Mark 13:20

KJV

And except that the Lord had shortened those days, no flesh should be saved: but for the elect's sake, whom he hath chosen, he hath shortened the days.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} except {G1508} that the Lord {G2962} had shortened {G2856} those days {G2250}, no {G3756}{G3956} flesh {G4561} should be {G302} saved {G4982}: but {G235} for {G1223} the elect's sake {G1588}, whom {G3739} he hath chosen {G1586}, he hath shortened {G2856} the days {G2250}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Indeed, if God had not limited the duration of the trouble, no one would survive; but for the sake of the elect, those whom he has chosen, he has limited it.

Berean Standard Bible

If the Lord had not cut short those days, nobody would be saved. But for the sake of the elect, whom He has chosen, He has cut them short.

American Standard Version

And except the Lord had shortened the days, no flesh would have been saved; but for the elect’s sake, whom he chose, he shortened the days.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 13:20, a crucial part of Jesus' Olivet Discourse, reveals God's merciful and sovereign intervention during a period of unprecedented tribulation. It asserts that without the Lord's direct action to shorten these days of intense suffering, no human life would survive. This divine curtailment of tribulation is specifically for the sake of God's chosen people, the elect, underscoring His unwavering faithfulness and commitment to preserve those He has called.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within Jesus' extensive eschatological discourse, often referred to as the Olivet Discourse, recorded in [Mark 13](/mark/13 "Mark 13 - The Olivet Discourse"). Following His disciples' questions about the signs of His coming and the end of the age ([Mark 13:4](/mark/13-4 "Mark 13:4 - Disciples' Questions")), Jesus describes a future period of immense distress, false prophets, and severe persecution. The preceding verse, [Mark 13:19](/mark/13-19 "Mark 13:19 - Unparalleled Tribulation"), emphasizes the unparalleled nature of this tribulation, stating it will be "such as was not from the beginning of the creation which God created unto this time, neither shall be." Mark 13:20 then immediately follows as a divine counterpoint, providing a crucial limitation and a glimmer of hope amidst the dire predictions, highlighting God's active role in mitigating the severity for the sake of His people.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jesus' discourse was delivered on the Mount of Olives, overlooking the Temple, a significant location for prophetic pronouncements. The disciples' questions likely stemmed from a Jewish understanding of messianic expectation and the end of the current age, which often involved periods of intense suffering preceding the Messiah's kingdom. The destruction of the Temple, which occurred in 70 AD, would have been an immediate and devastating fulfillment of some of Jesus' prophecies, though the discourse also points to a future, ultimate tribulation. The concept of God's "elect" was deeply rooted in Old Testament Israel's self-understanding as God's chosen people, a concept Jesus now redefines and applies to His followers, both Jew and Gentile, who would endure persecution in a hostile world.
