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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>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.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/luke/13-24.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/1/42_Luk_13_24.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Luke 13:24 - The Narrow Door" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Make every effort to enter through the narrow door. 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For many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able. <a href="/bsb/luke/13.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> “Make every effort to enter through the narrow door. For many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able. <a href="/blb/luke/13.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> "Strive to enter in through the narrow door; for many, I say to you, will seek to enter in, and will not be able. <a href="/kjv/luke/13.htm">King James Bible</a> Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able. <a href="/nkjv/luke/13.htm">New King James Version</a> “Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I say to you, will seek to enter and will not be able. <a href="/nasb_/luke/13.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> “Strive to enter through the narrow door; for many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able. <a href="/nasb/luke/13.htm">NASB 1995</a> &#8220Strive to enter through the narrow door; for many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able. <a href="/nasb77/luke/13.htm">NASB 1977 </a> “Strive to enter by the narrow door; for many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able. <a href="/lsb/luke/13.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> “Strive to enter through the narrow door, for many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able. <a href="/amp/luke/13.htm">Amplified Bible</a> “Strive to enter through the narrow door [force aside unbelief and the attractions of sin]; for many, I tell you, will try to enter [by their own works] and will not be able. <a href="/csb/luke/13.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> “Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because I tell you, many will try to enter and won’t be able <a href="/hcsb/luke/13.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> &#8220Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because I tell you, many will try to enter and won&#8217t be able <a href="/asv/luke/13.htm">American Standard Version</a> Strive to enter in by the narrow door: for many, I say unto you, shall seek to enter in, and shall not be able. <a href="/cev/luke/13.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Do all you can to go in by the narrow door! A lot of people will try to get in, but will not be able to. <a href="/erv/luke/13.htm">English Revised Version</a> Strive to enter in by the narrow door: for many, I say unto you, shall seek to enter in, and shall not be able. <a href="/gwt/luke/13.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> "Try hard to enter through the narrow door. I can guarantee that many will try to enter, but they won't succeed. <a href="/gnt/luke/13.htm">Good News Translation</a> "Do your best to go in through the narrow door; because many people will surely try to go in but will not be able. <a href="/isv/luke/13.htm">International Standard Version</a> "Keep on struggling to enter through the narrow door, because I tell you that many people will try to enter, but won't be able to do so. <a href="/msb/luke/13.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> ?Make every effort to enter through the narrow gate. For many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able. <a href="/net/luke/13.htm">NET Bible</a> "Exert every effort to enter through the narrow door, because many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able to. <a href="/nheb/luke/13.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> "Strive to enter in by the narrow door, for many, I tell you, will seek to enter in, and will not be able. <a href="/wbt/luke/13.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say to you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able. <a href="/wey/luke/13.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> "Strain every nerve to force your way in through the narrow gate," He answered; "for multitudes, I tell you, will endeavour to find a way in and will not succeed. <a href="/web/luke/13.htm">World English Bible</a> “Strive to enter in by the narrow door, for many, I tell you, will seek to enter in and will not be able. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/luke/13.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> “Be striving to go in through the straight gate, because many, I say to you, will seek to go in, and will not be able; <a href="/blb/luke/13.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> "Strive to enter in through the narrow door; for many, I say to you, will seek to enter in, and will not be able. <a href="/ylt/luke/13.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> 'Be striving to go in through the straight gate, because many, I say to you, will seek to go in, and shall not be able; <a href="/slt/luke/13.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> Strive earnestly to enter through the narrow gate: for many, I say to you, shall seek to enter in, and shall not be able.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/luke/13.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Strive to enter by the narrow gate; for many, I say to you, shall seek to enter, and shall not be able. <a href="/cpdv/luke/13.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> “Strive to enter through the narrow gate. For many, I tell you, will seek to enter and not be able. <a href="/nabre/luke/13.htm">New American Bible</a> “Strive to enter through the narrow door, for many, I tell you, will attempt to enter but will not be strong enough. <a href="/nrsvce/luke/13.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> “Strive to enter through the narrow door; for many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/luke/13.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Strive to enter in through the narrow door; for I say to you, that many will seek to enter in, and will not be able. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/luke/13.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> But Yeshua said to them, “Strive hard to enter the narrow gate, for I say to you, many shall seek to enter and they shall not be able.”<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/luke/13.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> Strive to enter in through the strait gate; for many, I say to you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able. <a href="/godbey/luke/13.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> <FR>Agonize to enter in through the narrow gate: because many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and will not be able.<Fr> <a href="/haweis/luke/13.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> Exert all your powers to enter through the strait gate: for many, I tell you, will seek to enter, but will not be able. <a href="/mace/luke/13.htm">Mace New Testament</a> strive to enter in at the narrow gate: for I declare unto you, that many shall try to get in, and shall not be able. <a href="/wey/luke/13.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> "Strain every nerve to force your way in through the narrow gate," He answered; "for multitudes, I tell you, will endeavour to find a way in and will not succeed. <a href="/worrell/luke/13.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> <FR>And He said to them, "Strive to enter in through the narrow door; because many, I say to you, will seek to enter in, and will not be able.<Fr> <a href="/worsley/luke/13.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> <FR>But He said unto them, Strive to enter in at the strait gate; for I tell you, many will desire to enter in, and shall not be able.<Fr> <a href="/parallel/luke/13-24.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3-5_0Jtd9Lc?start=5702" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/luke/13.htm">The Narrow Door</a> …23“Lord,” someone asked Him, “will only a few people be saved?” Jesus answered, 24<a href="/greek/75.htm" title="75: Agōnizesthe (V-PMM/P-2P) -- From agon; to struggle, literally, figuratively, or genitive case.">“Make every effort</a> <a href="/greek/1525.htm" title="1525: eiselthein (V-ANA) -- To go in, come in, enter. From eis and erchomai; to enter.">to enter</a> <a href="/greek/1223.htm" title="1223: dia (Prep) -- A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through.">through</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tēs (Art-GFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/4728.htm" title="4728: stenēs (Adj-GFS) -- Narrow, strait. Probably from the base of histemi; narrow.">narrow</a> <a href="/greek/2374.htm" title="2374: thyras (N-GFS) -- (a) a door, (b) met: an opportunity. Apparently a primary word; a portal or entrance.">door.</a> <a href="/greek/3754.htm" title="3754: hoti (Conj) -- Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.">For</a> <a href="/greek/4183.htm" title="4183: polloi (Adj-NMP) -- Much, many; often. ">many,</a> <a href="/greek/3004.htm" title="3004: legō (V-PIA-1S) -- (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command. ">I tell</a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: hymin (PPro-D2P) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">you,</a> <a href="/greek/2212.htm" title="2212: zētēsousin (V-FIA-3P) -- To seek, search for, desire, require, demand. Of uncertain affinity; to seek; specially, to worship, or to plot.">will try</a> <a href="/greek/1525.htm" title="1525: eiselthein (V-ANA) -- To go in, come in, enter. From eis and erchomai; to enter.">to enter</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/3756.htm" title="3756: ouk (Adv) -- No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not."></a> <a href="/greek/2480.htm" title="2480: ischysousin (V-FIA-3P) -- To have strength, be strong, be in full health and vigor, be able; meton: I prevail. From ischus; to have force.">will not be able.</a> 25After the master of the house gets up and shuts the door, you will stand outside knocking and saying, ‘Lord, open the door for us.’ But he will reply, ‘I do not know where you are from.’…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/matthew/7-13.htm">Matthew 7:13-14</a> Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. / But small is the gate and narrow the way that leads to life, and only a few find it. <a href="/matthew/25-10.htm">Matthew 25:10-12</a> But while they were on their way to buy it, the bridegroom arrived. Those who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet, and the door was shut. / Later the other virgins arrived and said, ‘Lord, lord, open the door for us!’ / But he replied, ‘Truly I tell you, I do not know you.’ <a href="/matthew/22-14.htm">Matthew 22:14</a> For many are called, but few are chosen.” <a href="/philippians/2-12.htm">Philippians 2:12</a> Therefore, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not only in my presence, but now even more in my absence, continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling. <a href="/2_peter/1-10.htm">2 Peter 1:10-11</a> Therefore, brothers, strive to make your calling and election sure. For if you practice these things you will never stumble, / and you will receive a lavish reception into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. <a href="/hebrews/4-11.htm">Hebrews 4:11</a> Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will fall by following the same pattern of disobedience. <a href="/1_corinthians/9-24.htm">1 Corinthians 9:24-27</a> Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way as to take the prize. / Everyone who competes in the games trains with strict discipline. They do it for a crown that is perishable, but we do it for a crown that is imperishable. / Therefore I do not run aimlessly; I do not fight like I am beating the air. ... <a href="/revelation/3-8.htm">Revelation 3:8</a> I know your deeds. Behold, I have placed before you an open door, which no one can shut. I know that you have only a little strength, yet you have kept My word and have not denied My name. <a href="/romans/9-27.htm">Romans 9:27-29</a> Isaiah cries out concerning Israel: “Though the number of the Israelites is like the sand of the sea, only the remnant will be saved. / For the Lord will carry out His sentence on the earth thoroughly and decisively.” / It is just as Isaiah foretold: “Unless the Lord of Hosts had left us descendants, we would have become like Sodom, we would have resembled Gomorrah.” <a href="/matthew/19-24.htm">Matthew 19:24</a> Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” <a href="/john/10-9.htm">John 10:9</a> I am the gate. If anyone enters through Me, he will be saved. He will come in and go out and find pasture. <a href="/acts/14-22.htm">Acts 14:22</a> strengthening the souls of the disciples and encouraging them to continue in the faith. “We must endure many hardships to enter the kingdom of God,” they said. <a href="/2_timothy/4-7.htm">2 Timothy 4:7-8</a> I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. / From now on there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but to all who crave His appearing. <a href="/isaiah/55-6.htm">Isaiah 55:6</a> Seek the LORD while He may be found; call on Him while He is near. <a href="/proverbs/1-28.htm">Proverbs 1:28-29</a> Then they will call on me, but I will not answer; they will earnestly seek me, but will not find me. / For they hated knowledge and chose not to fear the LORD.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say to you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able.Strive.<a href="/luke/21-36.htm">Luke 21:36</a> Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.<a href="/genesis/32-25.htm">Genesis 32:25,26</a> And when he saw that he prevailed not against him, he touched the hollow of his thigh; and the hollow of Jacob's thigh was out of joint, as he wrestled with him… <a href="/matthew/11-12.htm">Matthew 11:12</a> And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force.the strait.<a href="/matthew/7-13.htm">Matthew 7:13,14</a> 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: … for.<a href="/proverbs/1-24.htm">Proverbs 1:24-28</a> Because I have called, and ye refused; I have stretched out my hand, and no man regarded; … <a href="/proverbs/14-6.htm">Proverbs 14:6</a> A scorner seeketh wisdom, and findeth it not: but knowledge is easy unto him that understandeth.<a href="/proverbs/21-25.htm">Proverbs 21:25</a> The desire of the slothful killeth him; for his hands refuse to labour.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/luke/13-11.htm">Able</a> <a href="/luke/11-53.htm">Attempt</a> <a href="/luke/11-43.htm">Best</a> <a href="/luke/12-36.htm">Door</a> <a href="/luke/12-58.htm">Effort</a> <a href="/2_peter/1-15.htm">Endeavour</a> <a href="/luke/11-52.htm">Enter</a> <a href="/luke/13-7.htm">Find</a> <a href="/mark/3-21.htm">Force</a> <a href="/luke/7-13.htm">Gate</a> <a href="/luke/12-54.htm">Multitudes</a> <a href="/matthew/7-14.htm">Narrow</a> <a href="/luke/12-31.htm">Seek</a> <a href="/luke/13-13.htm">Straight</a> <a href="/matthew/23-24.htm">Strain</a> <a href="/matthew/7-14.htm">Strait</a> <a href="/matthew/12-19.htm">Strive</a> <a href="/hosea/4-4.htm">Striving</a> <a href="/daniel/11-27.htm">Succeed</a> <a href="/luke/12-58.htm">Try</a> <a href="/luke/13-22.htm">Way</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/luke/14-6.htm">Able</a> <a href="/luke/17-33.htm">Attempt</a> <a href="/luke/14-7.htm">Best</a> <a href="/luke/13-25.htm">Door</a> <a href="/john/5-44.htm">Effort</a> <a href="/acts/24-16.htm">Endeavour</a> <a href="/luke/18-17.htm">Enter</a> <a href="/luke/15-4.htm">Find</a> <a href="/luke/16-16.htm">Force</a> <a href="/luke/16-20.htm">Gate</a> <a href="/luke/14-25.htm">Multitudes</a> <a href="/luke/14-21.htm">Narrow</a> <a href="/luke/15-8.htm">Seek</a> <a href="/luke/14-5.htm">Straight</a> <a href="/exodus/18-23.htm">Strain</a> <a href="/philippians/1-23.htm">Strait</a> <a href="/acts/24-16.htm">Strive</a> <a href="/romans/2-7.htm">Striving</a> <a href="/romans/1-10.htm">Succeed</a> <a href="/luke/14-19.htm">Try</a> <a href="/luke/13-33.htm">Way</a><div class="vheading2">Luke 13</div>1. <a href="/luke/13-1.htm">Jesus preaches repentance upon the punishment of the Galilaeans and others.</a> 6. <a href="/luke/13-6.htm">The fruitless fig tree may not stand.</a> 10. <a href="/luke/13-10.htm">He heals the crooked woman;</a> 18. <a href="/luke/13-18.htm">shows the powerful working of the word, by the parable of the grain of mustard seed, </a> 20. <a href="/luke/13-20.htm">and of leaven;</a> 22. <a href="/luke/13-22.htm">exhorts to enter in at the strait gate;</a> 31. <a href="/luke/13-31.htm">and reproves Herod and Jerusalem.