Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able.

LUKE 13:24KJV
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Luke 13:24 (KJV)

What does Luke 13:24 mean?

Luke 13:24 describes Jesus urging people to make a serious and determined effort to enter through the "strait gate," meaning a narrow or difficult entrance, because many will try to enter but will not succeed. The verse highlights the need for real commitment, not just casual interest, in seeking what God offers.

In this scene, Jesus is speaking to a crowd as He travels toward Jerusalem. Someone has just asked Him if only a few people will be saved, and Jesus responds by telling everyone to "strive" to enter through the narrow gate. The language He uses suggests that entering is not automatic or easy, and that many will want to enter but will find themselves unable.

The Greek behind Luke 13:24

  • "Strive" (ἀγωνίζεσθε, agōnizesthe): This word is often understood as "struggle" or "fight," not just "try." It suggests a strong, active effort, like an athlete competing.
  • "Strait" (στενῆς, stenēs): The Greek word means "narrow" or "restricted," emphasizing that the way in is not wide or easy.
  • "Able" (ἰσχύσουσιν, ischysousin): This word means "to have the strength or power." The verse says many will seek to enter but will not have the strength or ability, pointing to more than just desire being needed.

Why Luke 13:24 matters

  • Luke 13:24 clears up the idea that simply wanting to be included is enough; Jesus stresses that real effort and intention are required.
  • The verse shifts the focus from curiosity about "how many" are saved to personal responsibility—Jesus calls each listener to act, not just wonder.
  • In the wider passage, this teaching sets the stage for Jesus’ warnings about missing out due to delay or complacency, making the urgency of His message clear.

Where else these words appear

“strait” Greek G4728 · used in 3 verses

  • Matthew 7:13 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:
  • Matthew 7:14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.

“Strive” Greek G75 · used in 7 verses

  • John 18:36 Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence.
  • Colossians 1:29 Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily.
  • 1 Timothy 6:12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.

“gate” Greek G4439 · used in 9 verses

  • Matthew 7:13 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:
  • Matthew 16:18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
  • Acts 9:24 But their laying await was known of Saul. And they watched the gates day and night to kill him.

“shall” Greek G2480 · used in 29 verses

  • Matthew 5:13 Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.
  • Luke 8:43 And a woman having an issue of blood twelve years, which had spent all her living upon physicians, neither could be healed of any,
  • Acts 19:16 And the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, and overcame them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded.