Matthew 7:14
Translations
King James Version (KJV)
Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leads to life, and few there be that find it.
American King James Version (AKJV)
Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leads to life, and few there be that find it.
American Standard Version (ASV)
For narrow is the gate, and straitened the way, that leadeth unto life, and few are they that find it.
Basic English Translation (BBE)
For narrow is the door and hard the road to life, and only a small number make discovery of it.
Webster's Revision
Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth to life, and few there are that find it.
World English Bible
How narrow is the gate, and restricted is the way that leads to life! Few are those who find it.
English Revised Version (ERV)
For narrow is the gate, and straitened the way, that leadeth unto life, and few be they that find it.
Definitions for Matthew 7:14
Clarke's Matthew 7:14 Bible Commentary
Because strait is the gate - Instead of οτι because, I should prefer τι how, which reading is supported by a great majority of the best MSS., versions, and fathers. How strait is that gate! This mode of expression more forcibly points out the difficulty of the way to the kingdom. How strange is it that men should be unwilling to give up their worldly interests to secure their everlasting salvation! And yet no interest need be abandoned, but that which is produced by injustice and unkindness. Reason, as well as God, says, such people should be excluded from a place of blessedness. He who shows no mercy (and much more he who shows no justice) shall have judgment without mercy. James 2:13.
Few there be that find it - The strait gate, στενη πυλη, signifies literally what we call a wicket, i.e. a little door in a large gate. Gate, among the Jews, signifies, metaphorically, the entrance, introduction, or means of acquiring any thing. So they talk of the gate of repentance, the gate of prayers, and the gate of tears. When God, say they, shut the gate of paradise against Adam, He opened to him the gate of repentance. The way to the kingdom of God is made sufficiently manifest - the completest assistance is promised in the way, and the greatest encouragement to persevere to the end is held out in the everlasting Gospel. But men are so wedded to their own passions, and so determined to follow the imaginations of their own hearts, that still it may be said: There are few who find the way to heaven; fewer yet who abide any time in it; fewer still who walk in it; and fewest of all who persevere unto the end. Nothing renders this way either narrow or difficult to any person, but sin. Let all the world leave their sins, and all the world may walk abreast in this good way.