CINXE.COM

<!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 13:23 "Lord," someone asked Him, "will only a few people be saved?" Jesus answered,</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/luke/13-23.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/20/42_Luk_13_23.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Luke 13:23 - The Narrow Door" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Lord, someone asked Him, will only a few people be saved? Jesus answered," /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/luke/13-23.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/luke/13-23.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/luke/">Luke</a> > <a href="/luke/13.htm">Chapter 13</a> > Verse 23</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad3.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/luke/13-22.htm" title="Luke 13:22">◄</a> Luke 13:23 <a href="/luke/13-24.htm" title="Luke 13:24">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/luke/13.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/luke/13.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Someone asked him, &#8220Lord, are only a few people going to be saved?&#8221 He said to them,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/luke/13.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Someone asked him, “Lord, will only a few be saved?” He replied,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/luke/13.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />And someone said to him, “Lord, will those who are saved be few?” And he said to them,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/luke/13.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />“Lord,” someone asked Him, “will only a few people be saved?” Jesus answered,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/luke/13.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />And someone said to Him, "Lord, if those being saved <i>are</i> few?" And He said to them,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/luke/13.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Then said one unto him, Lord, are there few that be saved? And he said unto them,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/luke/13.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Then one said to Him, “Lord, are there few who are saved?” And He said to them,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/luke/13.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />And someone said to Him, “Lord, are there <i>just</i> a few who are being saved?” And He said to them,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/luke/13.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />And someone said to Him, &#8220Lord, are there just a few who are being saved?&#8221 And He said to them,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/luke/13.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />And someone said to Him, “Lord, are there <i>just</i> a few who are being saved?” And He said to them,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/luke/13.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />And someone said to Him, “Lord, are there <i>just</i> a few who are being saved?” And He said to them,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/luke/13.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />And someone asked Him, “Lord, will only a few be saved [from the penalties of the last judgment]?” And He said to them,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/luke/13.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />“Lord,” someone asked him, “are only a few people going to be saved? ” He said to them,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/luke/13.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Lord,&#8221 someone asked Him, &#8220are there few being saved?&#8221 He said to them, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/luke/13.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And one said unto him, Lord, are they few that are saved? And he said unto them,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/luke/13.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Someone asked him, "Lord, are only a few people going to be saved?" Jesus answered: <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/luke/13.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And one said unto him, Lord, are they few that be saved? And he said unto them,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/luke/13.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Someone asked him, "Sir, are only a few people going to be saved?" He answered,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/luke/13.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Someone asked him, "Sir, will just a few people be saved?" Jesus answered them, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/luke/13.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Someone asked him, "Lord, are only a few people going to be saved?" He told them, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/luke/13.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />?Lord,? someone asked Him, ?will only a few people be saved?? Jesus answered,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/luke/13.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Someone asked him, "Lord, will only a few be saved?" So he said to them,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/luke/13.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />One said to him, "Lord, are they few who are saved?" He said to them,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/luke/13.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Then said one to him, Lord, are there few that are saved? And he said to them,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/luke/13.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />when some one asked Him, "Sir, are there but few who are to be saved?"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/luke/13.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />One said to him, “Lord, are they few who are saved?” He said to them, <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/luke/13.