Narrow or difficult? Matt 7:14 translation?

[FerventDisciple]

So I noticed that in Matthew 7:14 that there's a disagreement amongst the translations as to how thlíbō is to be translated in this particular verse:

Narrow or compressed:

For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it. Mt 7:14 (NASB)

Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. Mt 7:14 (KJV)

But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it. Mt 7:14 (NIV)

But the gate is narrow (contracted by pressure) and the way is straitened and compressed that leads away to life, and few are those who find it. Mt 7:14 (AMP)

how strait [is] the gate, and compressed the way that is leading to the life, and few are those finding it! Mt 7:14 (YLT)

Difficult or hard:

Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it. Mt 7:14 (NKJV)

For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few. Mt 7:14 (ESV)

How narrow is the gate and difficult the way that leads to life, and there are few who find it! Mt 7:14 (NET)

But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it. Mt 7:14 (NLT)

How narrow is the gate and difficult the road that leads to life, and few find it. Mt 7:14 (HCSB)

For the gate is narrow and the road is hard that leads to life, and there are few who find it. Mt 7:14 (NRSV)

Here's a link to Greek definitions:

Strong's Greek: 2346. θλίβω (thlibó) -- to press, afflict

So which is more accurate, narrow/compressed or difficult/hard?

 

[spockrates]

It seems that narrow or small are more commonly used in translations than hard or difficult. Now a way that is narrow or small might be so because it is less traveled, which seems to be what Jesus is saying when he adds that few find such a way.

But a way might be less traveled because it is hard or difficult. Then again, it might be less traveled because it is less known, or well known but not believed.

What do you believe, Brother?

 

[FerventDisciple]

It seems that narrow or small are more commonly used in translations than hard or difficult. Now a way that is narrow or small might be so because it is less traveled, which seems to be what Jesus is saying when he adds that few find such a way.

But a way might be less traveled because it is hard or difficult. Then again, it might be less traveled because it is less known, or well known but not believed.

What do you believe, Brother?

Well from looking at Strongs etc it seems to me that difficult is a less accurate rendering and not what Jesus meant. Salvation is not difficult, but the way to it is very narrow/compressed since it's only through Jesus and no other way.

 

[Hawkiz]

Well from looking at Strongs etc it seems to me that difficult is a less accurate rendering and not what Jesus meant. Salvation is not difficult, but the way to it is very narrow/compressed since it's only through Jesus and no other way.

Narrow fits quite well when we examine the historical backdrop too: the narrow gate in Jerusalem was a common term for a gate for the sheep that herders would bring in. (Similar to gates used to this very day for separating a herd such as cattle). Not so hard to imagine that the Eternal Good Shephard in Jesus looks down on Christians in the same manner. It may even be 'difficult' to get some of us sheep to comply and go through the narrow gate!

Peace in Christ

 

[Steeno7]

So I noticed that in Matthew 7:14 that there's a disagreement amongst the translations as to how thlíbō is to be translated in this particular verse:

Narrow or compressed:

For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it. Mt 7:14 (NASB)

Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. Mt 7:14 (KJV)

But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it. Mt 7:14 (NIV)

But the gate is narrow (contracted by pressure) and the way is straitened and compressed that leads away to life, and few are those who find it. Mt 7:14 (AMP)

how strait [is] the gate, and compressed the way that is leading to the life, and few are those finding it! Mt 7:14 (YLT)

Difficult or hard:

Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it. Mt 7:14 (NKJV)

For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few. Mt 7:14 (ESV)

How narrow is the gate and difficult the way that leads to life, and there are few who find it! Mt 7:14 (NET)

But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it. Mt 7:14 (NLT)

How narrow is the gate and difficult the road that leads to life, and few find it. Mt 7:14 (HCSB)

For the gate is narrow and the road is hard that leads to life, and there are few who find it. Mt 7:14 (NRSV)

Here's a link to Greek definitions:

Strong's Greek: 2346. θλίβω (thlibó) -- to press, afflict

So which is more accurate, narrow/compressed or difficult/hard?

I think it's not either/or. It is narrow and because it is it is difficult.

I always think of it as Jesus described it, as more difficult than for a camel to pass through the eye of the needle. I have heard it said that on the large gate into the city that was closed each night, there was a smaller door through which entry was still possible. Being small there was only enough room for a camel to pass through if first all of the persons belongings were removed from the camel, then the camel could crawl through on its belly. That small door was called the "eye of the needle".

I dont know it that is historically accurate or not, but it sure gives more depth to the meaning of Jesus' words if it is. Jesus is the small door through which we must pass, but we must leave behind all of our baggage, all of those things we tend to cling to for meaning and purpose in life. Anyway thats what I thought of.

 

[spockrates]

Well from looking at Strongs etc it seems to me that difficult is a less accurate rendering and not what Jesus meant. Salvation is not difficult, but the way to it is very narrow/compressed since it's only through Jesus and no other way.

