The English language can be confusing. The words sun and son, made or maid, and straight and Strait may sound the same but have very different meanings.
In the Book of Mormon, Nephi employs the term “strait” to describe the journey along the strait and narrow path. This choice of word can lead to confusion with “straight,” yet it’s important to recognize that “Strait” and “straight” are distinct words with their own unique meanings. For someone with sailing experience like Nephi, the difference between sailing in a direct line (straight) and navigating through a narrow passage (Strait) would be clearly understood.
Table of Contents
- Strait Vs Straight In The Book Of Mormon Explored
- Understanding the Strait and Narrow Path
- The Uncompromising Nature of the Gospel
- Lessons From Sailing and Straight Vs. Strait
- Related Content
Strait Vs Straight In The Book Of Mormon Explored
As Nephi nears the end of his life and addresses his people for the last time in the Book of Mormon, he earnestly advises them to follow the strait and narrow path. This counsel, particularly highlighted in 2 Nephi 31:19, specifies the path as “strait and narrow,” not “straight and narrow.”
Nephi said in 2 Nephi 31:19
“And now, my beloved brethren, after ye have gotten into this strait and narrow path, I would ask if all is done?”
Book Of MOrmon, 2 Nephi 31:19
This deliberate selection of words Strait carries profound significance, offering deep insights into the spiritual journey one undertakes after baptism and professing belief in Christ. The choice to use “Strait” instead of “straight” enriches our understanding of the nuanced and sometimes challenging path of faith.
Understanding the Strait and Narrow Path
The distinction between “strait” and “straight” in this context is profound, not merely a play on words. This can clearly been seen by the definition of the words Strait Vs straight.
In the Oxford dictionary, the word straight is defined to mean:
“STRAIGHT: extending or moving uniformly in one direction only; without a curve or bend.
Oxford Dictionary
“a long, straight road”
“Straight” implies a direct route, the shortest distance between two points, like a line drawn across a field or a bridge spanning a river, emphasizing direction regardless of the breadth of the path taken. It implies that there are no bends or curves but that, somehow, we are all walking on the same straight path in life.
Conversely, “strait” conveys a different notion. In the Oxford dictionary, the word strait means:
“STRAIT: a narrow passage of water connecting two seas or two other large areas of water.”
Oxford dictionary
The word strait applies one of narrowness and constraint, much like the Strait of Gibraltar—a narrow passage that links the Atlantic Ocean with the Mediterranean Sea, serving as a boundary between continents.
This careful choice of words in the scripture underlines a significant spiritual truth. The journey we are called to embark upon isn’t just about moving ‘straight’ ahead in a direction; it’s about navigating a ‘strait’—a narrow and constrained—path.
The use of “strait and narrow” together amplifies this concept, suggesting a path that is not only directed but also constrained, symbolizing the exacting nature of the commandments and principles we adhere to.
In speaking of this, Hugh Nibley has said that following about the strait and narrow path in referring to 3 Nephi 33:9
“But behold, for none of these can I hope except they shall be reconciled unto Christ, and enter into the narrow gate, and walk in the strait path which leads to life” and endure to the end. This is one of the objections people always have: It’s always so narrow-minded and so demeaning. Why is it so narrow? Why do so few get through the door? Why is it so limited? Well, to be on target. Here in this world we are on a vast, wide, almost endless plain. We can wander anywhere we want here, and we are prone to wander and go into all sorts of things. With this field to wander in, we can show whether [or not] we have the sense to go in the right direction. You will choose what your heart desires when it’s left entirely up to you. You will gravitate in the direction in which you really want to go. It will expose you as you really are.”
Nibley’s Commentary On The Book of Mormon Volume 1
The Uncompromising Nature of the Gospel
Often, we may be tempted to rationalize or bend the commandments to suit our desires or circumstances. However, the imagery of the strait and narrow path is a powerful reminder that the principles and commandments are not open to negotiation.
They are fixed and defined, guiding us through a spiritual journey that demands commitment, precision, and dedication rather than a broad, accommodating route that offers room for deviation.
This does not mean or imply that our lives will not have ups and downs or highs and lows. Our lives are more complicated than that. However, the one thing we should not compromise on is our covenants and standards.
The fact that the word strait was used instead of straight helps me to reflect on my approach to living the gospel. It urges me to consider whether I am seeking to justify my actions within a more permissive path or whether I am striving to remain true to all my convictions and stay on the well-defined strait and narrow path that leads to eternal life.
Lessons From Sailing and Straight Vs. Strait
I’m passionate about sailing, and anyone experienced in sailing knows that a sailboat rarely moves in a straight line on the water. Reaching a destination often requires skillful tacking or gybing, unlike driving on a straight road with a car.
Nephi, a figure known for his voyage to the New World, would have been acutely aware of this reality. As a sailor, the distinction between sailing in a straight line and navigating a strait would have been clear to him.
In sailing, passing through a narrow strait ideally involves catching the wind just right, allowing passage without excessive tacking or gybing. However, achieving this is not always possible.
A skilled sailor navigates through the tightest sections of the strait, delaying any major maneuvers until reaching more expansive waters. This doesn’t mean they’ve sailed straight but successfully navigated the strait or narrow passage.
One reason the term “Strait” rather than “straight” resonates with me is because “straight” suggests a path from which we never deviate, symbolizing a life trajectory that continuously ascends forever upward.
However, life is inherently more intricate and unpredictable. Our journeys are often zigzag, featuring a series of highs and lows. This doesn’t imply we stray from the eternal path or our covenants, nor does it alter the way we navigate the strait and narrow, which remains unchanging.
Life is much like sailing, filled with constant changes and adjustments. At times, we find ourselves needing to tack or jibe, effectively shifting our direction to realign with our goals. This process often requires repentance, transformation, and making adjustments in our lives.
In a similar vein, sailing acts as a reflection of our existence. Just as we navigate life’s challenges and realign our paths, in sailing, we must occasionally adjust our sails and positioning to harness the wind’s power properly.
But when it comes to the commandments, our covenants, and certain principles in life, our path should indeed be strait and narrow and uncompromising. Much like a sailor, we must remain focused while navigating a strait and stay on the narrow course so that we can sail through the strait.
That is why sailing serves as a metaphor for life, which is far from a straight journey. Life is full of highs and lows, challenges and victories. Yet, amidst these fluctuations, we can strive to navigate through the commandments or, as Nephi said, adhere to the strait and narrow path that guides us back to our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.
The Nibleys Commentary website is dedicated to the teachings of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, including The Bible, The Book of Mormon, the Doctrine of Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price.
We will use many of Hugh Nibley’s teachings to review these gospel teachings and scriptures and refer to the book Nibley’s Commentary Volumes 1 and 2 edited by Sharman B Hummel. You can buy the e-book version of the Nibley Commentary Volume 1 and 2 book by clicking here.
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