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Luke 13:24

Luke 13:24 in Multiple Translations

“Make every effort to enter through the narrow door. For many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able.

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

Strive to enter in by the narrow door: for many, I say unto you, shall seek to enter in, and shall not be able.

Do your best to go in by the narrow door, for I say to you, A number will make the attempt to go in, but will not be able to do so.

“Try very hard to enter the narrow doorway, because I tell you that many will try to go in, and won't succeed.

Striue to enter in at the straite gate: for many, I say vnto you, will seeke to enter in, and shall not be able.

'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;

“Strive to enter in by the narrow door, for many, I tell you, will seek to enter in and will not be able.

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 to enter by the narrow gate; for many, I say to you, shall seek to enter, and shall not be able.

Therefore, try hard to enter that narrow doorway, because I tell you that many people will try to enter heaven by some other way, but they will not be able to get in.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Luke 13:24

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Luke 13:24 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
GRK αγωνιζεσθε εισελθειν δια της στενης πυλης οτι πολλοι λεγω υμιν ζητησουσιν εισελθειν και ουκ ισχυσουσιν
αγωνιζεσθε agōnizomai G75 to struggle Verb-PNM-2P
εισελθειν eiserchomai G1525 to enter Verb-2AAN
δια dia G1223 through/because of Prep
της ho G3588 the/this/who Art-GSF
στενης stenos G4728 narrow Adj-GSF
πυλης pulē G4439 gate Noun-GSF
οτι hoti G3754 that/since: that Conj
πολλοι polus G4183 much Adj-NPM
λεγω legō G3004 to say Verb-PAI-1S
υμιν su G4771 you Pron-2DP
ζητησουσιν zēteō G2212 to seek Verb-FAI-3P
εισελθειν eiserchomai G1525 to enter Verb-2AAN
και kai G2532 and Conj
ουκ ou G3756 no Particle-N
ισχυσουσιν ischuō G2480 be strong Verb-FAI-3P
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Greek Word Reference — Luke 13:24

