An Exegetical Analysis of Matthew 7:14: The Grammatical Significance of Initial Particles
This exegetical study of ‘ὅτι at Mt 7:14’ is based on a b-greek discussion from Sat Jul 9 15:27:33 EDT 2005. The initial discussion explored a grammatical puzzle concerning the opening particle of Matthew 7:14. Specifically, if the reading τί were adopted, its grammatical function presented a dilemma, with an initial suggestion of an accusative of respect or specification. This issue was compounded by observations regarding textual variations in early manuscripts, where later correctors of Codex Sinaiticus (א) and Vaticanus (B) were noted to have altered initial readings of ὅτι or ὅτι δέ to τί, leading to questions about the scribal logic behind such changes.
The main exegetical issue at Matthew 7:14 revolves around a significant textual variant at the very beginning of the verse. The choice between the conjunction ὅτι (“because,” “that”) and the interrogative/exclamatory particle τί (“what?”, “how!”) fundamentally alters the grammatical structure, logical flow, and rhetorical emphasis of Jesus’ teaching on the narrow gate. This variant has profound implications for how the verse connects to the preceding exhortation to enter through the narrow gate (v. 13) and for the overall tone and meaning of the passage concerning the path to life.
ὅτι στενὴ ἡ πύλη καὶ τεθλιμμένη ἡ ὁδὸς ἡ ἀπάγουσα εἰς τὴν ζωὴν, καὶ ὀλίγοι εἰσὶν οἱ εὑρίσκοντες αὐτήν. (Nestle 1904)
Key differences with SBLGNT (2010):
- The SBLGNT (2010) text for Matthew 7:14 begins with ὅτι, aligning with the Nestle-Aland 28th edition and the majority of New Testament critical editions.
- However, a significant textual variant, τί, is attested in important early manuscripts, notably the original hand of Codex Sinaiticus (א*) and Codex Vaticanus (B*). The discussion in the b-greek forum highlights this variant as a primary point of exegetical inquiry, despite critical editions generally preferring ὅτι.
Textual Criticism (NA28), Lexical Notes (KITTEL, BDAG)
The textual critical debate concerning Matthew 7:14 primarily concerns the initial word of the verse: ὅτι versus τί. The NA28, like most modern critical editions, adopts ὅτι, reflecting its widespread support in the manuscript tradition. However, as noted in the discussion, authoritative textual critics like Bruce M. Metzger (A Textual Commentary on the Greek New Testament) argue strongly for the originality of τί. Metzger highlights the external support for τί from pivotal early manuscripts such as א* and B*, classifying them as “few relatively unimportant mss” by some, yet acknowledging their critical weight. Internally, Metzger contends that τί possesses strong probabilities, arguing that there would be no apparent reason for the familiar ὅτι to be altered to the more unusual τί in this context. Conversely, scribes unfamiliar with the Semitic nuance of τί as an exclamation might naturally assimilate it to the more common conjunction ὅτι, especially given the preceding ὅτι in verse 13. This phenomenon, known as assimilation, often leads to the regularization of difficult readings.
Lexically, the particle τί, when used as an exclamation, carries specific semantic weight. While the Theological Dictionary of the New Testament (KITTEL) offers extensive entries for various uses of ὅτι and τί, it does not directly address this specific textual variant in Mt 7:14 for grammatical implications. However, A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature (BDAG), under its entry for τί, lists its third meaning as an “exclamatory expression of extent or degree, how!” (s.v. τί, 3). This interpretation aligns with Metzger’s suggestion that τί in Matthew 7:14 represents a Semitic exclamation (מָה, “how!”), reminiscent of Psalm 139:17. If τί is indeed original, it transforms the verse from a causal statement to an emphatic declaration about the arduous nature of the path to life, thereby adding a significant rhetorical flourish.
Translation Variants with Grammatical & Rhetorical Analysis
The choice between ὅτι and τί at the beginning of Matthew 7:14 results in distinct grammatical structures and rhetorical emphases:
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Reading 1: ὅτι (Causal/Declarative Conjunction)
If ὅτι is adopted, it functions either as a causal conjunction, meaning “because” or “for,” or as a declarative particle, “that.”- Grammatical Analysis: As a causal conjunction, ὅτι connects verse 14 to the preceding command in verse 13 (“Enter through the narrow gate”). The narrowness of the gate and the difficulty of the way are presented as the *reason* why few find life. The clause beginning with ὅτι provides the justification for the preceding instruction.
- Rhetorical Analysis: This reading establishes a logical and explanatory relationship. It reinforces the challenge presented in verse 13 by providing the underlying reality—the path is genuinely difficult, and therefore, few succeed. It conveys a somber truth, grounding the exhortation in a stark assessment of reality.
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Reading 2: τί (Exclamatory Particle)
If τί is adopted, particularly in its Semitic exclamatory sense as suggested by Metzger and BDAG, it functions to express degree or intensity, meaning “how!” or “how indeed!”- Grammatical Analysis: This reading introduces an exclamation rather than a causal or declarative statement. The verse then becomes an emotional or emphatic declaration about the nature of the gate and way. It is less about providing a *reason* and more about highlighting the *extent* of the difficulty. The structure shifts from a logical explanation to an intense observation.
- Rhetorical Analysis: The exclamatory τί imbues the verse with a heightened sense of drama and urgency. It underscores the profound difficulty of the path to life, perhaps even expressing lament or astonishment at its challenging nature and the scarcity of those who discover it. This fits well with the typically Semitic flavor often found in Matthew’s Gospel. It makes the statement more impactful and direct in its portrayal of the arduous journey.
Conclusions and Translation Suggestions
While the majority of critical editions favor ὅτι, the compelling arguments by textual critics like Metzger for the originality of τί, supported by key early manuscripts and its potential Semitic background, warrant serious consideration. The choice between these variants significantly impacts the reader’s understanding of the connection between verses 13 and 14, influencing whether the passage emphasizes a logical reason or an emotional exclamation.
- “Because the gate is narrow and the way is difficult that leads to life, and few are those who find it.”
This translation adopts the widely accepted reading of ὅτι as a causal conjunction, explaining the reason for the exhortation to enter the narrow gate. - “How narrow is the gate and difficult the way that leads to life, and few are those who find it!”
This translation favors the reading of τί as an exclamation (“How!”) reflecting a Semitic idiom, emphasizing the degree of difficulty and lending a strong rhetorical flourish to the passage. - “Indeed, the gate is narrow and the way is difficult that leads to life, and few are those who find it.”
This translation attempts to capture the emphatic force of τί or a declarative ὅτι without being explicitly causal, suggesting a solemn affirmation of the reality of the challenging path.