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />and a certain one said to Him, “Lord, are those saved few?” And He said to them,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/luke/13.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />And someone said to Him, "Lord, if those being saved <i>are</i> few?" And He said to them,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/luke/13.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> and a certain one said to him, 'Sir, are those saved few?' and he said unto them,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/luke/13.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And a certain said to him, Lord, if few saved? And he said to them,<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/luke/13.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And a certain man said to him: Lord, are they few that are saved? But he said to them: <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/luke/13.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And someone said to him, “Lord, are they few who are saved?” But he said to them:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/luke/13.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Someone asked him, “Lord, will only a few people be saved?” He answered them,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/luke/13.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Someone asked him, “Lord, will only a few be saved?” He said to them,<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/luke/13.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />A man asked him, Are there only a few who are to be saved? Jesus said to them,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/luke/13.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />But a man asked him if there are few who have life.<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/luke/13.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />And a certain man said to him: Lord, are there few that are saved? And he said to them:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/luke/13.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />And one said to Him, Lord, are the saved few? And He said to them,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/luke/13.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />And a person said to him, Lord, are the saved few? And he said unto them,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/luke/13.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />and somebody ask'd him, Lord, will there be but few people saved? to which he answered,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/luke/13.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />when some one asked Him, "Sir, are there but few who are to be saved?"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/luke/13.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />And a certain one said, "<i>Are there</i> few who are saved?"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/luke/13.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br />And one said to Him, Lord, <i>are</i> there <i>but</i> few <i>that shall be</i> saved?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/luke/13-23.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3-5_0Jtd9Lc?start=5696" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/luke/13.htm">The Narrow Door</a></span><br><span class="reftext">22</span>Then Jesus traveled throughout the towns and villages, teaching as He made His way toward Jerusalem. <span class="reftext">23</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/2962.htm" title="2962: Kyrie (N-VMS) -- Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master.">“Lord,”</a> <a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc."></a> <a href="/greek/5100.htm" title="5100: tis (IPro-NMS) -- Any one, some one, a certain one or thing. An enclitic indefinite pronoun; some or any person or object.">someone</a> <a href="/greek/2036.htm" title="2036: Eipen (V-AIA-3S) -- Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say.">asked</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autō (PPro-DM3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">Him,</a> <a href="/greek/1487.htm" title="1487: ei (Conj) -- If. A primary particle of conditionality; if, whether, that, etc.">“will</a> <a href="/greek/3641.htm" title="3641: oligoi (Adj-NMP) -- Puny; especially neuter somewhat.">only a few</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: hoi (Art-NMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">people</a> <a href="/greek/4982.htm" title="4982: sōzomenoi (V-PPM/P-NMP) -- To save, heal, preserve, rescue. From a primary sos; to save, i.e. Deliver or protect.">be saved?”</a> <a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc."></a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: Ho (Art-NMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/2036.htm" title="2036: eipen (V-AIA-3S) -- Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say.">Jesus answered,</a> <a href="/greek/4314.htm" title="4314: pros (Prep) -- To, towards, with. A strengthened form of pro; a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. Toward."></a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autous (PPro-AM3P) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons."></a> </span> <span class="reftext">24</span>“Make every effort to enter through the narrow door. For many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/7-13.htm">Matthew 7:13-14</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/22-14.htm">Matthew 22:14</a></span><br />For many are called, but few are chosen.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/25-1.htm">Matthew 25:1-13</a></span><br />“At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. / Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. / The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take along any extra oil. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/10-9.htm">John 10:9</a></span><br />I am the gate. If anyone enters through Me, he will be saved. He will come in and go out and find pasture.