αγωνιζεσθε agōnizomai G75 "to struggle" Verb-PNM-2P
To struggle means to fight or contend with someone or something, like in 1 Corinthians 9:25 where Paul competes for a prize. It can also mean to strive or endeavor to accomplish something, as in Colossians 1:29.
Definition: ἀγωνίζομαι (ἀγών), [in LXX: Da TH 6:14 (שׂוּם בָּל), Sir.4:28, I, II, 4Mac .5 * ;] __1. to contend for a prize: 1Co.9:25, __2. to fight, struggle, strive: Jhn.18:36; metaphorically (MM, VGT, see word). Col.1:29 4:12, 1Ti.4:10 6:12, 2Ti.4:7; with inf. (Field, Notes, 66), Luk.13:24 (Cremer, 609) † (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 7 NT verses. KJV: fight, labor fervently, strive See also: 1 Corinthians 9:25; Colossians 1:29; Luke 13:24.
εισελθειν eiserchomai G1525 "to enter" Verb-2AAN
To enter means to go into a place or situation, like Jesus entering a house in Matthew 9:25 or a city in Mark 1:21. It can be physical or symbolic, like entering a new phase of life. This word is used in many Bible stories, including when Jesus entered Jerusalem in Mark 11:11.
Definition: εἰσ-έρχομαι, [in LXX chiefly for בּוֹא ;] to go in or into, enter: Mat.9:25, Luk.7:45, al.; before εἰς, Mat.10:12, Mrk.2:1, al.; before διά (πύλης, θύρας, etc.), Mat.7:13, Jhn.10:1, al.; ὑπὸ τ. στέγην, Mat.8:8; with adv.: ὅπου, Mrk.14:14, Heb.6:20; ὧδε, Mat.22:12; ἔσω, Mat.26:58; before πρός, with accusative of person(s), Mrk.15:43, Luk.1:28, Act.10:3 11:3 16:40 17:2 28:8, Rev.3:20; of demons taking possession, Mrk.9:25, Luk.8:30 22:3, Jhn.13:27; of food, Mat.15:11, Act.11:8. Metaphorical, of thoughts, Luk.9:46; εἰς κόπον, Jhn.4:38; εἰς πειρασμόν, Mat.26:41, Luk.22:40, 46; of hope as an anchor, Heb.6:19; βοαί, Jas.5:4; πνεῦμα ζωῆς, Rev.11:11; εἰς τ. κόσμον (cf. Wis.2:24 14:14, Jhn.18:37), Rom.5:12, Heb.10:5; in counterparts of Jewish Aram. phrases relating to the theocracy (cf. Dalman, Words, 116ff.): εἰς τ. γάμους, Mat.25:10; εἰς τ. χάραν τ. κυρίου, Mat.25:21, 23; εἰς τ. ζωήν, Mat.18:8, 9 19:17, Mrk.9:43, 45; εἰς τ. βασιλ. τ. οὐρανῶν, Mat.5:20 7:21, al. (see: βασιλεία); εἰς τ. κατάπαυσιν, Heb.3:11, 18 4:1ff.; εἰς τ. δόξαν, Luk.24:26; εἰσ. καὶ ἐξερχ., to go in and out (like Heb. בוֹא וְצֵאת, Deu.28:6, etc.), of familiar intercourse, Act.1:21; figuratively, of moral freedom, Jhn.10:9 (cf. ἐπ-, παρ-, συν-εισέρχομαι). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 185 NT verses. KJV: X arise, come (in, into), enter in(-to), go in (through) See also: 1 Corinthians 14:23; Luke 11:37; Hebrews 3:11.
δια dia G1223 "through/because of" Prep
Means through or because of, like in Matthew 2:12 where the wise men left by another route. It shows cause or occasion, as in 1 Corinthians 3:15, being saved through fire. It can also describe a state or condition, like in Romans.
Definition: διά (before a vowel δ᾽, exc. Rom.8:10, 2Co.5:7, and in (Proper name)s; Tdf., Pr., 94), prep. with genitive, accusative, as in cl.; __1. with genitive, through; __(i) of Place, after verbs of motion or action: Mat.2:12 12:43, Mrk.2:23, Luk.4:30, Jhn.4:4, 2Co.11:33, al.; σώζεσθαι (διας-) δ. πυρός, ὕδατος, 1Co.3:15, 1Pe.3:20; βλέπειν δ. ἐσόπτρου, 1Co.13:12; metaphorically, of a state or condition: Rom.14:20, 2Co.2:4 5:7, 10; δ. γράμματος, ἀκροβυστίας (Lft., Notes, 263, 279), Rom.2:27 4:11; δι ̓ὑπομενῆς, Rom.8:25. __(ii) Of Time; __(a) during which: Mat.26:61, Mrk.14:58, Luk.5:5; δ. παντὸς τοῦ ζῆν, Heb.2:15; δ. παντός (διαπαντός in Mrk.5:5, Luk.24:53), always, continually, Mat.18:10, Act.2:25" (LXX) 10:2 24:16, Rom.11:10" (LXX), 2Th.3:16, Heb.9:6 13:15. __(b) within which: Act.1:3; δ. νυκτός, Act.5:19 16:9 17:10 23:31; __(with) after which (Field, Notes, 20; Abbott, JG, 255f.): Mrk.2:1, Act.24:17, Gal.2:1. __(iii) Of the Means or Instrument; __(1) of the efficient cause (regarded also as the instrument): of God, Rom.11:36, 1Co.1:9, Gal.4:7, Heb.2:10 7:21; of Christ, Rom.1:8 5:1, 17, 1Co.15:21, 1Pe.4:11, al.; δ. τ. ὑμῶν δεήσεως, Rom.1:12, 2Co.1:4, Gal.4:23, al.; __(2) of the agent, instrument or means; __(a) with genitive of person(s), Mat.11:2, Luk.1:70, Jhn.1:17, Act.1:16, Rom.2:16, 1Co.1:21, Eph.1:5, Heb.2:14, Rev.1:1, al.; ὑπὸ τ. κυρίου δ. τ. προφήτου (δ. τ. κυρίου, 1Th.4:2 (M, Th., in l.); Lft., Rev., 121f.), Mat.1:22 2:15, Rom.1:2; δ. ἐπιστολῆς ὡς δ. ἡμῶν (Field, Notes, 202), 2Th.2:2; δ. Σ. (NTD, 22), 