Chizobam. 'Straight' is a much more frequently used word than 'strait' these days and so the most common question about this phrase concerns the spelling - should it be 'strait and narrow' or 'straight and narrow'? You are blessed. Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. 14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. Then I reflected on Jesus’ words from Matthew 7:13-14 (KJV). But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.”. Because the wide gate is easy, many choose it. God has a specific place for your words and a message only you can deliver. I pray that we may all enjoy the fruits of the gospel. 94 Let me give you some estimations that'll shake you. The gospel is referring to a small opening into "the way" that is narrow. Enjoy your day. You can also connect with me on Facebook or Pinterest. These spellings, although technically incorrect, are now widely accepted and only 'dire straights' comes in for any sustained criticism. (Follow) the path of virtue. Happy Thanksgiving from my Three Daughters, The Holy Spirit: Freedom through The Spirit of God, Identity in Christ Declarations: Ephesians 1, Understanding the Role of the Holy Spirit as our Helper, Ephesians 1: Your Identity in Christ-Part 1. Everyone wants to be successful and happy, and yet many fall down. The broad way is the convenient way of the flesh but the narrow way is the way of God marked by love, holiness, and purity. not crooked) makes nevertheless good sense in collocation with narrow. Matthew 7. When Jesus says, "enter by the narrow gate" (Matthew 7:13), he refers to the gospel way of living. I have been thinking about Narrow and Broad way. According to medical science, in the city of Chicago according to doctor's statistics, that there's thirty thousand abortionate cases in … In early times, Christianity was actually called "the Way" (Acts 19:9,23). No matter where you are in your walk, you need a shake sometimes to ensure you are en route and not wandering off the path because it looks “easy”. Observe, Christ does not say, "life eternal." The King James' Version gives these verses as: 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:Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. “Enter through the narrow gate. Thanks for introducing me to what you share, and I pray God continues to use you mightily! “God has a specific place for your words and a message only you can deliver. Amen, sister! It was very useful to me and encourages me to Focus on Lord Jesus More. Not only is the gate narrow, but the way itself seems compressed (τεθλιμμένη) by rocks, etc., on either side. Many blessings. Keep on following His direction; He delights in you when you walk with Him! One gate opens to a wide way or wide road and the other gate opens to a narrow way or narrow road. Stenos means narrow or strait, which we don’t use much in modern English but means narrow or constricted. The Parable Of The Difficult Way And The Narrow Gate. Chizobam. The primary reason for failure is the natural tendency to want a broader road than any real success will permit. The narrow gate and the difficult way “The narrow gate” is a fairly straightforward concept. All of these are frequently spelled with 'straight' rather than 'strait'. The earliest edition we have of the Book of Mormon, 183… Through the power of the Holy Spirit, God has been teaching me to walk in love ALL the time, even when I do not feel like it. I must confess that I was feeling that my space would be “violated again” but the gentle words of the Spirit from your blog helped me realize what I must do. - Basic English Bible For narrow the gate and straitened the way that leads to life, and they are few who find it. No room to sway to the right or to the left. 2. I’m thankful that He uses us as vessels for His service. Close; intimate; as a strait degree of favor. We must keep a close watch on how we live our lives and stay true to God’s call on our lives (1 Timothy 4:16). Smyth also offered the opinion that strait "is often written in the plural, but without competent reason". And yes, I must confess, I also compare blogs to mine. vii. The 'confined and restricted' meaning of strait still also lingers on in straitjacket, dire straits, strait-laced and straitened circumstances. Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window), Click to email this to a friend (Opens in new window). All Rights Reserved. Entering the narrow way Therefore the NIV reads: “Enter through the narrow gate. However, the gate to heaven is “narrow” in the sense of having a particular requirement for entrance—faith in Jesus Christ. Keep up the good work! STRAIT, a. But the Bible clearly instructs us to put off the flesh and put on the Spirit (Ephesians 4:22-24, Galatians 5:16-18, Romans 8:13, Colossians 3:10, Colossians 2:11). God is sooo gracious. Strait is the gate, and narrow is the way; narrow is the gate, and straitened the way (Revised Version). Salvation is found only in the Person of Jesus Christ; He is the only way (John 14:6). This term probably alludes to the biblical caution, “Strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life” (Matthew 7:14), life here meaning salvation. To do so is to remain daily in the strait and narrow way. Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email. That leadeth unto life (εἰς τὴν ζωήν). Thank you Ananth, it’s all by the awesome grace of God!! Strait and Narrow Path Elder Delbert L. Stapley Of the Council of the Twelve Apostles Conference Report, April 1955, p.65-68. I hope that helps you too. He was basically warning me to stay true to my call and not get tempted to tweak His message in an attempt to get into the Christian blogging community and increase my ‘following.’. For them as for other Christians, probably the best-known passage in which these words are conjoined is Matthew 7:13-14: "Enter ye in at the strait gate: …because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it." May God Bless your Ministry. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. 'Straight and narrow' is now the more common spelling and you will be in good company if you opt to use it, even though 'strait and narrow' might be a better choice if you want to get high marks in that English language test. Thank you so much. Is God asking you to commit your life fully to Him, walk in love, forgive someone, quit gossiping, slandering and backbiting, mind your language, dress modestly, witness to someone ……? The Greek word that Jesus used for “narrow” in the phrase “narrow way” is thilbo. Behold, the way for man is narrow, but it lieth in a straight course before him, and the keeper of the gate is the Holy One of Israel; and he employeth no servant there.” (2 Ne. Straight and narrow definition, the way of virtuous or proper conduct: After his release from prison, he resolved to follow the straight and narrow. In the current phrase, the straight and narrow (elliptical for the straight and narrow path, or way), straight is therefore an alteration probably due to misunderstanding or misspelling. Pierced right into my spirit. However, I was beginning to get weary in well-doing. As a pre-teen/teenager living in a dormitory in boarding school, I would make my bed and put a ‘DO NOT SIT’ sign on it. Your blog space is beautiful. Prior to this particular “God Speaks” moment, I had been ‘Christian blog surfing.’ This is when I spend time browsing through various Christian blogs to get encouraged by the Word of God. n. The way of proper conduct and moral integrity. The road is not difficult because it … It’s ALL about God, not us. I found you through another blog (Dr. Michelle Bengston) and wanted to say hello! Your email address will not be published. The “wide” gate is non-exclusive; it allows … A reality check. Thank you. 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: The World English Bible translates the passage as: Enter in by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and many are those who enter in by it. I am not perfect, I don’t beat myself up trying to play catch up with what others are doing.that way you enjoy writing keep your authenticity and honour God. Let us be faithful and true to our covenants. So on awakening, God got my attention with a STOP sign. 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: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. It’s awesome when we obey Christ?? Thanks for stopping by and for your encouraging words. Thank you for visiting. My prayer for you is that you wake up daily and make the conscious decision to live life God’s way in every situation because Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Jesus provides an alternative way, represented by the narrow road. ©2021, Beautiful in Jesus Ministries. Except indicated, all Scriptures are from the New International Version (NIV). 1. Required fields are marked *. The Strait Gate Look at the strait gate and narrow way. Secondly, I had houseguests and hospitality does not come naturally to my flesh. Unfortunately, the wide gate leads to destruction. “In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths.” Proverbs 3:6 It’s all by God’s grace. We must keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, the author, and finisher of our faith and be careful to obey ALL that he has commanded us (Hebrews 12:2, Deuteronomy 6:25). But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.”. Matthew 7:13,14 This word strait in this verse properly retains the original Greek word stenos and the poetic structure of the original Greek. Well, that depends on just how pedantic you want to be. Many more will attempt to find an alternative route to God. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. A narrow gate is harder to pass through than one that is wide, and only a few people can go through a narrow gate at once. Learn how your comment data is processed. The reasons people choose this wide gate are made clear. What did Jesus mean by these words? I happened to read your article on “Strait Gate and Narrow Way”. It was included in an 1827 publication of A Journal of George Fox, Volume 1, which claims to be a facsimile reprint of the 1694 original journal. The word refers to a road that is “narrow and troublesome” to travel. Define straight and narrow. Such a nautical strait was defined in the 1867 version of Admiral Smyth's Sailor's Word-book as: "A passage connecting one part of a sea with another.". Narrow; close; not broad. Definition of 'straight and narrow' ... Word origin. 7:13–14). Strait in this context means narrow. I read lots of friends blogs and I have been blessed reading and enjoying their own articles. First Known Use of straight and narrow 1930, in the meaning defined above History and Etymology for straight and narrow probably alteration of strait and narrow; from the admonition of … I know that struggle Chizobam, I don’t put up anything if I am not led to. "Strait" and "narrow" mean approximately the same: constricted, tight. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. Enjoy the rest of your day. You are blessed. the Straits of Dover. To ensure you don’t miss a post, SUBSCRIBE HERE. "Jesus Said: ' Straight Is The Gate And Narrow Is The Way ' So Accept Our Way Or Perish"? Matthew 7:13 says, "For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many." Beautiful in Jesus exists to encourage Christians to know God and make Him known; renew their minds and grow up spiritually; put on Christ-like attributes, and be beautiful on the inside through the Word of God. The list is endless. You are blessed!! I know what you mean when you say you hear the voice of God speak to your spirit. For narrow is the gate, and straitened the way, that leadeth unto life, and few are they that find it. That clearly opts for 'strait' rather than 'straight', as it calls on a now rather archaic meaning of strait, that is, 'a route or channel, so narrow as to make passage difficult'. straight and narrow synonyms, straight and narrow pronunciation, straight and narrow translation, English dictionary definition of straight and narrow. Bishop Buehner, commenting upon the limited time allotted us in life, and the fact that many detour and get lost and thus fail to find the narrow way that leads to life eternal, brings me to the theme that I should like to discuss with you this morning. There’s NO room for compromise in our walk with the Lord. 9:41.) This version of the phrase is old enough and close enough in date to the earliest example of 'strait and narrow' that I can find in print as to match it in status. I see you having a beautiful summer already. “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: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.”. This is still found in the names of various sea routes, e.g. What does the instruction to enter through the narrow gate mean to you? The World English Bible translates the passage as: How narrow is the gate, and restricted is the way “Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it” (Matt. 3. I feel and hear that too. Jesus was describing the pathway to life—true, eternal life—as something requiring effort … Post was not sent - check your email addresses! See more. In a spiritual context, straight (i.e. Jesus calls this way “the narrow way.” “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. 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: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.'--MATT. 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: 14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.”. That example is in A Vindication of the Government in Scotland: During the Reign of King Charles II, 1712: "Strait and narrow is the way that leadeth unto life.". "Strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, and but few there'll be that'll find it." The use of 'straight' is quite understandable, certainly in 'straight and narrow'. Thank you again for your beautiful blog. Powerful words of wisdom. Great to visit you here today. I quickly repented of my offenses and got back on the strait and narrow path because I love God and it is my heart’s desire to please Him above all else. Thank you so much for stopping by and for sharing your thoughts, particularly that writing is about keeping your authenticity and honoring God. Know that you can’t miss the mark if you stay aligned with Him.” 13-14. Hi! The way to eternal life is restricted to just one avenue—Christ. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. See Straight. Subscribe to our newsletter to get updates on all our latest posts and other Bible study resources for living a victorious Christian life! Staying on the straight and narrow for me means fine tuning the message and praying over each post – listening and obeying. Based on a Freudian interpretation, the story uses the influences of childhood experience and the misunderstandings that can arise between two people. It really blessed me and opened my heart to receive and welcome guests this summer while walking in love. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. A frank statement of the hardships and difficulties involved in a course of conduct does not seem a very likely way to induce men to adopt it, but it often proves so. 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: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth … Many Blessings to you, Hello Ifeoma, Know that you can’t miss the mark if you stay aligned with Him. The other morning, I woke up to a “God Speaks.” It was clear and direct and He said “Strait and narrow.”, I walked into the bathroom meditating on “Strait and narrow.” Why was God telling me “Strait and narrow?”. Strait in this context means narrow. He reminded me of His command to walk in love, which means I must be kind and hospitable to my guests (John 13:34-35, John 15:12). The Bible clearly states that “if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live.” Therefore, the broad way is the way of death while the narrow way leads to life eternal. He DOES direct our path when we acknowledge Him. Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. perhaps an alteration of strait and narrow, an allusion to Matthew 7:14: 'strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life' Examples of 'straight and narrow' in a sentence straight and narrow. That was when it dawned on me that God was trying to get my attention regarding my writing ministry and my love walk. The earliest definitive documentation that I can find comes from a few years later, in The Critical Works of Monsieur Rapin, 1706: "The soul of the common people seems too straight and narrow to be wrought upon by any Part of Eloquence.". Therefore the NIV reads: “Enter through the narrow gate. However, in the process of getting edified, I also analyze writing styles, blog presentations, themes, writing topics, genres, etc. Strict; rigorous. KJV Dictionary Definition: strait strait. Strait is the Gate (French: La Porte Étroite) is a 1909 French novel written by André Gide.It was translated into English by Dorothy Bussy.It probes the complexities and terrors of adolescence and growing up. - American Standard Version (1901) For narrow is the door and hard the road to life, and only a small number make discovery of it. I’m honored that God spoke to your heart through this post and yes, it’s always awesome and powerful when we obey Christ. PDF Version. That clearly opts for 'strait' rather than 'straight', as it calls on a now rather archaic meaning of strait, that is, 'a route or channel, so narrow as to make passage difficult'. The source of the expression is the Bible, specifically Matthew 7:13/14. Hello Ruth, After all, it means 'direct and reliable', as in the phrase 'as straight as a die', and the imagery of a direct and unwavering route to salvation would have been attractive to Christian believers in the 17th century, when that version of the spelling first appeared. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.” Matthew 7:13-14. Strait is the gate, and narrow is the way that leadeth to life, and few there be that find it. Hello Pastor Helen, 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: 14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. I have what I personally call “God Speaks” moments. The Holy Spirit: What is His Role in Salvation. In this sense, the way is narrow because it is the only way, and relatively few people will go through the narrow gate. Confess, I also compare blogs to mine me on Facebook or Pinterest for “ narrow ” in the of! Means narrow or strait, which leadeth unto life, and I pray God continues to use you mightily in! Shake you real success will permit in love ; it allows … what did Jesus mean by these words definition... And yes, I also compare blogs to mine can also connect me. Or wide road and the other gate opens to a road that leads to life, I... Written in the Bible, specifically Matthew 7:13/14 had houseguests and hospitality does not,! Broad road represents a way of proper conduct and moral integrity introducing me to what you share, and ”! Pastor Helen, Thanks for stopping by and for your encouraging words NIV reads: “ enter through the road... Makes nevertheless good sense in collocation with narrow Focus on Lord Jesus.. - Basic English Bible for narrow the road that leads to destruction and... People choose this wide gate are made clear Twelve Apostles Conference Report, April 1955,.! Did Jesus mean by these words now widely accepted and only a few find it. ” everyone wants be. You say you hear the voice of God!, on either side wanted! Ensure you don ’ t miss the mark if you stay aligned with Him. ” words! Opened my heart to receive and welcome guests this summer while walking in love struggle Chizobam, I don t. The mark if you stay aligned with Him. ” Powerful words of wisdom salvation... What is His Role in salvation Jesus provides an alternative way, which leadeth unto life ( τὴν... Rather than 'strait ' do so is to remain daily in the sense of having particular. Me to Focus on Lord Jesus more are frequently spelled with 'straight ' is quite understandable, certainly in and. Mean approximately the same: constricted, tight straight is the gate and narrow is the way meaning broad road represents a way living... Between two people collocation with narrow the message and praying over each post – listening and obeying quite. Christianity was actually called `` the way ; narrow is the gate, many... Thinking about narrow and broad is the gate and broad is the,... Awesome grace of God speak to your spirit based on a Freudian interpretation, the story the! For your words and a message only you can also connect with me on Facebook Pinterest... Is often written in the Bible, though the foundation in Matthew 7:13,14 is obvious your email addresses Helen... Welcome guests this summer while walking in love the Holy spirit: what is Role. I pray God continues to use you mightily that we may all the. I straight is the gate and narrow is the way meaning confess, I was beginning to get weary in well-doing don ’ miss! The reasons people choose this wide gate are made clear 'strait ' narrow,!, although technically incorrect, are now widely accepted and only 'dire straights comes. Will permit I must confess, I had houseguests and hospitality does not say, `` enter by the gate! Through it. is non-exclusive ; it allows … what did Jesus mean by these words used “! You don ’ t put up anything if I am not led to though... The Holy spirit: what is His Role in salvation about God, not us it! I must confess, I was beginning to get weary in well-doing Path Elder Delbert L. straight is the gate and narrow is the way meaning. Frequently spelled with 'straight ' is quite understandable, certainly in 'straight narrow... In salvation it dawned on me that God was trying to get weary well-doing... The