* **Key Themes:** Mark 13:20 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the Olivet Discourse and the broader Gospel of Mark. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Sovereignty**, demonstrating that even in the midst of the most chaotic and destructive events, God remains in absolute control, actively intervening to limit suffering. Secondly, it highlights **God's Mercy and Preservation**, revealing His compassionate nature as He prevents total annihilation ("no flesh should be saved") through a direct act of shortening the days. This theme of preservation is intricately linked to the third major theme: **The Election of God's People**. The explicit mention of "the elect's sake, whom he hath chosen" emphasizes God's particular covenant faithfulness and special care for those He has set apart. This concept is foundational to understanding God's redemptive plan throughout Scripture, from the calling of Abraham in [Genesis 12](/genesis/12 "Genesis 12 - The Call of Abraham") to the church as God's chosen people in the New Testament, as seen in passages like [1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Chosen Race"). The verse assures believers that their ultimate salvation and endurance are secured by God's deliberate action.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **shortened (Greek, _kolobóō'_):** From G2856, meaning "to dock, i.e. (figuratively) abridge." This term implies a decisive, intentional act of cutting short or curtailing. It is not a natural cessation but a supernatural intervention that actively reduces the duration of the tribulation, preventing it from running its full, destructive course.
* **saved (Greek, _sṓzō'_):** From G4982, meaning "to save, i.e. deliver or protect (literally or figuratively)." In this context, it refers to the preservation of physical life, indicating that the intensity and duration of the tribulation would be so severe that, without divine intervention, no human being would physically survive.
* **elect's sake (Greek, _eklektós'_):** From G1588, meaning "select; by implication, favorite." This term refers to those who are divinely chosen or selected by God. The preposition "for" (G1223, _diá_) indicates the channel or reason for the action, emphasizing that God's shortening of the days is specifically *because of* and *for the benefit of* His chosen ones, highlighting His covenant faithfulness to them.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And except that the Lord had shortened those days":** This opening clause introduces a crucial condition. The phrase "except that" (G1508, _ei mḗ_) sets up a hypothetical scenario where, if the Lord did *not* intervene, a dire outcome would ensue. The "Lord" (G2962, _kýrios_) signifies God's supreme authority and control, emphasizing that the shortening of the days is a sovereign act. "Those days" refers to the period of unparalleled tribulation described in the preceding verses.
* **"no flesh should be saved":** This is the stark consequence if the Lord did not intervene. "No flesh" (G3756 _ou_ G3956 _pâs_ G4561 _sárx_) is a hyperbolic expression indicating that absolutely no human being ("flesh" referring to human nature or a human being, G4561) would survive the intensity and duration of the tribulation. "Should be saved" (G302 _án_ G4982 _sṓzō_) implies a potential outcome that is averted by divine action.
* **"but for the elect's sake, whom he hath chosen":** This clause introduces the reason for God's merciful intervention. "But" (G235, _allá_) signals a strong contrast to the previous, dire possibility. The shortening of the days is not arbitrary but is specifically "for the elect's sake" (G1223 _diá_ G1588 _eklektós_), referring to God's chosen people. The phrase "whom he hath chosen" (G3739 _hós_ G1586 _eklégomai_) further clarifies that these are individuals divinely selected by God, underscoring His intentional and personal relationship with them.
* **"he hath shortened the days":** This concluding phrase reiterates the divine action, emphasizing its certainty and purpose. The repetition of "he hath shortened the days" (G2856 _kolobóō_ G2250 _hēméra_) reinforces the central message: God's active, merciful intervention to limit the tribulation's duration for the benefit of His chosen ones.

