Strait can mean “a narrow passage, strict or rigorous,” whereas straight can mean a “straight line” (Webster’s Ninth New Collegiate Dictionary, 1163–64). In Lehi’s vision, the strait path, if faithfully followed, led to the tree and the fruit—which are representations of the redemption of Jesus Christ and ultimately eternal life.
“The strait and narrow path, though clearly marked, is a path, not a freeway nor an escalator. Indeed, there are times when the only way the strait and narrow path can be followed is on one’s knees! And we are to help each other along the path” (Maxwell, “A Brother Offended,” 38).