📖 Biblical Definition
Christ's metaphor in Matthew 7:13-14 (and Luke 13:24): two gates and two ways. The wide gate and the broad way lead to destruction; many enter therein. The strait gate and the narrow way lead to life; few find it. The narrow way requires deliberate searching; the broad way is the path of least resistance and is found by default. Christ commands: strive to enter in at the strait gate (Luke 13:24).
📜 Webster 1828 Definition
NARROW WAY, n.
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A scriptural teaching of Christ; the narrow way to life.
📖 Key Scripture
Matthew 7:14 — "Strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it."
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 — "I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me."
Acts 4:12 — "Neither is there salvation in any other."
⚠️ Modern Corruption
Modern Christianity assumes the way is wide and easy; Christ said it is narrow and few find it.
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Christ's arithmetic in Matthew 7 is unsettling. Many go through the broad gate; few find the narrow one. The proportion is not in favor of the saved. Modern Christianity often assumes that polite religious affiliation (cultural Christianity, vague spirituality) qualifies as the way. Christ said the way is narrow and few find it.
The narrow way is not earned; the gate is Christ Himself (John 10:9), and admission is free. But the way is genuinely narrow — it excludes alternative paths, alternative messiahs, alternative gospels. Strive to enter. The broad way is the default; the narrow way requires deliberate searching. Find the narrow way; the destination justifies the discipline.
🔗 Greek & Hebrew Roots
Greek roots below.
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G4728 — stenos — narrow
G3598 — hodos — way; road
Usage
"Modern Christianity assumes the way is wide and easy; Christ said it is narrow."
"The proportion in Matthew 7 is not in favor of the saved."
"Strive to enter; the broad way is the default; the narrow way requires deliberate searching."