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 7:13KJV
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Matthew 7:13 (KJV)

What does Matthew 7:13 mean?

Matthew 7:13 warns that the way to true life with God is narrow and difficult to find, while the path that leads to ruin is wide and easy, with many people choosing it. Jesus urges his listeners to deliberately choose the more challenging, less popular way that leads to life.

Jesus is speaking to a crowd during his Sermon on the Mount, teaching about what it means to truly follow God. He uses the image of two gates and two roads to show that not all paths are equal—one is "strait" (narrow and hard to enter), and the other is wide and easy but leads to destruction. The verse emphasizes a choice and the reality that most people will not choose the harder, right path.

The Greek behind Matthew 7:13

  • "Strait" (στενός, stenós): This word means narrow, tight, or difficult to get through. It suggests that entering the right way requires effort or a conscious decision, not just following the crowd.
  • "Destruction" (ἀπώλεια, apóleia): This word often refers to ruin, loss, or utter destruction—not just physical death, but a sense of being lost or wasted. It highlights the seriousness of choosing the wrong path.
  • "Broad" (εὐρύχωρος, eurýchōros): This word describes something spacious or roomy, easy to travel. It paints a picture of a path that is comfortable and popular, but ultimately dangerous.

Why Matthew 7:13 matters

  • Matthew 7:13 clears up the idea that following God is always easy or popular; Jesus says the opposite, that the right way is often hard and chosen by few.
  • The verse connects to the larger message of the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus calls for a deeper, more genuine righteousness than just outward religion.
  • The imagery of gates and roads helps readers see that spiritual choices have real consequences, and that not all paths lead to the same destination.

Where else these words appear

“strait” Greek G4728 · used in 3 verses

  • Matthew 7:14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
  • Luke 13:24 Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able.

“gate” Greek G4439 · used in 9 verses

  • Matthew 7:14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
  • Luke 7:12 Now when he came nigh to the gate of the city, behold, there was a dead man carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow: and much people of the city was with her.
  • Acts 9:24 But their laying await was known of Saul. And they watched the gates day and night to kill him.

“leadeth” Greek G520 · used in 16 verses

  • Matthew 7:14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
  • Mark 14:53 And they led Jesus away to the high priest: and with him were assembled all the chief priests and the elders and the scribes.
  • John 19:16 Then delivered he him therefore unto them to be crucified. And they took Jesus, and led him away.

“destruction” Greek G684 · used in 19 verses

  • Matthew 26:8 But when his disciples saw it, they had indignation, saying, To what purpose is this waste?
  • Philippians 1:28 And in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God.
  • 2 Peter 2:2 And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.