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.

And {G2532} except {G1508} those {G1565} days {G2250} should be shortened {G2856}, there {G3756} should {G302} no {G3956} flesh {G4561} be saved {G4982}: but {G1161} for {G1223} the elect's sake {G1588} those {G1565} days {G2250} shall be shortened {G2856}.

Indeed, if the length of this time had not been limited, no one would survive; but for the sake of those who have been chosen, its length will be limited.

If those days had not been cut short, nobody would be saved. But for the sake of the elect, those days will be cut short.

And except those days had been shortened, no flesh would have been saved: but for the elect’s sake those days shall be shortened.

Commentary

Matthew 24:22 is a pivotal verse within Jesus' prophetic discourse on the end times, often referred to as the Olivet Discourse. Here, Jesus reveals a crucial aspect of the intense period known as the Great Tribulation: its duration will be divinely limited.

Context of Matthew 24:22

This verse follows Jesus' detailed description of the unprecedented suffering and devastation that will occur during the Great Tribulation. He has already spoken of false Christs, wars, famines, earthquakes, and severe persecution against His followers. The severity of these events is so immense that, if left unchecked, they would lead to the complete annihilation of all life on earth. Jesus' words provide a stark warning but also a profound promise of divine intervention.

Key Themes and Messages

  • The Severity of Tribulation: The phrase "there should no flesh be saved" underscores the extreme, life-threatening nature of the tribulation period. It implies a level of global chaos and destruction that humanity could not otherwise survive.
  • Divine Limitation: God's sovereign control over history is highlighted. Even in the midst of unparalleled suffering, God sets a boundary. The "shortening" of these days is an act of divine mercy and control, preventing total destruction.
  • God's Preservation of the Elect: The primary reason for this divine intervention is "for the elect's sake." The "elect" refers to God's chosen people, those who have placed their faith in Him. This demonstrates God's unwavering faithfulness and commitment to preserve His own, even through the most challenging times. This echoes God's care for His people throughout history, as seen in passages like Romans 8:28.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "no flesh be saved" translates the Greek pasa sarx (πᾶσα σάρξ), meaning "all flesh" or "all humanity." This emphasizes that the destructive forces would be so overwhelming that no human being would survive if God did not intervene. The term "elect" comes from the Greek eklektous (ἐκλεκτούς), signifying those who are "chosen" or "selected" by God, indicating His special relationship with them and His purpose for their ultimate salvation.

Practical Application

Matthew 24:22 offers both a sober warning and immense comfort to believers. It reminds us of the reality of future tribulation but more importantly, assures us of God's ultimate control and His faithfulness to His people. For those facing trials today, it reinforces the truth that God sets limits on suffering and that His purposes for His elect will prevail. It encourages perseverance and trust in God's sovereignty, knowing that even the darkest days are under His divine hand and will ultimately serve His redemptive plan. This truth provides hope, much like the promise of God never forsaking His saints.

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

  • 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.

  • 2 Timothy 2:10

    Therefore I endure all things for the elect's sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.

  • Matthew 24:24

    For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if [it were] possible, they shall deceive the very elect.

  • Matthew 24:31

    And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.

  • Romans 9:11

    (For [the children] being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him that calleth;)

  • Matthew 22:14

    For many are called, but few [are] chosen.

  • 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.
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