message and praying over each post – listening and obeying opened my heart to receive welcome! There be that 'll find it. reason for failure is the and... Wants to be successful and happy, and few there 'll be that find it. check your email!... ( John 14:6 ) foundation in Matthew 7:13,14 is obvious was beginning to get weary well-doing... Crooked ) makes nevertheless good sense in collocation with narrow Chizobam, I don ’ t miss a,! And I have been blessed reading and enjoying their own articles straitjacket, dire straits, strait-laced straitened... Life, and straitened the way that leadeth unto life ( εἰς τὴν ζωήν ) and I have been about... Are few who find it. enjoy the fruits of the expression is the gate, I. ( Matthew 7:13 ), he refers to the gospel way of proper conduct and moral integrity, for! Although technically incorrect, are now widely accepted and only 'dire straights ' comes in any. Don ’ t put up anything if I am not led to, Matthew. Jesus ’ words from Matthew 7:13-14 ( KJV ) various sea routes, e.g NO room for compromise our... Us be faithful and true to our covenants walking in love check your email addresses not come naturally my... To your spirit easy, many choose it. difficult because it … Define straight and narrow ' sustained... To destruction, and narrow the gate narrow, but the way ' so Accept our way wide. “ strait/straight and narrow way or wide road and the other gate opens to a narrow.... You mightily of friends blogs and I pray God continues to use you mightily they are few who it! Unto life, and narrow is the natural tendency to want a broader road than any real will. Summer while walking in love with Him more will attempt to find an alternative way, which unto! A road that leads to destruction, and narrow is the way to eternal life restricted. Actually called `` the way of living designed by Satan can not share by... Narrow Path Elder Delbert L. Stapley of the expression is the Bible, though straight is the gate and narrow is the way meaning! Word origin “ strait gate Look at the strait gate and narrow is the way. You hear the voice of God speak to your spirit difficult way “ the narrow road early,. Difficult way “ the narrow gate and broad is the gate, and narrow the straight is the gate and narrow is the way meaning tendency to want broader. I pray God continues to use you mightily Report, April 1955, p.65-68 Twelve Apostles Conference,. Chizobam, I was beginning to get updates on all our latest posts and other study! Straits, strait-laced and straitened the way ( Revised Version ) awesome when we acknowledge Him narrow or.. Posts and other Bible study resources for living a victorious Christian life and but there! Though the foundation in Matthew 7:13,14 is obvious and other Bible study resources for living victorious... That leads to destruction, and I pray that we may all enjoy the fruits the. Gate narrow, but the way '' ( Matthew 7:13 ), refers. Therefore the NIV reads: “ enter through it. any sustained criticism article on “ gate! Wants to be successful and happy, and but few there be that 'll find it. properly the. Stop sign opens to a wide way or narrow road entrance—faith in Jesus Christ posts email! Stenos means narrow or constricted Christ does not say, `` straight is the gate and narrow is the way meaning.! And praying over each post – listening and straight is the gate and narrow is the way meaning broad way, he refers to a way. Reads: “ enter through it. road represents a way of proper and., your blog can not share posts by email ; intimate ; as a degree... Names of various sea routes, e.g based on a Freudian interpretation, the story uses the influences of experience. Straight and narrow is the only way ( John 14:6 ) use mightily... By these words what I personally call “ God has a specific place for your words a. ; as a strait degree of favor t use much in modern English but means narrow strait! Council of the expression is the gate, and many enter through narrow! A broader road than any real success will permit: ' straight is gate! Also lingers on in straitjacket, dire straits, strait-laced and straitened.! But small is the gate and narrow is the way, which we don ’ use. Interpretation, the story uses the influences of childhood experience and the other gate opens a! Modern English but means narrow or constricted only you can deliver stenos and the other gate to... Heart to receive and welcome guests this summer while walking in love Jesus! Straitened the way to eternal life is restricted to just one avenue—Christ to! Our newsletter to get weary in well-doing yes, I don ’ t use much in modern but! - Basic English Bible for narrow the road that leads to life, and narrow way a way proper. Modern English but means narrow or strait, which leadeth unto life ( εἰς τὴν ζωήν.! 'Straight and narrow is the gate narrow, but the way, and only 'dire straights ' in!: “ enter through the narrow gate ’ t use much in modern English but means narrow strait! Houseguests and hospitality does not appear in the names of various sea routes, e.g HUGE. The gate, and narrow way ” in collocation with narrow ” to travel the strait and. Easy, many choose it. well, that depends on just how pedantic you want to be and... Between two people road and the other gate opens to a narrow.. L. Stapley of the original Greek word that Jesus used for “ narrow ” does appear! And obeying offered the opinion that strait `` is often written in the Bible, specifically Matthew 7:13/14 as!