1Pe.5:12; __(b) with genitive of thing(s) (where often the simple dative is used in cl.; Jannaris, Gr., 375), Jhn.11:4, Act.5:12; δ. τ. πίστεως, Rom.3:30; δ. λόγου θεοῦ, 1Pe.1:23; δ. παραβολῆς, Luk.8:4; δουλεύειν δ. τ. ἀγάπης, Gal.5:13; δ. ἐπαγγελίας, Gal.3:18, __2. C. accusative; __(i) rarely, as with genitive, through (Hom), δ. μέσον Σαμαρίας (ICC, in l.; Bl., §42, 1; Robertson, Gr., 581), Luk.17:11. __(ii) by reason of, because of, for the sake of; __(a) with accusative of person(s) (M, Pr., 105), Mrk.2:27, Jhn.6:57 11:42, Rom.8:20; __(b) with accusative of thing(s), δ. φθόνον, Mat.27:18, Mrk.15:10; δ. φόβον, Jhn.7:13 20:19; δ. ἀγάπην, Eph.2:4; δ. τοῦτο, freq., for this cause, therefore, Mat.6:25, Mrk.6:14, Luk.11:49, Jhn.6:65, al.; id. before ὅτι, Jhn.5:16 10:17, al.; δ. τί, why, Mat.9:11, 14 Mrk.2:18, Jhn.7:45, al.; δ. τό, with inf., Mrk.5:4, Luk.9:7, Jas.4:2. __3. In composition, __(1) through, as in διαβαίνω; __(2) of separation, asunder, as in διασπάω; __(3) of distribution, abroad, as in διαγγέλλω; __(4) of transition, as διαλλάσσω; __(5) of "perfective" action (M, Pr., 112f., 115f.), as διαφύγω, διακαθαρίζω. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 603 NT verses. KJV: after, always, among, at, to avoid, because of (that), briefly, by, for (cause) … fore, from, in, by occasion of, of, by reason of, for sake, that, thereby, therefore, X though, through(-out), to, wherefore, with (-in) See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 2 Corinthians 8:8; 1 Peter 1:3.
της ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-GSF
The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.
Definition: ὁ, ἡ, τό, the prepositive article (ἄρθρον προτακτικόν), originally a demonstr. pron. (so usually in Hom.), in general corresponding to the Eng. definite article. __I. As demonstr. pron. __1. As frequently in Hom., absol., he (she, it), his (etc.): Act.17:28 (quoted from the poet Aratus). __2. Distributive, ὁ μὲν . . . ὁ δέ, the one . . . the other: 1Co.7:7, Gal.4:22; pl., Act.14:4, 17:32, Php.1:16, al.; οἱ μὲν . . . ἄλλοι δέ, Mat.16:14, Jhn.7:12; οἱ μεν̀ . . . ὁδέ, Heb.7:21, 23. __3. In narration (without ὁ μὲν preceding), ὁ δέ, but he: Mat.2:14, Mrk.1:45, Luk.8:21, Jhn.9:38, al. mult. __II. As prepositive article, the, prefixed, __1. to nouns unmodified: ὁ θεός, τὸ φῶς, etc.; to abstract nouns, ἡ σοφία, etc., to pl. nouns which indicate a class, οἱ ἀλώπεκες, foxes, Mat.8:20, al.; to an individual as representing a class, ὁ ἐργάτης, Luk.10:7; with nom. = voc. in addresses, Mat.11:26, Jhn.19:3, Jas.5:1, al.; to things which pertain to one, ἡ χεῖρ, his hand, Mrk.3:1; to names of persons well known or already mentioned; usually to names of countries (originally adjectives), ἡ Ἰουδαία, etc. __2. To modified nouns: with of person(s) pron. genitive, μοῦ, σοῦ, etc.; with poss. pron., ἐμός, σός, etc.; with adj. between the art. and the noun, ὁ ἀγαθὸς ἄνθρωπος, Mat.12:35; the noun foll, by adj., both with art., ὁ ποιμὴν ὁ καλός, Jhn.10:11 (on ὁ ὄχλος πολύς, Jhn.12:9, see M, Pr., 84); before adjectival phrases, ἡ κατ᾽ ἐκλογὴν πρόθεσις, Rom.9:11. __3. To Other parts of speech used as substantives; __(a) neuter adjectives: τ. ἀγαθόν, etc.; __(b) cardinal numerals: ὁ εἶς, οἷ δύο, etc.; __(with) participles: ὁ βαπτίζων (= ὁ Βαπτιστής, Mat.14:2), Mrk.6:14; πᾶς ὁ, with ptcp., every one who, etc.; __(d) adverbs: τὸ πέραν, τὰ νῦν, ὁ ἔσω ἄνθρωπος; __(e) infinitives: nom., τὸ θέλειν, Rom.7:18, al.; genitive, τοῦ, after adjectives, ἄξιον τοῦ πορεύεσθαι, 1Co.16:4; verbs, ἐλαχεν τοῦ θυμιᾶσαι, Luk.1:9; and frequently in a final sense, ἐξῆλθεν ὁ σπείρειν, Mat.13:3 (on the artic. inf., see Bl., §71). __4. In the neut. to sentences, phrases or single words treated as a quotation: τὸ Ἐι δύνῃ, Mrk.9:23; τὸ ἔτι ἅπαξ, Heb.12:27; τὸ ἀνέβη, Eph.4:9, al. __5. To prepositional phrases: οἱ ἀπὸ Ἰταλίας, Heb.13:24; οἱ ἐκ νόμου, Rom.4:14; neut. accusative absol., in adverbial phrases, τὸ καθ᾽ ἡμέραν, daily, Luk.11:3; τὸ κατὰ σάρκα, as regards the flesh, Rom.9:5. __6. To nouns in the genitive, denoting kinship, association, etc.: ὁ τοῦ, the son of (unless context indicates a different relationship), Mat.10:2, al.; τὰ τοῦ θεοῦ, the things that pertain to God, Mat.16:23; τὰ τῆς εἰρήνης, Rom.14:19 (cf. M, Pr., 81ff.; Bl, §§46, 47). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.
