New Testament
Luke 13:24
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this verse, Jesus emphasizes the importance of striving to enter through the narrow door, which symbolizes the path to salvation and eternal life.
- Author
- Luke the physician
- Written
- Around AD 60-62
- Genre
- Gospel and history
- Original Audience
- Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
"Fight to get through the narrow door, because many people will try to enter and won't be able to.
Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus emphasizes the importance of striving to enter through the narrow door, which symbolizes the path to salvation and eternal life. The 'narrow door' represents the challenges and sacrifices required to follow Him faithfully. Jesus warns that many will attempt to enter but will not succeed, highlighting the seriousness of the commitment needed to truly follow Him. This teaching encourages believers to actively pursue their faith, recognizing that it is not a passive journey but one that requires effort, dedication, and perseverance. The narrow door contrasts with the wide path that leads to destruction, reminding us that true discipleship often involves difficult choices and a willingness to resist worldly temptations. Ultimately, this verse calls for self-examination and a commitment to living according to God's will, as the opportunity for salvation is limited and should not be taken lightly.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Luke 13:24 to your life
To apply this teaching, reflect on your own spiritual journey and consider what sacrifices you may need to make to follow Christ more closely. Engage in prayer, study scripture, and seek accountability within your community to help you stay focused on the narrow path.
Curated for this public verse page. Luke Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Luke 13:24 mean?
Luke 13:24 emphasizes the need for effort and commitment in pursuing salvation. The 'narrow door' symbolizes the challenging path of following Jesus, indicating that many will try to enter but will not succeed due to a lack of dedication.
What is the meaning of the narrow door in Luke 13:24?
The 'narrow door' in Luke 13:24 represents the difficult and disciplined path to salvation. It signifies that true discipleship requires sacrifices and a serious commitment to living according to Jesus' teachings.
How can I apply Luke 13:24 to my life?
To apply Luke 13:24, reflect on your spiritual journey and identify any sacrifices needed to follow Christ more closely. Engage in prayer, study scripture, and seek support from your community to stay committed to the narrow path.

The Book of Luke
Luke 1: The Births of John the Baptist and Jesus Foretold
In the days of Herod, king of Judaea, a priest named Zacharias serves in the temple. He and his wife Elisabeth are both righteous but have no children because Elisabeth is barren, and they are both old. While Zacharias burns incense, the angel Gabriel appears to him and says Elisabeth will bear a son who is to be named John. The child will be great before the Lord, will drink no wine or strong drink, and will be filled with the Holy Ghost from his mother's womb. He will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God. Zacharias asks how he can know this, since he and his wife are old. Gabriel says Zacharias will be unable to speak until these things come to pass because he did not believe.
Unlock the full Luke summary
Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.
The complete summary of Luke — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 24 chapters.
What you get
Every chapter of Luke summarized in clear, modern English
How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points
Permanent access — read anytime, on any device
Best value • Save over 90%
One-time purchase • Access anytime
ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.
Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.