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/9-27.htm">Romans 9:27-29</a></span><br />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.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/11-5.htm">Romans 11:5-7</a></span><br />In the same way, at the present time there is a remnant chosen by grace. / And if it is by grace, then it is no longer by works. Otherwise, grace would no longer be grace. / What then? What Israel was seeking, it failed to obtain, but the elect did. The others were hardened,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/philippians/2-12.htm">Philippians 2:12</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_peter/1-10.htm">2 Peter 1:10-11</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/3-8.htm">Revelation 3:8</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/7-9.htm">Revelation 7:9</a></span><br />After this I looked and saw a multitude too large to count, from every nation and tribe and people and tongue, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and holding palm branches in their hands.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/10-22.htm">Isaiah 10:22</a></span><br />Though your people, O Israel, be like the sand of the sea, only a remnant will return. Destruction has been decreed, overflowing with righteousness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/45-22.htm">Isaiah 45:22</a></span><br />Turn to Me and be saved, all the ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is no other.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/49-6.htm">Isaiah 49:6</a></span><br />He says: “It is not enough for You to be My Servant, to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the protected ones of Israel. I will also make You a light for the nations, to bring My salvation to the ends of the earth.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/55-6.htm">Isaiah 55:6-7</a></span><br />Seek the LORD while He may be found; call on Him while He is near. / 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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/3-14.htm">Jeremiah 3:14</a></span><br />“Return, O faithless children,” declares the LORD, “for I am your master, and I will take you—one from a city and two from a family—and bring you to Zion.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Then said one to him, Lord, are there few that be saved? And he said to them,</p><p class="hdg">are.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/matthew/7-14.htm">Matthew 7:14</a></b></br> Because strait <i>is</i> the gate, and narrow <i>is</i> the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/matthew/19-25.htm">Matthew 19:25</a></b></br> When his disciples heard <i>it</i>, they were exceedingly amazed, saying, Who then can be saved?</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/matthew/20-16.htm">Matthew 20:16</a></b></br> So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen.</p><p class="hdg">And.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/luke/12-13.htm">Luke 12:13-15</a></b></br> And one of the company said unto him, Master, speak to my brother, that he divide the inheritance with me… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/luke/21-7.htm">Luke 21:7,8</a></b></br> And they asked him, saying, Master, but when shall these things be? and what sign <i>will there be</i> when these things shall come to pass? … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/matthew/24-3.htm">Matthew 24:3-5</a></b></br> And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what <i>shall be</i> the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world? … </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/luke/12-48.htm">Few</a> <a href="/luke/8-12.htm">Salvation</a> <a href="/luke/8-50.htm">Saved</a> <a href="/luke/13-8.htm">Sir</a> <a href="/luke/12-26.htm">Small</a> <a href="/luke/12-13.htm">Someone</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/john/2-12.htm">Few</a> <a href="/luke/18-26.htm">Salvation</a> <a href="/luke/17-19.htm">Saved</a> <a href="/luke/13-25.htm">Sir</a> <a href="/luke/16-10.htm">Small</a> <a href="/luke/14-8.htm">Someone</a><div class="vheading2">Luke 13</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/luke/13-1.htm">Jesus preaches repentance upon the punishment of the Galilaeans and others.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">6. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/luke/13-6.htm">The fruitless fig tree may not stand.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">10. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/luke/13-10.htm">He heals the crooked woman;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">18. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/luke/13-18.htm">shows the powerful working of the word, by the parable of the grain of mustard seed, </a></span><br><span class="reftext">20. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/luke/13-20.htm">and of leaven;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">22. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/luke/13-22.htm">exhorts to enter in at the strait gate;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">31. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/luke/13-31.htm">and reproves Herod and Jerusalem.</a></span><br></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'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/luke/13.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/luke/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/luke/13.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>“Lord,” someone asked Him,</b><br>The address "Lord" indicates recognition of Jesus' authority and possibly His divinity. In the cultural context of first-century Judea, addressing someone as "Lord" could denote respect or acknowledgment of a teacher or master. This reflects the growing recognition of Jesus' role and authority among the people. The questioner remains unnamed, suggesting that the inquiry could represent a common concern among the followers or the general populace.<p><b>“will only a few people be saved?”