στενης stenos G4728 "narrow" Adj-GSF
Narrow refers to a tight or restricted space, like a small gate in Matthew 7:13-14. It can also describe a difficult or challenging situation.
Definition: στενός, -ή, -όν [in LXX for צַר, etc. ;] narrow: fig (v MM, xxiii), Mat.7:13-14, Luk.13:24.† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 3 NT verses. KJV: strait See also: Luke 13:24; Matthew 7:13; Matthew 7:14.
πυλης pulē G4439 "gate" Noun-GSF
A gate is an entrance, and this word is used literally in Acts 9:24 and figuratively in Matthew 7:13-14 to describe a pathway.
Definition: πύλη, -ης, ἡ [in LXX chiefly and very frequently for שַׁעַר sometimes for דֶּלֶת, פֶּתַח ;] a gate: Luk.7:12, Act.9:24 12:10 16:13, Heb.13:12; ἡ Ὡραία Π. τ. ἱεροῦ, Act.3:10. Metaphorical, Mat.7:13-14; πύλαι ᾅδου (Wis.16:13, 3Ma.5:51, and cf. κλαῖς ᾅδου Rev.1:18): Mat.16:18.† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 9 NT verses. KJV: gate See also: Acts 3:10; Luke 7:12; Hebrews 13:12.
οτι hoti G3754 "that/since: that" Conj
This Greek word means 'that' or 'because', used to introduce a reason or explanation. It appears in the New Testament, such as in Matthew 3:9 and Romans 8:38. It helps to show cause and effect in sentences.
Definition: ὅτι, conjc. (prop. neut. of ὅστις). __I. As conjc, introducing an objective clause, that; __1. after verbs of seeing, knowing, thinking, saying, feeling: Mat.3:9 6:32 11:25, Mrk.3:28, Luk.2:49, Jhn.2:22, Act.4:13, Rom.1:13 8:38 10:9, Php.4:15, Jas.2:24, al.; elliptically, Jhn.6:46, Php.3:12, al. __2. After εἶναι (γίνεσθαι): defining a demonstr. or of person(s) pron., Jhn.3:19 16:19, Rom.9:6, 1Jn.3:16 al.; with pron. interrog., Mat.8:27, Mrk.4:41, Luk.4:36, Jhn.4:22 al.; id. elliptically, Luk.2:49, Act.5:4, 9, al.; __3. Untranslatable, before direct discourse (ὅτι recitantis): Mat.7:23, Mrk.2:16, Luk.1:61, Jhn.1:20, Act.15:1, Heb.11:18, al. (on the pleonastic ὡς ὅτι, see: ὡς). __II. As causal particle, for that, because: Mat.5:4-12, Luk.6:20, 21, J0 1:30 5:27, Act.1:5, 1Jn.4:18, Rev.3:10, al. mult.; διὰ τοῦτο ὅτι, Jhn.8:47 10:17, al.; answering a question (διὰ τί), Rom.9:32, al.; οὐκ ὅτι . . . ἀλλ᾽ ὅτι, Jhn.6:26 12:6. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 1185 NT verses. KJV: as concerning that, as though, because (that), for (that), how (that), (in) that, though, why See also: 1 Corinthians 1:5; 1 John 5:2; 1 Peter 1:12.
πολλοι polus G4183 "much" Adj-NPM
This word means much or many, and is used to describe things like large crowds, as in Mark 5:24, or a great amount of time, as in Matthew 25:19. It emphasizes the magnitude of something.
Definition: πολύς, πολλή, πολύ, [in LXX chiefly for רַב and cognate forms ;] __1. as adj., much, many, great, of number, space, degree, value, time, etc.: ἀριθμός, Act.11:21; ὄχλος, Mrk.5:24; θερισμός, Mat.9:37; χόρτος, Jhn.6:10; χρόνος, Mat.25:19; γογγυσμός, Jhn.7:12; πόνος, Col.4:13; δόξα, Mat.24:30; σιγή, Act.21:40; pl., προφῆται, Mat.13:17; ὄχλοι, Mat.4:25; δαιμόνια, Mrk.1:34; δυνάμεις, Mat.7:22, __2. As subst., pl. masc, πολλοί, many (persons): Mat.7:22, Mrk.2:2, al.; with genitive partit., Mat.3:7, Luk.1:16, al.; before ἐκ, Jhn.7:31, Act.17:12; with art., οἱ π., the many, Mat.24:12, Rom.12:5, 1Co.10:17, 33 2Co.2:17; opposite to ὁ εἶς (Lft., Notes, 291), Rom.5:15, 19; neut. pl., πολλά: Mat.13:3, Mrk.5:26, al.; accusative with adverbial force, Mrk.1:45, Rom.16:6 (Deiss., LAE, 317), 1Co.16:12, Jas.3:2, al.; neut. sing., πολύ: Luk.12:48; adverbially, Mrk.12:27, al.; πολλοῦ (genitive pret.), Mat.26:9; with compar. (Bl., §44, 5), π. σπουδαιότερον, 2Co.8:22; πολλῷ πλείους, Jhn.4:41. Compar., πλείων, neut., πλεῖον and πλέον (see WH, App., 151), pl., πλείονες, -ας, -α, contr., πλείους, -ω (cf. Mayser, 69), more, greater; __1. as adj.: Jhn.15:2, Act.18:2o, Heb.3:3; before παρά, Heb.11:4 (cf. Westc, in l. Was ΠΛΙΟΝΑ here a primitive error for ΗΔΙΟΝΑ ?); pi., Act.13:31, al.; with genitive compar., Mat.21:36; with num. (ἤ of comp. omitted), Act.4:22 24:11, al. __2. As subst., οἱ π., the greater number: Act.10:32 27:12, 1Co.10:5 15:6; also (Bl., §44, 3) others, more, the more: 2Co.2:6 4:15, Php.1:14; πλείονα, Luk.11:53; πλειον, πλέον, Mat.20:10, 2Ti.3:9; with genitive comp., Mk 12:43, Luk.21:3; π. Ἰωνᾶ ὧδε, Mat.12:41; adverbially, Act.4:17 20:9 24:4. __3. As adv., πλεῖον: before ἤ, Luk.9:13; with genitive comp., Mat.5:20; πλείω: with num., Mat.26:53. Superl., πλεῖστος, -η, -ον, __(a) prop., most: Mat.11:20 21:8; adverbially, τὸ π., 1Co.14:27; __(b) elative (M, Pr., 79), very great: ὄχλος π., Mrk.4:1. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 386 NT verses. KJV: abundant, + altogether, common, + far (passed, spent), (+ be of a) great (age, deal, -ly, while), long, many, much, oft(-en (-times)), plenteous, sore, straitly See also: 1 Corinthians 1:26; Acts 23:21; 1 Peter 1:3.
