| 24. Linguistic Exegesis The verse opens with the present middle/passive imperative agonizesthe {Ἀγωνίζεσθε | a-gō-ní-zes-the} ‘strive’, conveying urgent, sustained effort. This command is followed by the aorist active infinitive eiselthein {εἰσελθεῖν | ei-sel-theîn} ‘to enter’, indicating the goal of the struggle. The prepositional phrase dia tēs stenēs thyras {διὰ τῆς στενῆς θύρας | dià tê̄s ste-nê̄s thú-ras} specifies movement through a constrained opening, with the genitive after dia denoting path or means. The conjunction hoti {ὅτι | hó-ti} introduces a cause clause explaining the rationale. In this clause, the nominative adjective polloi {πολλοί | pol-loí} ‘many’ functions as the subject of the future active indicative verbs zētēsousin {ζητήσουσιν | zē-tḗ-sou-sin} ‘will seek’ and ischysousin {ἰσχύσουσιν | is-khý-sou-sin} ‘will be able’. The insertion legō hymin {λέγω ὑμῖν | lég-ō hy-mîn} ‘I tell you’ underscores authoritative address. The repetition of the infinitive eiselthein after zētēsousin balances attempted entry with ultimate inability, highlighted by the negation ouk {οὐκ | ouk} preceding ischysousin. English translations mirror this by preserving the imperative + infinitive of purpose and the causal explanation with parallel future actions. |