Luke 13:24
New International Version
“Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able to.

New Living Translation
“Work hard to enter the narrow door to God’s Kingdom, for many will try to enter but will fail.

English Standard Version
“Strive to enter through the narrow door. For many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able.

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

Berean Literal Bible
"Strive to enter in through the narrow door; for many, I say to you, will seek to enter in, and will not be able.

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

New King James Version
“Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I say to you, will seek to enter and will not be able.

New American Standard Bible
“Strive to enter through the narrow door; for many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able.

NASB 1995
“Strive to enter through the narrow door; for many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able.

NASB 1977
“Strive to enter by the narrow door; for many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able.

Legacy Standard Bible
“Strive to enter through the narrow door, for many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able.

Amplified Bible
“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.

Christian Standard Bible
“Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because I tell you, many will try to enter and won’t be able

Holman Christian Standard Bible
“Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because I tell you, many will try to enter and won’t be able

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

Contemporary English Version
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.

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

GOD'S WORD® Translation
"Try hard to enter through the narrow door. I can guarantee that many will try to enter, but they won't succeed.

Good News Translation
"Do your best to go in through the narrow door; because many people will surely try to go in but will not be able.

International Standard Version
"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.

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

NET Bible
"Exert every effort to enter through the narrow door, because many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able to.

New Heart English Bible
"Strive to enter in by the narrow door, for many, I tell you, will seek to enter in, and will not be able.

Webster's Bible Translation
Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say to you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able.

Weymouth New Testament
"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.

World English Bible
“Strive to enter in by the narrow door, for many, I tell you, will seek to enter in and will not be able.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
“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;

Berean Literal Bible
"Strive to enter in through the narrow door; for many, I say to you, will seek to enter in, and will not be able.

Young's Literal Translation
'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;

Smith's Literal Translation
Strive earnestly to enter through the narrow gate: for many, I say to you, shall seek to enter in, and shall not be able.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Strive to enter by the narrow gate; for many, I say to you, shall seek to enter, and shall not be able.

Catholic Public Domain Version
“Strive to enter through the narrow gate. For many, I tell you, will seek to enter and not be able.

New American Bible
“Strive to enter through the narrow door, for many, I tell you, will attempt to enter but will not be strong enough.

New Revised Standard Version
“Strive to enter through the narrow door; for many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
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.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
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.”
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
Strive to enter in through the strait gate; for many, I say to you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able.

Godbey New Testament
Agonize to enter in through the narrow gate: because many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and will not be able.

Haweis New Testament
Exert all your powers to enter through the strait gate: for many, I tell you, will seek to enter, but will not be able.

Mace New Testament
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.

Weymouth New Testament
"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.

Worrell New Testament
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.

Worsley New Testament
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.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Narrow Door
23“Lord,” someone asked Him, “will only a few people be saved?” Jesus answered, 24“Make every effort to enter through the narrow door. For many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able. 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.’…

Cross References
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.

Matthew 25:10-12
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.’

Matthew 22:14
For many are called, but few are chosen.”

Philippians 2:12
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.

2 Peter 1:10-11
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.

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.

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. ...

Revelation 3:8
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.

Romans 9:27-29
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.”

Matthew 19:24
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.”

John 10:9
I am the gate. If anyone enters through Me, he will be saved. He will come in and go out and find pasture.

Acts 14:22
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.

2 Timothy 4:7-8
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.

Isaiah 55:6
Seek the LORD while He may be found; call on Him while He is near.

Proverbs 1:28-29
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.


Treasury of Scripture

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.

Luke 21:36
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.

Genesis 32:25,26
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…

Matthew 11:12
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.

Matthew 7:13,14
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.

Proverbs 1:24-28
Because I have called, and ye refused; I have stretched out my hand, and no man regarded; …

Proverbs 14:6
A scorner seeketh wisdom, and findeth it not: but knowledge is easy unto him that understandeth.

Proverbs 21:25
The desire of the slothful killeth him; for his hands refuse to labour.