λεγω legō G3004 "to say" Verb-PAI-1S
This word means to say or speak, and it is used by Jesus and others in the New Testament to share teachings and tell stories. It appears in Matthew 9:34 and John 1:29.
Definition: λέγω, [in LXX very freq., chiefly for אמר; λέγει for נְאֻם, Gen.22:16, al. ;] __1. in Hom., to pick out, gather, reckon, recount. __2. In Hdt. and Att., to say, speak, affirm, declare: absol., Act.13:15, 24:10; before orat. dir., Mat.9:34, Mrk.3:11, Jhn.1:29, al.; before ὅτι recit., Mrk.3:21, Luk.1:24, Jhn.6:14, al.; accusative and inf., Luk.11:18, Jhn.12:29, al.; after another verb of speaking, προσφωνεῖν κ. λέγειν, Mat.11:17, al.; ἀπεκρίθη (ἐλάλησεν) λέγων (καὶ λέγει; Dalman, Words, 24 ff.), Mat.25:9, Mrk.3:33, 7:28, Luk.24:6, 7, al.; of unspoken thought, λ. ἐν ἑαυτῷ, Mat.3:9, Luk.3:8, al.; of writing, 2Co.8:8, Php.4:11, al.; λέγει ἡ γραφή, Rom.4:3, Jas.2:23, al.; with accusative of thing(s), Luk.8:8, 9:33, Jhn.5:34, al.; σὺ λέγεις (a non-committal phrase; Swete, Mk., 359, 369f.), Mat.27:11, Mrk.15:2, Luk.23:3, Jhn.18:37; with dative of person(s), before orat. dir., Mat.8:20, Mrk.2:17, al. mult.; id. before ὅτι, Mat.3:9, al.; with prep., πρός, μετά, περί, etc., Mrk.4:41, Jhn.11:56, Heb.9:5, al.; to mean (cl.), Mrk.14:71, Jhn.6:71, 1Co.10:29, al.; to call, name, Mrk.10:18; pass., Mat.9:9, Mrk.15:7, al (cf. ἀντι-, δια- (-μαι), προ-, συλ-λέγω). SYN.: λαλέω, which refers to the utterance, as λέγω to the meaning of what is said, its correspondence with thought (Tr., Syn., Ixxvi; Thayer, see word λαλέω). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 1988 NT verses. KJV: ask, bid, boast, call, describe, give out, name, put forth, say(-ing, on), shew, speak, tell, utter See also: 1 Corinthians 1:10; Acts 6:2; Acts 19:3.
υμιν su G4771 "you" Pron-2DP
This Greek word means 'you' and is used to address someone directly, like in John 1:30 and Matthew 26:64. It's a way to emphasize or contrast the person being spoken to. The KJV Bible translates it as 'thou'.
Definition: σύ, pron. of 2nd of person(s), thou, you, genitive, σοῦ, dative, σοί, accusative, σέ, pl., ὑμεῖς, -ῶν, -ῖν, -ᾶς (enclitic in oblique cases sing., except after prep. (BL, §48, 3), though πρὸς σέ occurs in Mat.25:39). Nom. for emphasis or contrast: Jhn.1:30, 4:10, 5:33, 39, 44, Act.4:7, Eph.5:32; so also perhaps σὺ εἶπας, Mat.26:64, al. (M, Pr., 86); before voc., Mat.2:6, Luk.1:76, Jhn.17:5, al.; sometimes without emphasis (M, Pr., 85f.), as also in cl., but esp. as rendering of Heb. phrase, e.g. υἱός μου εἶ σύ (בְּנִי־אַתָּה, Psa.2:7), Act.13:33. The genitive (σοῦ, ὑμῶν) is sometimes placed bef. the noun: Luk.7:48, 12:30, al.; so also the enclitic σοῦ, Mat.9:6; on τί ἐμοὶ κ. σοί, see: ἐγώ. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 2041 NT verses. KJV: thou See also: 1 Corinthians 1:3; 1 Corinthians 15:3; 1 Peter 1:2.
ζητησουσιν zēteō G2212 "to seek" Verb-FAI-3P
To seek something means to look for it or try to find it, like when Jesus teaches to seek first God's kingdom in Matthew 7:7. It can also mean to worship or plot against someone.
Definition: ζητέω, -ῶ, [in LXX chiefly for בּקשׁ pi., also for דּרשׁ, etc. ;] __1. to seek, seek for: Mat.7:7, 8 Luk.11:9, 10; with accusative of person(s), Mrk.1:37, Luk.2:48, Jhn.6:24, al.; id. before ἐν, Act.9:11; with accusative of thing(s), Mat.13:45, Luk.19:10; before ἐν, Luk.13:6, 7; ψυχήν, of plotting against one's life ( Exo.4:19, al.), Mat.2:20, Rom.11:3" (LXX) . Metaphorical, to seek by thinking, search after, inquire into: Mrk.11:18, Luk.12:28, Jhn.16:19; τ. θεόν, Act.17:27. __2. to seek or strive after, desire: Mat.12:46, Mrk.12:12, Luk.9:9, Jhn.5:18, Rom.10:3, al.; τ. θάνατον, Rev.9:6; τ. βασιλείαν τ. θεοῦ, Mat.6:33 (Dalman, Words, 121f.); τὰ ἄνω, Col.3:1; εἰρήνην, 1Pe.3:11 (LXX). __3. to require, demand: with accusative of thing(s), Mrk.8:12, Luk.11:29, 1Co.1:22, 2Co.13:3; before παρά, Mrk.8:11, al.; ἵνα, 1Co.4:2 (cf. ἀνα-, ἐκ-, ἐπι-, συν-ζητέω). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 115 NT verses. KJV: be (go) about, desire, endeavour, enquire (for), require, (X will) seek (after, for, means) See also: 1 Corinthians 1:22; John 18:8; 1 Peter 3:11.
