What does Matthew 7:14 mean?

Explanation

The verse Matthew 7:14 is often interpreted as a message about the difficulty of living a righteous life that leads to eternal life in the kingdom of God.

It describes the path to salvation as both "strait" and "narrow," signifying that it is very restrictive and challenging to follow. The "gate" symbolizes the entrance or the point of decision that leads to the path of righteousness.

The verse suggests that entering through this gate and staying on the path requires discipline and commitment because it's not the path of least resistance.

Moreover, the verse contains the idea that only a few individuals find and are able to follow this path, which is often understood to mean that few will achieve salvation or that authentic discipleship is truly rare.

This parallels the idea that a life of Christian dedication is counter-cultural and against many of the more natural inclinations or broader societal ways.

Historical Context

Matthew 7:14 is part of the Sermon on the Mount, considered one of Jesus’ most comprehensive teachings, found in Matthew chapters 5-7.

It was delivered to his disciples and a crowd of other followers on a mountainside in Galilee. At the time, society was heavily influenced by Jewish law, and the Pharisees, as religious leaders, emphasized strict adherence to the Mosaic Law with a focus on outward obedience.

In contrast, Jesus taught about the importance of the inner moral and spiritual life. He advocated for a heartfelt adherence to godly principles, which sometimes ran counter to the prevailing religious norms and the broader Roman culture.

Thus, Jesus was teaching a countercultural and more demanding approach to spirituality, which is the scenario within which this verse was delivered.

Theological Insights

From a theological standpoint, there is a consensus among many Christian traditions that the path to salvation is not earned through works but through faith in Jesus Christ.

However, this verse has been a point of reflection on the nature of true faith and genuine discipleship:

• Evangelical viewpoint: It is commonly viewed as an affirmation of the need for personal decision and commitment to follow Christ, distinguishing the true believer from the cultural Christian.
• Catholic viewpoint: This verse is sometimes linked with faith and works, suggesting that faith without works is dead (James 2:26) and that the righteous will demonstrate their faith by their actions.
• Reformed perspective: It could be considered as supporting the doctrine of predestination, with "few there be that find it" hinting at the elect who have been chosen by God for salvation.
• Liberal Christianity: Some may interpret this less as an exclusive claim about salvation and more about the universal challenge of living selflessly and ethically.

Practical Applications

Matthew 7:14 can be applied in a multitude of ways to the daily life of believers:

• Spiritual Discipline: It can inspire Christians to pursue their faith diligently, being mindful of the distractions and temptations that can lead them astray.
• Decision Making: It can be applied when facing ethical or moral choices, encouraging individuals to choose the more challenging, yet righteous path.
• Community: This verse might also encourage believers to support each other in the difficult journey of faith, recognizing that community can make the narrow path more bearable.

Cross-References

• Matthew 7:13: "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:"
• 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."
• John 14:6: "Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me."

Language Study

The key words in this verse, in the original Greek, are:

• "Strait" (στενός, stenos): Means narrow or compressed.

It carries the implication of being constricted or difficult to enter.

• "Narrow" (τεθλιμμένη, tethlimmenē): This word further enhances the idea of difficulty or affliction.
• "Leadeth" (ἀγω, agō): This verb indicates leading or guiding along a way or path.
• "Life" (ζωή, zōē): In the context of the New Testament, this often refers to eternal life or the life that is found in union with God.

Understanding these terms in their original language adds depth to the interpretation of the verse.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Within other religious and cultural traditions, the idea of a demanding spiritual path isn't unique to Christianity. For example:

• Buddhism: The Noble Eightfold Path, which is central to Buddhist practice, is also a restrictive and disciplined way that leads to enlightenment and freedom from suffering.
• Hinduism: The concept of Dharma, a complex term that includes duty, righteousness, and law, also advises followers on a proper way of living that requires dedication and moral discipline.

Comparatively, Matthew 7:14 emphasizes individual salvation and the uniqueness of the path through Jesus Christ, which sets it apart from more universally accessible teachings found in some other religions.

Scientific Perspectives

The verse Matthew 7:14 does not directly intersect with scientific understandings, as it pertains to spiritual and moral guidance. Science typically does not address issues of spirituality, morality, and afterlife which are matters of faith.

Thus, there are no direct scientific perspectives on this scripture.

Commentaries

Various biblical scholars and theologians offer their insights on this verse:

• John Calvin: Interpreted the "strait gate" as a depiction of the self-denial required from Christians, highlighting that Christ teaches the difficulty of true piety.
• Charles Spurgeon: Noted preacher and theologian, emphasized the seriousness of striving earnestly for salvation and the perseverance needed to continue on the path that leads to life.
• William Barclay: A 20th-century theologian, reflected on the paradox that the hard way leads to life and the easy way leads to destruction, suggesting a life of discipline and effort required in following Jesus.