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Luke 13
1. Jesus preaches repentance upon the punishment of the Galilaeans and others.
6. The fruitless fig tree may not stand.
10. He heals the crooked woman;
18. shows the powerful working of the word, by the parable of the grain of mustard seed,
20. and of leaven;
22. exhorts to enter in at the strait gate;
31. and reproves Herod and Jerusalem.














Make every effort
The phrase "Make every effort" is translated from the Greek word "ἀγωνίζομαι" (agonizomai), which conveys the idea of striving, struggling, or contending with intense effort. This word is often used in the context of athletic competitions, suggesting a disciplined and determined pursuit. In the Christian life, this implies a call to diligent and persistent effort in seeking God's kingdom, emphasizing that spiritual growth and salvation require active participation and commitment.

to enter
The verb "to enter" comes from the Greek "εἰσέρχομαι" (eiserchomai), meaning to go into or come in. This word suggests a movement from one state or place to another, symbolizing the transition from a life of sin to one of righteousness. In the context of this verse, it underscores the necessity of taking deliberate action to move towards the kingdom of God, highlighting the personal responsibility each believer has in their spiritual journey.

through the narrow door
The "narrow door" is a metaphorical expression that signifies the challenging and exclusive path to salvation. The Greek word for "narrow" is "στενός" (stenos), which implies constriction or difficulty. This imagery is consistent with Jesus' teachings elsewhere in the Gospels, where He contrasts the narrow path leading to life with the broad road leading to destruction (Matthew 7:13-14). The narrow door represents the singular and often difficult way of following Christ, requiring self-denial, obedience, and faith.

For many, I tell you
The phrase "For many, I tell you" introduces a solemn warning from Jesus. The Greek word "πολλοί" (polloi) means "many," indicating that a significant number of people will face the reality described in the following clause. This serves as a cautionary note, urging listeners to take Jesus' words seriously and to reflect on their own spiritual condition.

will try to enter
The words "will try to enter" suggest an attempt or desire to gain access. The Greek verb "ζητέω" (zeteo) means to seek or strive for something. This implies that there will be those who, despite their efforts, will not succeed in entering the kingdom. It highlights the importance of not just effort, but the right kind of effort—one that aligns with God's will and truth.

and will not be able
The phrase "and will not be able" is a sobering conclusion to the verse. The Greek word "ἰσχύω" (ischyo) means to have strength or ability. This indicates that despite their attempts, many will lack the necessary strength or capability to enter. This inability is not due to a lack of opportunity, but rather a failure to meet the conditions set by God, such as genuine repentance, faith in Christ, and a life transformed by the Holy Spirit.

(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 1Corinthians 9:25; 1Timothy 6:12), instead of the simple "enter ye in," and the compression of the whole illustration.

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 Matthew 7:13, 14), 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.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
“Make every effort
Ἀγωνίζεσθε (Agōnizesthe)
Verb - Present Imperative Middle or Passive - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 75: From agon; to struggle, literally, figuratively, or genitive case.

to enter
εἰσελθεῖν (eiselthein)
Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active
Strong's 1525: To go in, come in, enter. From eis and erchomai; to enter.

through
διὰ (dia)
Preposition
Strong's 1223: A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through.

the
τῆς (tēs)
Article - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: 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
Strong's 4728: Narrow, strait. Probably from the base of histemi; narrow.

door.
θύρας (thyras)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 2374: (a) a door, (b) met: an opportunity. Apparently a primary word; a portal or entrance.

For
ὅτι (hoti)
Conjunction
Strong's 3754: Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.

many,
πολλοί (polloi)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 4183: Much, many; often.

I tell
λέγω (legō)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 3004: (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
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

will try
ζητήσουσιν (zētēsousin)
Verb - Future Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 2212: 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
Strong's 1525: To go in, come in, enter. From eis and erchomai; to enter.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

will not be able.
ἰσχύσουσιν (ischysousin)
Verb - Future Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 2480: To have strength, be strong, be in full health and vigor, be able; meton: I prevail. From ischus; to have force.


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NT Gospels: Luke 13:24 Strive to enter in by the narrow (Luke Lu Lk)
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