</b><br>This question reflects a theological concern prevalent in Jewish thought at the time. Many Jews believed that salvation was primarily for Israel, with a focus on the faithful remnant. The question implies an understanding of salvation as a selective process, possibly influenced by teachings from the Hebrew Scriptures about the remnant of Israel (e.g., <a href="/isaiah/10-22.htm">Isaiah 10:22</a>). It also touches on eschatological themes, as salvation was often associated with the coming of the Messiah and the establishment of God's kingdom.<p><b>Jesus answered,</b><br>Jesus' response to this question is crucial, as it provides insight into His teaching on salvation. His answer often challenges prevailing assumptions and redirects focus from speculative theology to practical discipleship. In the broader context of the Gospels, Jesus frequently emphasizes personal responsibility, repentance, and faith as key components of salvation, rather than relying solely on ethnic or religious identity.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/j/jesus_christ.htm">Jesus Christ</a></b><br>The central figure in this passage, Jesus is approached with a question about salvation. His response provides insight into the nature of the Kingdom of God.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_questioner.htm">The Questioner</a></b><br>An unnamed individual who poses a significant theological question to Jesus, reflecting a common concern about the scope of salvation.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_journey_to_jerusalem.htm">The Journey to Jerusalem</a></b><br>This event occurs as Jesus is making His way to Jerusalem, a journey that symbolizes His mission and impending sacrifice.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_urgency_of_salvation.htm">The Urgency of Salvation</a></b><br>Jesus' response to the question highlights the urgency of seeking salvation. Believers are encouraged to strive earnestly to enter through the narrow door.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_nature_of_the_kingdom.htm">The Nature of the Kingdom</a></b><br>The Kingdom of God is not about numbers but about genuine faith and commitment. It challenges believers to examine their own spiritual journey.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/personal_responsibility.htm">Personal Responsibility</a></b><br>Each individual must take personal responsibility for their salvation. It is not enough to rely on heritage or association with the faithful.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_inclusivity_of_the_gospel.htm">The Inclusivity of the Gospel</a></b><br>While the question implies exclusivity, the broader biblical account reveals God's desire for all to be saved, urging believers to share the Gospel widely.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/self-examination.htm">Self-Examination</a></b><br>This passage calls for introspection about one's relationship with God and the authenticity of one's faith.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_luke_13.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Luke 13</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_is_the_sinner's_prayer.htm">What is the Sinner's Prayer?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/meaning_of_'righteous_scarcely_saved'.htm">What does "righteous scarcely saved" mean in 1 Peter 4:18?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_verify_lord_saves_his_anointed.htm">Psalm 20:6 - How can we verify historically or scientifically that the Lord 'saves His anointed'?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_baptism_needed_for_salvation_in_acts_2_38.htm">Is baptism essential for salvation according to Acts 2:38?</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>(23) <span class= "bld">Are there few that be saved?</span>--More accurately, <span class= "ital">that are being saved,</span> or, <span class= "ital">that are in the way of salvation.</span> The Greek participle is present, not perfect, and this sense should be borne in mind both here and in <a href="/2_corinthians/2-15.htm" title="For we are to God a sweet smell of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish:">2Corinthians 2:15</a><a href="/acts/2-47.htm" title="Praising God, and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.">Acts 2:47</a>, where the English version gives, with a singular infelicity, "such as should be saved."<p>We are left to conjecture to what class the questioner belonged, and what feelings prompted the question. Was he thinking of salvation in the higher Christian sense of the term, or of safety from that destruction of which Christ had spoken as coming on the impenitent people? In the mind of the questioner the two things may have been blended together, but the answer clearly points to the former, and we have sufficient evidence that such questions were agitating men's minds in the apocryphal Revelation known as the Second Book of Esdras. This book is probably (in part, at least, certainly, see <a href="//apocrypha.org/2_esdras/8-28.htm" title="Think not upon those that have walked feignedly before thee: but remember them, which according to thy will have known thy fear.">2 Esdras 8:28-29</a>), post-Christian, and has been assigned to the time of Nero, or Domitian, or Trajan; but it reflects with a wonderful fulness the fevered, anxious thoughts that were working among both Jews and Gentiles, and among those none is so prominent as that "many are created, but few shall be saved" (<a href="//apocrypha.org/2_esdras/8-1.htm" title="And he answered me, saying, The most High hath made this world for many, but the world to come for few.">2 Esdras 8:1</a>; <a href="//apocrypha.org/2_esdras/8-3.htm" title="There be many created, but few shall be saved.">2 Esdras 8:3</a>; <a href="//apocrypha.org/2_esdras/8-55.htm" title="And therefore ask thou no more questions concerning the multitude of them that perish.">2 Esdras 8:55</a>). Among the strange cabbalistic fancies of the Rabbis, one was an attempt to fix the number of the saved by the numerical value of the letters of this or that text that prophesied of the Kingdom of Heaven. Assuming the question to be of this nature, its form indicates that it was a speculative inquiry. A man anxious and in earnest would have asked, "What must I do to be saved?" And, being a speculative question, our Lord put it aside, gave no direct answer, and sought to force the man back on the thought of what was needed that he himself might take his place in that company. . