The thread — The warning runs through Luke 13:24, Proverbs 16:25, and John 14:6.
Why it lands — The text states that many choose the wide gate and broad way that leads to destruction, requiring a reader to recognize the immediate cost of their path before drawing any theological conclusions about the destination.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
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:
Cross-references
- Luke 13:24 “Make every effort to enter through the narrow door. For many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able.
- Proverbs 16:25 There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.
- John 14:6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.
- 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.
- Isaiah 55:7 Let the wicked man forsake his way and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the LORD, that He may have compassion, and to our God, for He will freely pardon.
- Proverbs 9:6 Leave your folly behind, and you will live; walk in the way of understanding.”
- Galatians 5:24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.
- Ezekiel 18:27 But if a wicked man turns from the wickedness he has committed and does what is just and right, he will save his life.
- Matthew 3:2 and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.”
- Matthew 3:8 Produce fruit, then, in keeping with repentance.