So would you say The Way (and that is what our religion appears to have been called, at the beginning) is narrow because it is not well known, or not often accepted, or is there some other reason?

 

[FerventDisciple]

So would you say The Way (and that is what our religion appears to have been called, at the beginning) is narrow because it is not well known, or not often accepted, or is there some other reason?

Narrow because there is only one way, through Jesus. That narrow way is the only path to eternal life, there's no shortcuts. Whereas the way/path to death is wide and broad, there's many ways to it, many false religions, many deceptions etc.

 

[spockrates]

Not sure I understand. A way can be one and yet still wide. Consider the path of the Mississippi River. It is one wide way. The example shows that being a single way does not cause something to also be a narrow way. So question still remains: What is it that makes the one way to heaven narrow?

 

[FerventDisciple]

Not sure I understand. A way can be one and yet still wide. Consider the path of the Mississippi River. It is one wide way. The example shows that being a single way does not cause something to also be a narrow way. So question still remains: What is it that makes the one way to heaven narrow?

Except it only has one destination. We have an option of 2 destinations, the way to one is narrow, the other is broad.

 

[spockrates]

Yes, but consider the Mississippi River once more: It has only one destination, which is the Atlantic Ocean. But no one would say that way, which has one destination is a narrow way. No, as rivers go, it is relatively wide. So still the question is unanswered: What is it that makes the way to eternal life narrow?

You see? I think sometimes people like you and I don't give much thought to Jesus' words, because we think we already know every word by heart. But knowing what his words are is not the same as knowing what his words mean.

So if you are up for the challenge, let's consider his words on this one topic very carefully. Let's pray for wisdom to see, that he might open the eyes of our understanding. And let us try to answer the so far unanswerable question: What is it that makes his way narrow?

 

[FerventDisciple]

Yes, but consider the Mississippi River once more: It has only one destination, which is the Atlantic Ocean. But no one would say that way, which has one destination is a narrow way. No, as rivers go, it is relatively wide. So still the question is unanswered: What is it that makes the way to eternal life narrow?

You see? I think sometimes people like you and I don't give much thought to Jesus' words, because we think we already know every word by heart. But knowing what his words are is not the same as knowing what his words mean.

So if you are up for the challenge, let's consider his words on this one topic very carefully. Let's pray for wisdom to see, that he might open the eyes of our understanding. And let us try to answer the so far unanswerable question: What is it that makes his way narrow?

The interpretation I've already given is the orthodox, most widely accepted and the scholarly view. I doubt you've seen something the scholars have missed, you just don't seem to be getting it.

 

[spockrates]

...

 

[miamited]

So I noticed that in Matthew 7:14 that there's a disagreement amongst the translations as to how thlíbō is to be translated in this particular verse:

Narrow or compressed:

For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it. Mt 7:14 (NASB)

Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. Mt 7:14 (KJV)

But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it. Mt 7:14 (NIV)

But the gate is narrow (contracted by pressure) and the way is straitened and compressed that leads away to life, and few are those who find it. Mt 7:14 (AMP)

how strait [is] the gate, and compressed the way that is leading to the life, and few are those finding it! Mt 7:14 (YLT)

Difficult or hard:

Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it. Mt 7:14 (NKJV)

For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few. Mt 7:14 (ESV)

How narrow is the gate and difficult the way that leads to life, and there are few who find it! Mt 7:14 (NET)

But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it. Mt 7:14 (NLT)

How narrow is the gate and difficult the road that leads to life, and few find it. Mt 7:14 (HCSB)

For the gate is narrow and the road is hard that leads to life, and there are few who find it. Mt 7:14 (NRSV)

Here's a link to Greek definitions:

Strong's Greek: 2346. θλίβω (thlibó) -- to press, afflict

So which is more accurate, narrow/compressed or difficult/hard?

Hi FD,

I'd say that either one is appropriate. I'd say to anyone asking, that Jesus said it was narrow and few there be that find it. Therefore, because it is narrow it is difficult to find. It is difficult to find because it is narrow.

God bless you.
In Christ, Ted

 

[spockrates]

The interpretation I've already given is the orthodox, most widely accepted and the scholarly view. I doubt you've seen something the scholars have missed, you just don't seem to be getting it.

Brother:

Yes, I agree the interpretation is orthodox, accepted and scholarly. That I get. Sorry for being clear as mud, but perhaps I'm not asking my question precisely. You see, I think the interpretation tells you and I what is true, but not why it is true, and I am wondering not what, but why.

Please bear with me while I try to explain. I asked why the way to heaven is narrow, and you said: "Narrow because there is only one way, through Jesus."

Then I asked why Jesus' one way is not wide, for the Mississippi River is one river, yet it is wide.

You answered that Jesus' way "...only has one destination."

Then I said the Mississippi River has only one destination, so how can having one destination necessitate that a thing can only be narrow?

