Matthew 7:14 (GNV)

Passage

Because the gate is streight, and the way narowe that leadeth vnto life, and fewe there be that finde it.

Nearby Context

Matthew 7:12 Therefore whatsoeuer ye woulde that men should doe to you, euen so doe ye to them: for this is the Lawe and the Prophets.

Matthew 7:13 Enter in at the streight gate: for it is the wide gate, and broade way that leadeth to destruction: and many there be which goe in thereat,

Matthew 7:14 Because the gate is streight, and the way narowe that leadeth vnto life, and fewe there be that finde it.

Matthew 7:15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you, in sheepes clothing, but inwardly they are rauening wolues.

Matthew 7:16 Ye shall know them by their fruites. Doe men gather grapes of thornes? or figges of thistles?

Study Lenses

The verse centers on "gate", "streight", "narowe", "leadeth", "vnto", "life", "fewe", and "finde". It is saying that the verse draws attention to "gate" and "streight", so its meaning should be read from those terms before moving to application.

The nearby context moves from verse 13's "Enter in at the streight gate for..." into verse 15's "Beware of false prophets which come to...", so "gate" and "streight" belong inside that flow. In Matthew context, the local focus is Christ, faith, and discipleship.

A plain takeaway is to answer the verse's own emphasis on "gate" and "streight" with trust shaped by these words, not by a vague optimism outside the passage.