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Introduction to the Textual Issue

The passage of Matthew 7:13 has sparked considerable scholarly debate, particularly concerning the textual variation found in its transmission. The standard Textus Receptus (TR) and Nestle-Aland (NA) text reads:

“πλατεῖα ἡ πύλη καὶ εὐρύχωρος ἡ ὁδὸς ἡ ἀπάγουσα εἰς τὴν ἀπώλειαν”
(“wide is the gate and broad is the road leading to destruction”).

In contrast, a variant reading from the Westcott-Hort text and other early manuscripts omits “ἡ πύλη” (“the gate”), rendering:

“πλατεια και ευρυχωρος η οδος η απαγουσα εις την απολειαν”
(“wide and broad is the road leading to destruction”).

This discrepancy raises critical questions regarding the original wording and the implications for interpretation and theological understanding.

The Reading Culture of Early Christianity

Manuscript Evidence

The TR and NA reading is supported by significant manuscript evidence, including Codices Sinaiticus (א^2), Vaticanus (B), Ephraemi Rescriptus (C), Freerianus Washington Codex (W), Sangallensis (Δ), Athous Lavrensis (Θ), the Family 1 (f1), and Minuscule 33. These manuscripts collectively indicate a strong tradition for including “ἡ πύλη” (“the gate”).

The variant reading, which excludes “ἡ πύλη,” is found in Codex Sinaiticus (א*), certain Old Latin manuscripts (ita), and cited by early Church Fathers such as Clement of Alexandria, Hippolytus, and Cyprian. The intentional nature of this omission, as seen in the same witnesses for verse 7:14, suggests a deliberate alteration rather than a scribal error.

Internal Evidence and Scribe Tendencies

Internal evidence suggests that the inclusion of “ἡ πύλη” in Matthew 7:13 may have been influenced by the parallel structure with Matthew 7:14, which explicitly mentions both “the gate” and “the road”:

“ὅτι στενὴ ἡ πύλη καὶ τεθλιμμένη ἡ ὁδὸς ἡ ἀπάγουσα εἰς τὴν ζωήν”
(“For narrow is the gate and constricted is the road that leads to life”).

Scribes, aiming for consistency and parallelism between the two verses, might have added “ἡ πύλη” to verse 13. This hypothesis is supported by the observation that scribes often harmonized texts to resolve perceived inconsistencies.

Theological Implications

The inclusion or exclusion of “ἡ πύλη” in Matthew 7:13 holds theological significance. The TR NU reading emphasizes both the gate and the road, suggesting a two-step process where one must first enter the gate before walking the road to destruction. This interpretation aligns closely with the subsequent verse (7:14), which describes the narrow gate and constricted road leading to life, emphasizing a clear dichotomy between the paths of destruction and life.

In contrast, the variant reading focuses solely on the road, implying a singular emphasis on the journey rather than an initial entry point. This could suggest a broader, more immediate understanding of the path to destruction, without the preliminary step of passing through a gate.

Analysis by Textual Scholars

Philip W. Comfort and Edward D. Andrews argue for the originality of the TR NU reading, noting that the inclusion of “ἡ πύλη” provides a more cohesive parallel with verse 14. They contend that the scribes likely added the term to maintain this literary symmetry, which was a common practice in textual transmission.

Bruce M. Metzger, while acknowledging the strength of the manuscript support for the TR NU reading, also highlights the early and widespread attestation of the variant reading. Metzger suggests that the omission of “ἡ πύλη” could reflect an attempt by early scribes to streamline the text, focusing the reader’s attention on the broad and destructive nature of the road itself.

Scriptural Context and Interpretation

Understanding this textual issue within the broader context of Scripture is crucial. Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 7:13-14 is part of the Sermon on the Mount, where He contrasts the righteous and unrighteous paths. The imagery of gates and roads serves as a metaphor for the choices individuals must make regarding their spiritual journey.

Scripture consistently emphasizes the importance of discerning and choosing the right path. In Deuteronomy 30:19, God presents a choice between life and death, blessing and curse, urging His people to “choose life.” Similarly, Joshua 24:15 calls for a decision to serve the Lord. These Old Testament themes resonate with Jesus’ teaching, reinforcing the gravity of the choices presented in Matthew 7:13-14.

The gate and road imagery also appear in other New Testament passages. In John 10:9, Jesus identifies Himself as the gate, saying, “I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved.” This reinforces the concept of an entry point leading to a specific path, aligning with the TR NU reading of Matthew 7:13.

Conclusion

The textual issue in Matthew 7:13, while complex, highlights the careful scrutiny required in New Testament textual criticism. The manuscript evidence, internal considerations, and theological implications all contribute to understanding the original text. While both readings convey the overarching message of the broad path to destruction versus the narrow path to life, the TR NU reading’s emphasis on the gate offers a more consistent parallel with verse 14 and a richer theological nuance.

About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220+ books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).