εισελθειν eiserchomai G1525 "to enter" Verb-2AAN
To enter means to go into a place or situation, like Jesus entering a house in Matthew 9:25 or a city in Mark 1:21. It can be physical or symbolic, like entering a new phase of life. This word is used in many Bible stories, including when Jesus entered Jerusalem in Mark 11:11.
Definition: εἰσ-έρχομαι, [in LXX chiefly for בּוֹא ;] to go in or into, enter: Mat.9:25, Luk.7:45, al.; before εἰς, Mat.10:12, Mrk.2:1, al.; before διά (πύλης, θύρας, etc.), Mat.7:13, Jhn.10:1, al.; ὑπὸ τ. στέγην, Mat.8:8; with adv.: ὅπου, Mrk.14:14, Heb.6:20; ὧδε, Mat.22:12; ἔσω, Mat.26:58; before πρός, with accusative of person(s), Mrk.15:43, Luk.1:28, Act.10:3 11:3 16:40 17:2 28:8, Rev.3:20; of demons taking possession, Mrk.9:25, Luk.8:30 22:3, Jhn.13:27; of food, Mat.15:11, Act.11:8. Metaphorical, of thoughts, Luk.9:46; εἰς κόπον, Jhn.4:38; εἰς πειρασμόν, Mat.26:41, Luk.22:40, 46; of hope as an anchor, Heb.6:19; βοαί, Jas.5:4; πνεῦμα ζωῆς, Rev.11:11; εἰς τ. κόσμον (cf. Wis.2:24 14:14, Jhn.18:37), Rom.5:12, Heb.10:5; in counterparts of Jewish Aram. phrases relating to the theocracy (cf. Dalman, Words, 116ff.): εἰς τ. γάμους, Mat.25:10; εἰς τ. χάραν τ. κυρίου, Mat.25:21, 23; εἰς τ. ζωήν, Mat.18:8, 9 19:17, Mrk.9:43, 45; εἰς τ. βασιλ. τ. οὐρανῶν, Mat.5:20 7:21, al. (see: βασιλεία); εἰς τ. κατάπαυσιν, Heb.3:11, 18 4:1ff.; εἰς τ. δόξαν, Luk.24:26; εἰσ. καὶ ἐξερχ., to go in and out (like Heb. בוֹא וְצֵאת, Deu.28:6, etc.), of familiar intercourse, Act.1:21; figuratively, of moral freedom, Jhn.10:9 (cf. ἐπ-, παρ-, συν-εισέρχομαι). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 185 NT verses. KJV: X arise, come (in, into), enter in(-to), go in (through) See also: 1 Corinthians 14:23; Luke 11:37; Hebrews 3:11.
και kai G2532 "and" Conj
And or also, a connecting word used to join ideas or words, like in Matthew 2:18 and Hebrews 1:1.
Definition: καί, conj., and __I. Copulative. __1. Connecting single words; __(a) in general: Mat.2:18, 16:1, Mrk.2:15, Luk.8:15, Heb.1:1, al. mult.; repeated before each of the terms in a series, Mat.23:23, Luk.14:21, Rom.7:12, 9:4, al. __(b) connecting numerals (WM, §37, 4): Jhn.2:20, Act.13:20; __(with) joining terms which are not mutually exclusive, as the part with the whole: Mat.8:33, 26:59, Mrk.16:17, Act.5:29, al. __2. Connecting clauses and sentences: Mat.3:12, Act.5:21, al. mult.; esp. __(a) where, after the simplicity of the popular language, sentences are paratactically joined (WM, §60, 3; M, Pr., 12; Deiss., LAE, 128ff.): Mat.1:21, 7:25, Mrk.9:5, Jhn.10:3, al.; __(b) joining affirmative to negative sentences: Luk.3:14, Jhn.4:11, IIIJhn.10; __(with) consecutive, and so: Mat.5:1, 23:32, Heb.3:19, al.; after imperatives, Mat.4:19, Luk.7:7, al.; __(d) = καίτοι, and yet: Mat.3:14, 6:26, Mrk.12:12, Luk.18:7 (Field, Notes, 72), 1Co.5:2, al.; __(e) beginning an apodosis (= Heb. וְ; so sometimes δέ in cl.), then: Luk.2:21, 7:12, Act.1:10; beginning a question (WM, §53, 3a): Mrk.10:26, Luk.10:29, Jhn.9:36. __3. Epexegetic, and, and indeed, namely (WM, §53, 3c): Luk.3:18, Jhn.1:16, Act.23:6, Rom.1:5, 1Co.3:5, al. __4. In transition: Mat.4:23, Mrk.5:1, 21, Jhn.1:19, al.; so, Hebraistically, καὶ ἐγένετο (וַי:הִי; also ἐγένετο δέ), Mrk.1:9 (cf. Luk.5:1; V. Burton, §§357-60; M, Pr., 14, 16). __5. καὶ . . . καί, both . . . and (for τε . . . καί, see: τε); __(a) connecting single words: Mat.10:28, Mrk.4:41, Rom.11:33, al.; __(b) clauses and sentences: Mrk.9:13, Jhn.7:28, 1Co.1:22, al. __II. Adjunctive, also, even, still: Mat.5:39, 40; Mrk.2:28, al. mult.; esp. with pron., adv., etc., Mat.20:4, Jhn.7:47, al; ὡς κ., Act.11:17; καθὼς κ., Rom.15:7; οὑτω κ., Rom.6:11; διὸ κ., Luk.1:35; ὁ κ. (Deiss., BS, 313ff.), Act.13:9; pleonastically, μετὰ κ.. (Bl., §77, 7; Deiss., BS, 265f,), Php.4:3; τί κ., 1 Co 15:29; ἀλλὰ κ., Luk.14:22, Jhn.5:18, al.; καίγε (M, Pr., 230; Burton, §437), Act.17:27; καίπερ, Heb.5:8; κ. ἐάν, see: ἐάν. ἐάν, contr. fr. εἰ ἄν, conditional particle, representing something as "under certain circumstances actual or liable to happen," but not so definitely expected as in the case of εἰ with ind. (Bl., §65, 4; cf. Jhn.13:17, 1Co.7:36), if haply, if; __1. with subjc. (cl.); __(a) pres.: Mat.6:22, Luk.10:6, Jhn.7:17, Rom.2:25, 26 al.; { __(b) aor. (= Lat. fut. pf.): Mat.4:9 16:26 (cf. ptcp. in Luk.9:25; M, Pr., 230), Mrk.3:24, Luk.14:34, Jhn.5:43, Rom.7:2, al.; = cl. εἰ, with opt., Jhn.9:22 11:57, Act.9:2; as Heb. אִם = ὅταν, Jhn.12:32 14:3, I Jhn.2:28 3:2, Heb.3:7" (LXX) . __2. C. indic, (as in late writers, fr. Arist. on; see WH, App., 171; VD, MGr. 2, App., §77; Deiss., BS, 201f., LAE, 155, 254; M, Pr., 168, 187; Bl., §65, 4); __(a) fut.: Mat.18:19 T, Luk.19:40, Act.7:7; __(b) pres.: 1Th.3:8 (see Milligan, in l.). __3. With other particles: ἐ. καί (Bl., §65, 6), Gal.6:1; ἐ. μή (M, Pr., 185, 187; Bl., l.with), with subjc. pres., Mat.10:13, 1Co.8:8, Jas.2:17, 1Jn.3:21; aor., Mat.6:15, Mrk.3:27, Jhn.3:3, Rom.10:15, Gal.1:8 2:16 (see Lft., Ellic., in ll.); ἐ. τε . . . ἐ. τε, [in LXX for אִם . . . אִם, Est.19:13, al.,] Rom.14:8. __4. = cl. ἄν (which see) after relat. pronouns and adverbs (Tdf., Pr., 96; WH, App., 173; M, Pr., 42f.; Bl., §26, 4; Mayser, 152f.; Deiss., BS, 202ff.): ὃς ἐ., Mat.5:19, Mrk.6:22, 23 Luk.17:32, 1Co.6:18, al.; ὅπου ἐ., Mat.8:19; ὁσάκις ἐ., Rev.11:6; οὗ ἐ., 1Co.16:6; καθὸ ἐ., 2Co.8:12; ὅστις ἐ., Gal.5:10. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 5212 NT verses. KJV: and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 10:4; 1 Corinthians 16:1.
ουκ ou G3756 "no" Particle-N
This is a strong 'no', used to deny something completely. It appears in the New Testament, such as in Matthew 13:29 and John 1:21. It is a negative answer to a question.
Definition: οὐ, before a vowel with smooth breathing οὐκ, before one with rough breathing οὐχ (but improperly οὐχ ἰδού, Act.2:7, WH, mg.; cf. WH, Intr., §409; M, Pr., 44, 244), [in LXX for אֵין ,אַיִן ,לֹא ;] neg. particle, not, no, used generally with indic, and for a denial of fact (cf . μή); __1. absol. (accented), οὔ, no: Mat.13:29 Jhn.1:21 21:5; οὒ οὕ, Mat.5:37 Jas.5:12. __2. Most frequently negativing a verb or other word, Mat.1:25 10:26, 38, Mrk.3:25 9:37, Jhn.8:29, Act.7:5, Rom.1:16, Php.3:3, al.; in litotes, οὐκ ὀλίγοι (i.e. very many), Act.17:4, al.; οὐκ ἄσημος, Act.21:39; πᾶς . . . οὐ, with verb, (like Heb. כֹּל . . . לֹא), no, none, Mat.24:22, Mrk.13:20, Luk.1:37, Eph.5:5, al.; in disjunctive statements, οὐκ . . . ἀλλά, Luk.8:52 Jhn.1:33 Rom.8:2o, al.; with 2 of person(s) fut. (like Heb. לֹא, with impf.), as emphatic prohibition, Mat.4:7, Luk.4:12, Rom.7:7, al. __3. With another negative, __(a) strengthening the negation: Mrk.5:37, Jhn.8:15 12:19, Act.8:39, al.; __(b) making an affirmative: Act.4:20, 1Co.12:15. __4. With other particles: οὐ μή (see: μή); οὐ μηκέτι, Mat.21:19; with μή interrog., Rom.10:18, 1Co.9:4, 5 11:22. __5. Interrogative, expecting an affirmative answer (Lat. nonne): Mat.6:26, Mrk.4:21, Luk.11:40, Jhn.4:35, Rom.9:21, al. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 1410 NT verses. KJV: + long, nay, neither, never, no (X man), none, (can-)not, + nothing, + special, un(-worthy), when, + without, + yet but See also: 1 Corinthians 1:16; 1 Corinthians 15:32; 1 Peter 1:8.
ισχυσουσιν ischuō G2480 "be strong" Verb-FAI-3P
To be strong means having physical or inner power, as Jesus showed in Matthew 9:12 and the apostles did in Acts 19:20, where faith made them prevail.
Definition: ἰσχύω (ἰσχύς), [in LXX for חָזַק, גִּבּוֹר, עָצַם, etc. ;] __1. to be strong in body: Mat.9:12, Mrk.2:17. __2. to be powerful, have power, prevail: Act.19:20, Rev.12:8; before κατά, with genitive of person(s), Act.19:16; with inf., to be able (MM, Exp., xv): Mat.8:28 26:40, Mrk.5:4 9:18 (inf. understood) Mrk.14:37, Luk.6:48 8:43 13:24 14:6, 29-30 16:3 20:26, Jhn.21:6, Act.6:10 15:10 25:7 27:16; with accusative, Php.4:13, Jas.5:16; of things, to avail, be serviceable (MM, Exp., l.with): Mat.5:13, Gal.5:6, Heb.9:17 (cf. ἐν-, ἐξ-, ἐπ-, κατ-ισχύω).† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 29 NT verses. KJV: be able, avail, can do(-not), could, be good, might, prevail, be of strength, be whole, + much work See also: Acts 6:10; Luke 14:6; Hebrews 9:17.

