The narrow way?

[MollyBrown]

That's an interesting translation of that verse 14. Is that the NLT?

The NIV, NAS, and KJV all use the word "narrow" instead of "difficult".

The original word in that verse is interesting. Here's the definition according to Studylight:

Thlibo:

1. to press (as grapes), press hard upon
2. a compressed way
   1. narrow straitened, contracted
3. metaph. to trouble, afflict, distress

IMHO, 'narrow' is a better translation. That's because of the contrast Jesus employed.

13 "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it.
14 But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.

See, wide is contrasted with small and broad is contrasted with narrow.

So, IMO, "difficult" doesn't convey the correct meaning. Jesus wasn't saying that once we're on the road it will be up to us to stay on the road because it's difficult to stay on it. He was saying that the road is narrow, pressing - like going through a wine press.

I believe that once we find the road and enter through the small gate, the author and finisher of our faith will keep us on that road. We may stumble along the way, but He'll pick us up again and set us back on the path.

Jesus is the gate through which we enter. He said "I am the door; if anyone enters through Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture." (John 10:9).

Unfortunately, many people will not find the door, or they will try to get in another way. But it will lead to their destruction.

I believe all Christians (those who are born-again) are on the 'straight and narrow', even if we mess up along the way.

That's beautiful!

 

[rushingwind62]

Ok, so I saw striving as different. I can see it thaqt way. I saw it as trying to be righteous, good on your own power.

Ok, I was just wondering. no ill will intended brother.

 

[jrlinz]

Seems a whole lot of folks prefer ANY new interpretation to any scripture over the traditional. Some may always choose the looser, easier interpretation* to comply with. I think the traditional interpretation* here is correct.

 

[Christina M]

So some of you are saying its meaning is similar to Deut 30:19?

I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live

 

[Hisgirl]

But what would that be and whose translation?

 

[jrlinz]

But what would that be and whose translation?

what would that be

The easier one to comply with, or to fit into their lifestyle.

whose translation?

Whoever came up with it. It was a general statement.

 

[Tamara224]

But what would that be and whose translation?

I'm sorry, I don't understand your question. I cited my sources. You are free to check them if you like.

jrlinz, do you usually use the New Living Translation then and reject the NIV, NASB and KJV? As I already said, those translations do not contain the word "difficult"...

I'm just trying to do an honest study of Scripture. I do not understand why you are troubled by that. I looked up the verse because the way I memorized it (KJV) it did not say "difficult" so it sparked my curiousity and I shared what I found.

 

[Tamara224]

Seems a whole lot of folks prefer ANY new interpretation to any scripture over the traditional. Some may always choose the looser, easier translation to comply with. I think the traditional translation here is correct.

Which one is the "traditional" translation, in your mind? Just curious. Thanks.

 

[jrlinz]

The one I expressed earlier in this thread. That the author was addressing those who claimed the title 'Christian', and that not all of them would make it. Many would venture off the path.

No, I use them ALL. I have all trasnslations, and use them interchangably. I believe that the fact that this scripture can be taken either way, and that one interpretation sort of defines the other is like a riddle, or parable.

 

[~RENEE~]

Are you implying Jesus misrepresented His own words? Please clarify because surely I have misunderstood you. He said His yoke was easy, light, and He gave rest.

He also said take up your cross and follow me.

 

[probinson]

Think of all the bazillion religions in the world. (wide)

Yet Jesus is the only way. (narrow)

 

[Tamara224]

The one I expressed earlier in this thread. That the author was addressing those who claimed the title 'Christian', and that not all of them would make it. Many would venture off the path.

Oh, I thought you were talking about translations. That's what I was asking you...which translation you thought was the "traditional" one. Since the King James Version is usually considered the "traditional" one... Here's the verses in KJV:

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.
​

Do you have any evidence to support your claim that your interpretation of the passage is the "traditional" one? (Like commentaries or writings of church Fathers or anything besides your opinion). Keep in mind that just because it's what you think (or what you think your pastor thinks) doesn't mean it's "traditional".

 

[jrlinz]

Jesus' image of the narrow way should have made sense to his hearers (v. 13). Greek, Roman and Jewish writers often employed the image of the two paths in life (for example, Sen. Ep. 8.3; 27.4; Diogenes Ep. 30; Deut 30:15; Ps 1:1; m. 'Abot 2:9), and those particularly concerned with the future judgment especially employed the image of the two ways, the narrow one leading to life and the broad one to destruction (as in 4 Ezra 7:3-16, 60-61; 8:1-3; Test. Ab. 11A; 8B).
Some people's assurance of salvation is a delusion (Mt 7:13-14). To enter the narrow gate of the kingdom we must knock, that is, request that God make us citizens of his kingdom (vv. 7-8). The difficulty of Jesus' way includes embracing by repentance both persecution (5:10-12) and the ethics of the kingdom taught in the Sermon on the Mount.