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; 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This phrase emphasizes the urgency and diligence required in pursuing salvation. The "narrow door" symbolizes the challenging path to eternal life, contrasting with the "wide gate" leading to destruction mentioned in <a href="/matthew/7-13.htm">Matthew 7:13-14</a>. The imagery of a door suggests a point of entry, indicating that salvation is accessible but requires intentional effort. In the cultural context of Jesus' time, doors were often narrow and required careful navigation, symbolizing the need for focus and determination in one's spiritual journey. This call to action aligns with the broader biblical theme of perseverance in faith, as seen in <a href="/philippians/2-12.htm">Philippians 2:12</a>, where believers are urged to "work out your own salvation with fear and trembling."For many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able. This warning highlights the reality that not everyone who seeks salvation will attain it, underscoring the importance of genuine commitment and faith. The phrase "many will try" suggests that superficial or half-hearted attempts are insufficient. This echoes Jesus' teaching in <a href="/matthew/7-21.htm">Matthew 7:21-23</a>, where He warns that not everyone who calls Him "Lord" will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only those who do the will of the Father. The inability to enter may also reflect a lack of true repentance or understanding of the gospel, as seen in the parable of the wedding banquet in <a href="/matthew/22.htm">Matthew 22:1-14</a>, where many are invited but few are chosen. This serves as a sobering reminder of the necessity of aligning one's life with the teachings of Christ and the transformative power of the Holy Spirit.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/j/jesus_christ.htm">Jesus Christ</a> The speaker of this verse, providing a teaching on the nature of salvation and the kingdom of God. 2. <a href="/topical/t/the_narrow_door.htm">The Narrow Door</a> A metaphor used by Jesus to describe the challenging path to salvation and eternal life. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_many.htm">The Many</a> Represents those who seek entry into the kingdom of God but fail due to not following the prescribed path. 4. <a href="/topical/t/the_kingdom_of_god.htm">The Kingdom of God</a> The ultimate destination and goal for believers, representing eternal life and communion with God. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_effort.htm">The Effort</a> The active pursuit and commitment required to follow Jesus and His teachings.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_urgency_of_salvation.htm">The Urgency of Salvation</a> The call to "make every effort" underscores the urgency and importance of seeking salvation earnestly and without delay. <a href="/topical/t/the_exclusivity_of_the_path.htm">The Exclusivity of the Path</a> The "narrow door" signifies that the path to salvation is exclusive and requires adherence to the teachings of Jesus, not just a superficial acknowledgment. <a href="/topical/t/the_reality_of_rejection.htm">The Reality of Rejection</a> Jesus warns that many will seek to enter but will not be able, highlighting the reality that not all who desire entry will be granted it, emphasizing the need for genuine faith and obedience. <a href="/topical/t/the_necessity_of_perseverance.htm">The Necessity of Perseverance</a> The effort required to enter through the narrow door suggests a need for perseverance and steadfastness in the Christian life, resisting complacency and distraction. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_jesus_as_the_door.htm">The Role of Jesus as the Door</a> Understanding that Jesus Himself is the door (<a href="/john/10-9.htm">John 10:9</a>) reminds us that salvation is found in a personal relationship with Him, not through works or merit.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_luke_13.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Luke 13</a> <a href="/q/who_was_abiram_in_the_bible.htm">What signifies the wide gate leading to destruction?</a> <a href="/q/how_to_enter_the_narrow_gate.htm">How can one enter through the narrow gate?</a> <a href="/q/what_is_the_wide_gate_to_destruction.htm">What signifies the wide gate leading to destruction?</a> <a href="/q/does_'narrow_gate'_limit_salvation.htm">In Matthew 7:13–14, does the “narrow gate” imply limited salvation and conflict with the idea of a loving God who desires to save all? </a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/luke/13.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(24) Strive to enter in at the strait gate.--See Notes on <a href="/context/matthew/7-13.htm" title="Enter you in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leads to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:">Matthew 7:13-14</a>. Another instance of general teaching adapted to a special occasion. We note, however, the variation, "strive to enter in"--i.e., struggle as the wrestler struggles (the word being the same as that in <a href="/1_corinthians/9-25.htm" title="And every man that strives for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.">1Corinthians 9:25</a>; <a href="/1_timothy/6-12.htm" title="Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto you are also called, and have professed a good profession before many witnesses.">1Timothy 6:12</a>), instead of the simple "enter ye in," and the compression of the whole illustration.