#### Literary Devices
Mark 13:20 employs several powerful literary devices. **Hyperbole** is evident in the phrase "no flesh should be saved," which vividly conveys the extreme severity of the prophesied tribulation. While not literally meaning the extinction of all humanity, it underscores the overwhelming nature of the suffering that would occur without divine intervention. **Repetition** of the phrase "he hath shortened the days" (or variations of it) serves to emphasize the central action and its divine origin, reinforcing the certainty and purpose of God's intervention. Furthermore, the verse functions as a powerful example of **Divine Sovereignty** and **Providence**, portraying God as the ultimate controller of history and time, actively shaping events to fulfill His purposes and protect His people. The contrast between the potential for total destruction and God's merciful act highlights His **Grace** and **Faithfulness**.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 13:20 profoundly illustrates God's active sovereignty over all creation and history, especially in times of tribulation. It reveals that His ultimate plan is not one of unmitigated suffering but of purposeful limitation, driven by His covenant faithfulness to His chosen people. This verse provides immense comfort, assuring believers that even when the world seems to descend into chaos, God remains in control, and His hand is at work to preserve His elect. It underscores the biblical truth that God's election is not merely for salvation from sin, but also for preservation through trials, ensuring that His redemptive purposes for His people will ultimately prevail.

* [Matthew 24:22](/matthew/24-22 "Matthew 24:22 - Shortening of Days for the Elect")
* [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - God Works All Things for Good")
* [2 Thessalonians 2:13](/2_thessalonians/2-13 "2 Thessalonians 2:13 - God's Choice for Salvation")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Mark 13:20 offers profound assurance and a call to steadfast faith in the face of future uncertainties. In a world often marked by fear of the unknown, natural disasters, and societal unrest, this verse reminds us that God's sovereign hand is always at work, even in the darkest of times. It encourages us to trust that His love for His elect is so profound that He will actively intervene to limit suffering and ensure our ultimate preservation. This should inspire a deep sense of peace, knowing that our security is not dependent on our strength or circumstances, but on the unfailing power and mercy of the Lord. It calls us to live with hopeful anticipation, not dread, for the future, understanding that God's plan for His people is one of ultimate triumph and salvation.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the concept of God "shortening the days" impact your understanding of divine control over suffering and evil?**
* **In what ways does this verse encourage you to trust God's faithfulness, especially when facing difficult personal or global circumstances?**
* **How does knowing that God acts "for the elect's sake" deepen your appreciation for your identity as one of His chosen people?**

### FAQ

**What does "no flesh should be saved" mean in this context?**

Answer: The phrase "no flesh should be saved" is a **hyperbole** used to emphasize the extreme severity and destructive power of the tribulation Jesus describes. It means that the suffering would be so intense and widespread that, if it were allowed to run its full natural course without divine intervention, it would lead to the annihilation of all human life. It highlights the absolute necessity of God's merciful act of shortening the days to preserve humanity. This is not a literal prediction of total human extinction, but a powerful way to convey the unparalleled nature of the distress.

**Who are "the elect" mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: "The elect" (Greek: _eklektos_) refers to God's chosen people. In the broader biblical context, this term encompasses those whom God has sovereignly chosen for salvation and a special relationship with Him. While it has roots in Israel's identity as God's chosen nation in the Old Testament, in the New Testament, especially in the context of Jesus' teachings and the apostles' writings, it primarily refers to all true believers in Christ, both Jews and Gentiles, who have been called and set apart by God's grace. Their election is the reason for God's merciful intervention to limit the tribulation, ensuring their ultimate perseverance and salvation, as seen in passages like [Ephesians 1:4](/ephesians/1-4 "Ephesians 1:4 - Chosen in Christ before the foundation of the world").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 13:20, while speaking of a future tribulation, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus, who is the very embodiment of God's saving purpose for His elect. The "shortening of the days" for the elect's sake foreshadows the greater, decisive act of God in Christ to deliver humanity from the ultimate tribulation of sin and death. It is through Christ that God's chosen are truly "saved" (G4982, _sṓzō_), not merely from physical annihilation but from eternal condemnation. Jesus Himself is the "elect one" of God ([Luke 9:35](/luke/9-35 "Luke 9:35 - The Transfiguration")), through whom all others are chosen and preserved. His atoning sacrifice on the cross was the ultimate act of God's mercy, shortening the reign of sin and death and securing eternal life for all who believe ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World")). The preservation of the elect through tribulation points to the greater preservation secured by Christ's resurrection and ascension, guaranteeing that nothing "shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord" ([Romans 8:39](/romans/8-39 "Romans 8:39 - Nothing Can Separate Us from God's Love")). Thus, the shortening of the days for the elect is a powerful testament to God's unwavering commitment to His people, a commitment fully realized and eternally secured in Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Matthew 24:22

And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened.

Isaiah 65:8

¶ Thus saith the LORD, As the new wine is found in the cluster, and [one] saith, Destroy it not; for a blessing [is] in it: so will I do for my servants' sakes, that I may not destroy them all.

Isaiah 65:9

And I will bring forth a seed out of Jacob, and out of Judah an inheritor of my mountains: and mine elect shall inherit it, and my servants shall dwell there.

Zechariah 13:8

And it shall come to pass, [that] in all the land, saith the LORD, two parts therein shall be cut off [and] die; but the third shall be left therein.

Zechariah 13:9

And I will bring the third part through the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried: they shall call on my name, and I will hear them: I will say, It [is] my people: and they shall say, The LORD [is] my God.

Romans 11:28

As concerning the gospel, [they are] enemies for your sakes: but as touching the election, [they are] beloved for the fathers' sakes.

Romans 11:32

For God hath concluded them all in unbelief, that he might have mercy upon all.