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/luke/13.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verses 23-30.</span> - <span class="accented">Jesus replies to the question of</span> "<span class="accented">Are</span> <span class="accented">there few that be saved</span>?" <span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 23.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Then said one unto him, Lord, are there few that be saved?</span> The immediate circumstance which called out this question is not recorded, but the general tone of the Master's later teaching, especially on the subject of his kingdom of the future, had disturbed the vision of many in Israel, who loved to dwell on the exclusion of all save the chosen race from the glories of the world to come. The words of the Second Book of Esdras, written perhaps forty or fifty years after this time, well reflect this selfish spirit of harsh exclusiveness, peculiarly a characteristic of the Jew in the days of our Lord. "The Most High hath made this world for many, but the world to come for few" (2 Esdr. 8:1). "There be many more of them which perish, than of them which shall be saved: like as a wave is greater than a drop" (2 Esdr. 9:15, 16). Other passages breathing a similar spirit might be quoted. What relics we possess of Jewish literature of this period all reflect the same stern, jealous, exclusive spirit. The questioner here either hoped to get from the popular Master some statement which might be construed into an approval of this national spirit of hatred of everything that was not Jewish, or, if Jesus chose to combat these selfish hopes, the Master's words might then be quoted to the people as unpatriotic. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/luke/13-23.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div><span class="word">“Lord,”</span><br /><span class="grk">Κύριε</span> <span class="translit">(Kyrie)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Vocative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2962.htm">Strong's 2962: </a> </span><span class="str2">Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">someone</span><br /><span class="grk">τις</span> <span class="translit">(tis)</span><br /><span class="parse">Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_5100.htm">Strong's 5100: </a> </span><span class="str2">Any one, some one, a certain one or thing. An enclitic indefinite pronoun; some or any person or object.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">asked</span><br /><span class="grk">Εἶπεν</span> <span class="translit">(Eipen)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2036.htm">Strong's 2036: </a> </span><span class="str2">Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Him,</span><br /><span class="grk">αὐτῷ</span> <span class="translit">(autō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative Masculine 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> </span><span class="str2">He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">“[will]</span><br /><span class="grk">εἰ</span> <span class="translit">(ei)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1487.htm">Strong's 1487: </a> </span><span class="str2">If. A primary particle of conditionality; if, whether, that, etc.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">only a few</span><br /><span class="grk">ὀλίγοι</span> <span class="translit">(oligoi)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Nominative Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3641.htm">Strong's 3641: </a> </span><span class="str2">Puny; especially neuter somewhat.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[people]</span><br /><span class="grk">οἱ</span> <span class="translit">(hoi)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article - Nominative Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">be saved?”</span><br /><span class="grk">σῳζόμενοι</span> <span class="translit">(sōzomenoi)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Nominative Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4982.htm">Strong's 4982: </a> </span><span class="str2">To save, heal, preserve, rescue. From a primary sos; to save, i.e. Deliver or protect.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[Jesus] answered,</span><br /><span class="grk">εἶπεν</span> <span class="translit">(eipen)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2036.htm">Strong's 2036: </a> </span><span class="str2">Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/luke/13-23.htm">Luke 13:23 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/luke/13-23.htm">Luke 13:23 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/luke/13-23.htm">Luke 13:23 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/luke/13-23.htm">Luke 13:23 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/luke/13-23.htm">Luke 13:23 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/luke/13-23.htm">Luke 13:23 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/luke/13-23.htm">Luke 13:23 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/luke/13-23.htm">Luke 13:23 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/luke/13-23.htm">Luke 13:23 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/luke/13-23.htm">Luke 13:23 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/luke/13-23.htm">NT Gospels: Luke 13:23 One said to him Lord are they (Luke Lu Lk) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/luke/13-22.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Luke 13:22"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Luke 13:22" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/luke/13-24.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Luke 13:24"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Luke 13:24" /></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>