You answered, "I doubt you've seen something the scholars have missed, you just don't seem to be getting it."

And I do agree with you. I really don't get why Jesus' one way to heaven is not wide, for you have yet to tell me why, my friend! So please be patient with me as I ask once again: Why is the one and only way to heaven through Jesus not a wide way?

 

[FerventDisciple]

Brother:

Yes, I agree the interpretation is orthodox, accepted and scholarly. That I get. Sorry for being clear as mud, but perhaps I'm not asking my question precisely. You see, I think the interpretation tells you and I what is true, but not why it is true, and I am wondering not what, but why.

Please bear with me while I try to explain. I asked why the way to heaven is narrow, and you said: "Narrow because there is only one way, through Jesus."

Then I asked why Jesus' one way is not wide, for the Mississippi River is one river, yet it is wide.

You answered that Jesus' way "...only has one destination."

Then I said the Mississippi River has only one destination, so how can having one destination necessitate that a thing can only be narrow?

You answered, "I doubt you've seen something the scholars have missed, you just don't seem to be getting it."

And I do agree with you. I really don't get why Jesus' one way to heaven is not wide, for you have yet to tell me why, my friend! So please be patient with me as I ask once again: Why is the one and only way to heaven through Jesus not a wide way?

Miamited has given a possible answer to what you're looking for. As for myself I can tell you from the text why Jesus is not a wide way.

13 “Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it. 14 For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it. NASB Matthew 7:13-14

The way to Heaven through Jesus cannot be wide because the way to destruction is wide. They both cannot be wide and that would leave us with a contradiction. It is also narrow because there are "few who find it" instead of the "many" who enter through the wide gate of destruction. So from the text, those are some reasons why the way to Heaven through Jesus is not a wide way.

 

[bcbsr]

The KJV is often inconsistent with its translation. The word they translate "narrow" which other translates have as "difficult", the KJV translates elsewhere -trouble 4, afflict 3, narrow 1, throng 1, suffer tribulation 1.

For example 1Tim 5:10b "if she have relieved the afflicted <2346>" or 2Th 1:6 Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble <2346> you"

Don't rely on the KJV. Rely on the Greek. NKJV is much better at rendering the greek than KJV

 

[spockrates]

Miamited has given a possible answer to what you're looking for. As for myself I can tell you from the text why Jesus is not a wide way.

13 “Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it. 14 For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it. NASB Matthew 7:13-14

The way to Heaven through Jesus cannot be wide because the way to destruction is wide. They both cannot be wide and that would leave us with a contradiction. It is also narrow because there are "few who find it" instead of the "many" who enter through the wide gate of destruction. So from the text, those are some reasons why the way to Heaven through Jesus is not a wide way.

Brother:

Sorry for not getting back to you sooner. Why is it impossible for the way to heaven to be wide when the way to hell is wide? Isn't it possible for both to be wide? The Mississippi river is not the only wide river that exists. Since more than one wide river is, then is it not possible that more than one wide way after death is?

I'm not disputing the what, mind you. I'm just wondering about the why. I know the way to heaven is narrow, but neither you, nor the words of Christ you quoted tell me why this is so. You know?

 

[FerventDisciple]

Brother:

Sorry for not getting back to you sooner. Why is it impossible for the way to heaven to be wide when the way to hell is wide? Isn't it possible for both to be wide? The Mississippi river is not the only wide river that exists. Since more than one wide river is, then is it not possible that more than one wide way after death is?

I'm not disputing the what, mind you. I'm just wondering about the why. I know the way to heaven is narrow, but neither you, nor the words of Christ you quoted tell me why this is so. You know?

Because few find the way to life. If it was wide also there wouldn't be only few who find it, the whole passage would make little sense and so would the point being made.

 

[spockrates]

Because few find the way to life. If it was wide also there wouldn't be only few who find it, the whole passage would make little sense and so would the point being made.

Yes, that is a reason that makes sense. For example, the Colorado river no longer travels all the way to the Atlantic Ocean, because it is starting to dry up. There is less water, so it is becoming narrower and shorter. We indeed have our answer. Well done! One might say the way to heaven would be wide, if only more chose it.

So I guess the question now is why. Why do so few choose the way to heaven? Would you say that the average person, when given a choice between that which is easy and that which is difficult, will often choose the easy instead of the difficult?

 

[juvenissun]

So which is more accurate, narrow/compressed or difficult/hard?

If there were a lot of people, but the road is narrow, then the narrow road defeat the purpose of Salvation.

So, narrow means small, not attractive. That make most people not to select it. Or narrow mean hidden, so most people neglect it.

Difficult means many people tried but failed. But if the analogy is a road, then walk on a road, large or small, should not be a hard thing to do. As long as a person became a Christian, it is no that hard to continue it.

So, I prefer the narrow translation. Most people just do not select Christianity.