<---BibleGateway Commentary

Matthew Henry Concise Edition--->


http://www.biblegateway.com/cgi-bin/bible?passage=matthew+7:12-14

Verses 12-14 Christ came to teach us, not only what we are to know and believe, but what we are to do; not only toward God, but toward men; not only toward those of our party and persuasion, but toward men in general, all with whom we have to do. We must do that to our neighbour which we ourselves acknowledge to be fit and reasonable. We must, in our dealings with men, suppose ourselves in the same case and circumstances with those we have to do with, and act accordingly. There are but two ways right and wrong, good and evil; the way to heaven and the way to hell; in the one or other of these all are walking: there is no middle place hereafter, no middle way now. All the children of men are saints or sinners, godly or ungodly. See concerning the way of sin and sinners, that the gate is wide, and stands open. You may go in at this gate with all your lusts about you; it gives no check to appetites or passions. It is a broad way; there are many paths in it; there is choice of sinful ways. There is a large company in this way. But what profit is there in being willing to go to hell with others, because they will not go to heaven with us? The way to eternal life is narrow. We are not in heaven as soon as we are got through the strait gate. Self must be denied, the body kept under, and corruptions mortified. Daily temptations must be resisted; duties must be done. We must watch in all things, and walk with care; and we must go through much tribulation. And yet this way should invite us all; it leads to life: to present comfort in the favour of God, which is the life of the soul; to eternal bliss, the hope of which at the end of our way, should make all the difficulties of the road easy to us. This plain declaration of Christ has been disregarded by many who have taken pains to explain it away; but in all ages the real disciple of Christ has been looked on as a singular, unfashionable character; and all that have sided with the greater number, have gone on in the broad road to destruction. If we would serve God, we must be firm in our religion. Can we often hear of the strait gate and the narrow way, and how few there are that find it, without being in pain for ourselves, or considering whether we are entered on the narrow way, and what progress we are making in it?

http://www.biblegateway.com/cgi-bin/bible?passage=matthew+7:12-14http://www.biblegateway.com/cgi-bin/bible?passage=matthew+7:12-14
Want more?

 

[Tamara224]

<---BibleGateway Commentary

Matthew Henry Concise Edition--->



Want more?

Thanks for sharing. That's good to get started with. Do you want to discuss it with me, or are you just trying to win an argument?

Do you understand what I'm trying to do here?

 

[jrlinz]

Win an argument? I give my opinion, and everyone comes after me. Look back. I reckon there is a little conviction there. but, if this is how I believe, that taking a more lenient approach to scripture Is placing the individual in peril, should I stifle my opinion? And why?

 

[ChowdersMom]

Does anyone know which Greek word is used in v. 14 for "find"? Is it lambano or katalambano?

That might skew the meaning a different way, too.

 

[Dave01]

Does anyone know which Greek word is used in v. 14 for "find"? Is it lambano or katalambano?

That might skew the meaning a different way, too.

The received text has this one (if I looked at this correctly),..

2147 euriskw heurisko hyoo-ris'-ko

 

[Tamara224]

Win an argument? I give my opinion, and everyone comes after me. Look back. I reckon there is a little conviction there. but, if this is how I believe, that taking a more lenient approach to scripture Is placing the individual in peril, should I stifle my opinion? And why?

No, you do not understand what I'm trying to do here.

I want to know if you are willing to enter a discussion with me about the verses and the commentary. I want to know if you can stand it if someone disagrees with your opinion long enough for us to "reason together". I am not trying to attack you or your opinion. On the contrary, I feel you have attacked me and mine.

I don't think you should stifle your opinion. I just want to know if you can back your opinion up with more than one-liners and ad hominems.

Why do you have the opinion you have? What is your reasoning?

You don't just blindly accept my opinion without question or condradiction. Why should I do that with yours?

I think we could both learn something if we could "reason together" instead of being defensive/offensive all the time. Stop viewing me as your enemy, iow.

 

[Dave01]

HOW DARE YOU ATTACK MY OPINION!!!!

Oh sorry, I see you're talking to someone else, my bad.

 

[charityagape]

Subscribing