Mark 13:20

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.

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}.

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.

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.

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

Mark 13:20 is a pivotal verse within Jesus' "Olivet Discourse," a significant prophecy regarding the end times and the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem. This verse highlights God's sovereign control over even the most severe periods of tribulation, demonstrating His mercy and faithfulness to His chosen people.

Context

This verse is part of Jesus' direct response to His disciples' questions about the signs of His coming and the end of the age, as recorded in Mark 13:4. Jesus describes a period of intense suffering, deception, and natural calamities that will precede His glorious return. The preceding verses, such as Mark 13:19, speak of an unparalleled tribulation, "such as was not from the beginning of the creation which God created unto this time, neither shall be." Mark 13:20 then provides a crucial divine intervention within this dire prophecy, indicating a limit to its duration.

Key Themes

  • Divine Sovereignty and Mercy: The verse powerfully asserts God's absolute control over time and events. Even in the midst of extreme tribulation, it is "the Lord" who actively shortens the days. This act is not a passive allowance but a deliberate, merciful intervention to prevent total annihilation.
  • Preservation of Life: The phrase "no flesh should be saved" underscores the severity of the prophesied tribulation. Without God's intervention, the suffering would be so intense and widespread that no one would survive. This emphasizes the preciousness of human life in God's eyes and His commitment to preserving it.
  • The Elect: The primary reason for God's intervention is "for the elect's sake, whom he hath chosen." The "elect" (Greek: eklektos) refers to God's chosen people, those who have been called and set apart by Him. This highlights God's particular care and covenant faithfulness towards His own, ensuring their ultimate preservation through the most difficult times. This concept is also seen in the parallel account in Matthew 24:22.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "shortened" is koloboo (κολοβόω), which means to cut off, curtail, or amputate. It implies a decisive and intentional act of limiting or bringing to an abrupt end. This isn't a natural winding down but a supernatural intervention that actively reduces the duration of the tribulation. The term "elect" (Greek: eklektos) signifies those who are divinely selected or chosen, a concept central to God's redemptive plan and His relationship with His people throughout Scripture (e.g., Ephesians 1:4).

Practical Application

Mark 13:20 offers profound comfort and assurance to believers. It reminds us that even when facing overwhelming trials or contemplating future difficulties, God remains in absolute control. His sovereign hand limits suffering and ensures the preservation of His people. This verse encourages perseverance, knowing that God's plan for His elect will prevail. It fosters trust in God's merciful character, even amidst prophecies of judgment and distress, reinforcing the truth that His ultimate purpose is always connected to the salvation and well-being of those He has chosen.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified 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.
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