Study Notes — Luke 13:24

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Matthew 7:13–14 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.
2 2 Peter 1:10 Therefore, brothers, strive to make your calling and election sure. For if you practice these things you will never stumble,
3 1 Corinthians 9:24–27 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. No, I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified.
4 Hebrews 4:11 Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will fall by following the same pattern of disobedience.
5 Luke 21:36 So keep watch at all times, and pray that you may have the strength to escape all that is about to happen and to stand before the Son of Man.”
6 Ezekiel 33:31 So My people come to you as usual, sit before you, and hear your words; but they do not put them into practice. Although they express love with their mouths, their hearts pursue dishonest gain.
7 Philippians 2:12–13 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. For it is God who works in you to will and to act on behalf of His good purpose.
8 Proverbs 21:25 The craving of the slacker kills him because his hands refuse to work.
9 John 6:27 Do not work for food that perishes, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For on Him God the Father has placed His seal of approval.”
10 Colossians 1:29 To this end I also labor, striving with all His energy working powerfully within me.

Luke 13:24 Summary

Jesus teaches us that we need to make a real effort to follow Him and enter into a relationship with God through faith in Him. This is not just a casual or superficial thing, but a serious commitment to trust and obey Him, as seen in John 3:16 and John 14:6. The 'narrow door' is a symbol of the exclusive path to salvation through Jesus Christ, and many people will try to find other ways to get to God, but they will not be able to. By putting our faith in Jesus and following Him, we can be sure that we are on the right path and will enter into eternal life with God.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Jesus mean by 'the narrow door' in this verse?

The narrow door refers to the path of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ, as described in Matthew 7:13-14, where Jesus teaches that the gate to eternal life is narrow and few find it.

Why will many people try to enter and not be able?

Many will try to enter but not be able because they have not truly put their faith in Jesus Christ, as emphasized in Acts 4:12, which states that salvation is found in no one else but Jesus.

What is the relationship between this verse and the concept of predestination?

This verse highlights the importance of individual effort and response to the gospel, as seen in Philippians 2:12-13, where believers are urged to work out their salvation with fear and trembling, while also trusting in God's sovereignty.

How can we 'make every effort' to enter through the narrow door?

Making every effort to enter through the narrow door involves repenting of our sins, putting our faith in Jesus Christ, and following Him obediently, as taught in Luke 9:23-24 and Matthew 16:24-25, where Jesus calls His disciples to take up their cross and follow Him.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways I can 'make every effort' to deepen my faith and follow Jesus more closely in my daily life?
  2. How does the reality of the narrow door and the many who will try to enter but not be able impact my sense of urgency and compassion for sharing the gospel with others?
  3. What are some common misconceptions about salvation that might lead people to try to enter through the wrong 'door', and how can I gently correct these misunderstandings with friends and family?
  4. In what ways can I prioritize my relationship with Jesus and make sure I am walking through the narrow door of faith, rather than just going through the motions of religious routine?

Gill's Exposition on Luke 13:24

Strive to enter in at the strait gate,.... What is meant by the strait gate, and by entering in at it, [See comments on Matthew 7:13].

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 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. Strive to enter in , [ Agoonizesthe (G75)].

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Luke 13:24

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Trapp's Commentary on Luke 13:24

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. Ver. 24. Strive to enter] Strive even to an agony; or as they did for the garland in the Olympic games, to the which the word αγωνιζεσθε, here used, seemeth to allude. All would come to heaven, but all like not the way; they would not per angusta ad augusta pervenire: come through the narrow way to paridise, they like well of Abraham’ s bosom, but not of Dives’ door. But let none think to live in Delilah’ s lap, and then to rest in Abraham’ s bosom; to dance with the devil all day, and then to sup with Christ at night; to fly to heaven with pleasant wings, to pass a deliciis ad delicias, e caeno ad coelum, &c., from pleasure to pleasure, out of the mud to heaven, to go to heaven in a feather bed.

Ellicott's Commentary on Luke 13:24

(24) Strive to enter in at the strait gate.—See Notes on Matthew 7:13-14. 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 1 Corinthians 9:25; 1 Timothy 6:12), instead of the simple “enter ye in,” and the compression of the whole illustration.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Luke 13:24

Verse 24. Many - will seek] They seek-wish and desire; but they do not strive; therefore, because they will not agonize - will not be in earnest, they shall not get in. See this subject more particularly explained on Matthew 7:13-14.

Cambridge Bible on Luke 13:24

24. Strive] The word implies the strong efforts of a contest. 1 Timothy 6:12.at the strait gate] Rather, through the narrow door; reading thuras (à, B, D, L) for pules. Matthew 7:13.will seek to enter in, and shall not be able] because they only seek, and do not strive; they wish for heaven, but will not abandon earth. Sometimes also because they seek too late (Proverbs 1:28-29; Isaiah 1:15; John 7:34; Hebrews 12:17), but mainly because they seek to enter through other ways by which there is no entrance, since Christ is the only door (John 10:7; John 14:6).

Barnes' Notes on Luke 13:24

Strive - Literally, “agonize.” The word is taken from the Grecian games. In their races, and wrestlings, and various athletic exercises, they “strove or agonized,” or put forth all their powers to gain the victory.

Whedon's Commentary on Luke 13:24

24. Strive—The common remark that Jesus evades the question, as being a query of idle curiosity, is hardly correct.

Sermons on Luke 13:24

SermonDescription
David Wilkerson When Jesus Shuts the Door by David Wilkerson In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of Jesus shutting the door. He emphasizes that Jesus has the power to shut the door at any time, and when that happens, those out
William P. Nicholson The Sin That Has No Forgiveness by William P. Nicholson In this sermon, the preacher expresses his frustration and desperation in trying to bring people to Christ. He emphasizes that he has done everything he can to warn and save souls,
Rolfe Barnard Are There Few That Be Saved? by Rolfe Barnard In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the lack of vision among God's people when it comes to the need for salvation. He highlights the difficulty of living in a world where everyo
Aaron Hurst The Violent Take the Kingdom of Heaven by Force by Aaron Hurst In this sermon, Brother Denny emphasizes the importance of being diligent and vigilant in our pursuit of the kingdom of God. He contrasts the violent opposition faced by Christians
Dave Hunt What Love Is This? - Part 5 by Dave Hunt This sermon delves into the historical context of divisions within Christianity, focusing on the Council of Nicaea and the controversies surrounding believers who renounced Christ
David Legge Earthquake: Why the Horror in Haiti? by David Legge In this sermon, the speaker shares a powerful story of a man who sold his blood to buy an overhead projector to share the gospel in a tribal area. The speaker emphasizes that this
John Musser Religious but Lost - Professing Christians in Hell by John Musser In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the prominent theme of the disciples, including James, Hebrews, and Jesus, which is the end of the age and the separation of the righteous f

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