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/luke/13.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 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. The Master, as was frequently his custom, gave no direct answer to his questioner, but his teaching which immediately follows contained the answer to the query. The older authorities, in place of "at the strait gate," read "through the narrow door." The meaning of the image, however, is the same, whichever reading be adopted. The image was not a new one. It had been used before by the Lord, perhaps more than once (see <a href="/matthew/7-13.htm">Matthew 7:13, 14</a>), and not improbably had been suggested by some town or fortress hard by the spot where he was teaching - a fort on a hill with a narrow road winding up to a narrow door. In the rabbinical schools he frequented in his youth, he might, too, have heard some adaptation of the beautiful allegory known as the 'Tablet' of Cebes, the disciple of Socrates: "Dost thou not perceive a narrow door, and a pathway before the door, in no way crowded, but few, very few, go in thereat?" The teaching of the Master here is, that the door of salvation is a narrow one, and, to pass through it, the man must strive in real earnest. "See," he seems to say; "if only few are saved, it will not be because the Jews are few and the Gentile nations many, but because, of the Jews and Gentiles, only a few really strive. Something different from race or national privileges will be the test at that narrow door which leads to life. "Many will seek to enter in, and shall not be able." The reason for the exclusion of these many is to be sought in themselves. They wished to enter in, but confined themselves to wishes. They made no strong, vigorous efforts. Theirs was no life of stern self-surrender, of painful self-sacrifice. To wish to pass through that narrow door is not enough. <a href="/commentaries/luke/13-24.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>“Make every effort Ἀγωνίζεσθε (Agōnizesthe) Verb - Present Imperative Middle or Passive - 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_75.htm">Strong's 75: </a> From agon; to struggle, literally, figuratively, or genitive case. to enter εἰσελθεῖν (eiselthein) Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active <a href="/greek/strongs_1525.htm">Strong's 1525: </a> To go in, come in, enter. From eis and erchomai; to enter. through διὰ (dia) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1223.htm">Strong's 1223: </a> A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through. the τῆς (tēs) Article - Genitive Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. narrow στενῆς (stenēs) Adjective - Genitive Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4728.htm">Strong's 4728: </a> Narrow, strait. Probably from the base of histemi; narrow. door. θύρας (thyras) Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2374.htm">Strong's 2374: </a> (a) a door, (b) met: an opportunity. Apparently a primary word; a portal or entrance. For ὅτι (hoti) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_3754.htm">Strong's 3754: </a> Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because. many, πολλοί (polloi) Adjective - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4183.htm">Strong's 4183: </a> Much, many; often. I tell λέγω (legō) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3004.htm">Strong's 3004: </a> (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command. you, ὑμῖν (hymin) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou. will try ζητήσουσιν (zētēsousin) Verb - Future Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_2212.htm">Strong's 2212: </a> To seek, search for, desire, require, demand. Of uncertain affinity; to seek; specially, to worship, or to plot. to enter εἰσελθεῖν (eiselthein) Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active <a href="/greek/strongs_1525.htm">Strong's 1525: </a> To go in, come in, enter. From eis and erchomai; to enter. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. will not be able. ἰσχύσουσιν (ischysousin) Verb - Future Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_2480.htm">Strong's 2480: </a> To have strength, be strong, be in full health and vigor, be able; meton: I prevail. From ischus; to have force. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/luke/13-24.htm">Luke 13:24 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/luke/13-24.htm">Luke 13:24 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/luke/13-24.htm">Luke 13:24 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/luke/13-24.htm">Luke 13:24 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/luke/13-24.htm">Luke 13:24 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/luke/13-24.htm">Luke 13:24 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/luke/13-24.htm">Luke 13:24 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/luke/13-24.htm">Luke 13:24 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/luke/13-24.htm">Luke 13:24 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/luke/13-24.htm">Luke 13:24 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/luke/13-24.htm">NT Gospels: Luke 13:24 Strive to enter in by the narrow (Luke Lu Lk) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/luke/13-23.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Luke 13:23"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Luke 13:23" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/luke/13-25.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Luke 13:25"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Luke 13:25" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>