Wednesday Word Study | Narrow – Episode 12
Key Takeaways
- The biblical meaning of narrow in Matthew 7:14 comes from the Greek word 'thlibó', which translates to 'I make narrow, persecute, or press hard'.
- Reading the verse in the Amplified version reveals that the narrow gate leading to life is constricted and contracted by pressure.
- Experiencing trials and tribulations as a Christian is normal and indicates the spiritual pressure we face from the enemy, rather than meaning something is wrong with us.
- James 1:2-3 encourages believers to consider trials as 'all joy' because testing produces endurance and strengthens our faith.
- Jesus assures us in John 16:33 that while we will face tribulation in this world, He has overcome it, giving believers the authority and tools to triumph.
Originally written October 26, 2011
posted here: https://forthesakeofthetruth.com/2011/10/26/wednesday-word-study-narrow/
Narrow
Transliteration: thlibó
Phonetic Spelling: (thlee'-bo)
Short Definition: I make narrow, persecute, press hard
Definition: (a) I make narrow (strictly: by pressure); I press upon, (b) I persecute, press hard.
Matthew 7:14
14 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.
For years when I read this verse, I would visualize a path with a narrow gate, and I saw very few walking on that path.
Then I read this verse in the Amplified version and saw the parenthesis that says that the word narrow means constricted or contracted by pressure. Then when we actually look up the definition of the word, we see the word persecute and press hard.
We know as Christians that Jesus has come to give us life (zoe) as it states in John 10:10. But we also know that the life of a Christian is one of persecution and pressure from the enemy. Not that this should steal away from the abundant joy that is imparted to us, but to know that there is nothing wrong with us or unique about us that we should encounter trials and tribulations here in this life.
James 1:2-3
2) Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, 3) knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.
Here James tells his fellowship not to despair at the encounter of trials, but to consider it “all joy”. He had a much broader and eternal perspective on trials. Trials require our faith to be exercised, and that use of our faith will strengthen it and create in us endurance. When we can endure a lot, our joy will not be easily dampened.
John 16:33
33) “These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.”
Jesus said this to his disciples when he was about to be taken and crucified. But the same is true for us. In this world we will have tribulation, but He, Jesus, has overcome the world, and because of this we as children of God have the authority over the enemy who is forcing this pressure upon us. We have faith given by God to endure and come through any trial.
So when we read that the way to life is constricted with pressure, do not despair, for we have been given the tools to overcome and the authority to do so. In Christ we can do all things, including live a life of abundant joy during trials.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the biblical meaning of narrow in Matthew 7:14?
The biblical meaning of narrow derives from the Greek word 'thlibó', which means to make narrow by pressure, press upon, or persecute.
How should Christians view trials and tribulations according to James?
Believers should consider trials with 'all joy' because the testing of their faith produces endurance and strengthens their spiritual walk.
What does Jesus say about facing tribulation in John 16:33?
Jesus tells His disciples that while they will have tribulation in the world, they should take courage because He has overcome the world.
What is the purpose of the Wednesday Word Study on The Story & More podcast?
The Wednesday Word Study drills down into one specific word from the previous Monday's meditation verse to gain deeper knowledge before Friday's teaching.
Wednesday Word Study | Narrow – Episode 12
Originally written October 26, 2011
posted here: https://forthesakeofthetruth.com/2011/10/26/wednesday-word-study-narrow/
Narrow
Transliteration: thlibó
Phonetic Spelling: (thlee'-bo)
Short Definition: I make narrow, persecute, press hard
Definition: (a) I make narrow (strictly: by pressure); I press upon, (b) I persecute, press hard.
Matthew 7:14
14 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.
For years when I read this verse, I would visualize a path with a narrow gate, and I saw very few walking on that path.
Then I read this verse in the Amplified version and saw the parenthesis that says that the word narrow means constricted or contracted by pressure. Then when we actually look up the definition of the word, we see the word persecute and press hard.
We know as Christians that Jesus has come to give us life (zoe) as it states in John 10:10. But we also know that the life of a Christian is one of persecution and pressure from the enemy. Not that this should steal away from the abundant joy that is imparted to us, but to know that there is nothing wrong with us or unique about us that we should encounter trials and tribulations here in this life.
James 1:2-3
2) Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, 3) knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.
Here James tells his fellowship not to despair at the encounter of trials, but to consider it “all joy”. He had a much broader and eternal perspective on trials. Trials require our faith to be exercised, and that use of our faith will strengthen it and create in us endurance. When we can endure a lot, our joy will not be easily dampened.
John 16:33
33) “These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.”
Jesus said this to his disciples when he was about to be taken and crucified. But the same is true for us. In this world we will have tribulation, but He, Jesus, has overcome the world, and because of this we as children of God have the authority over the enemy who is forcing this pressure upon us. We have faith given by God to endure and come through any trial.
So when we read that the way to life is constricted with pressure, do not despair, for we have been given the tools to overcome and the authority to do so. In Christ we can do all things, including live a life of abundant joy during trials.
Each Wednesday I will be posting a Wednesday Word Study to further elaborate on a significant word from the previous Monday’s Meditation episode. On Mondays I focus on one verse to meditate on for the week. On the Wednesday after I drill down to look at one specific word to gain further information and knowledge. Then on the following Friday I will post a teaching pulling it all together. Each week will provide a thorough study into a verse, a word, and then the overall concept.
Shop all versions of my novels here: Shop Here
My Media Website: NancyJacksonPodcast.com
Check out my website: NancyJacksonAuthor.com
Follow me here:
Substack: https://nancyjackson.substack.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NancyJacksonAuthor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/NAJackson
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/najackson/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/nancyannjackson
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/NancyJackson
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nancyajackson?lang=en
