### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **kolobóō**, represented by `{{G2856}}`, means to dock or abridge, and is used figuratively to **shorten**. It appears **4 times** across **2 unique verses** in the Bible. The term specifically describes the divine act of curtailing a period of great distress.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical appearances, `{{G2856}}` is used exclusively in the context of the tribulation of the last days. Both Matthew and Mark record that unless those **days** `{{G2250}}` were **shortened**, no flesh would be **saved** `{{G4982}}` [[Matthew 24:22]]. The action is performed by the Lord "for the elect's sake," emphasizing that this divine intervention is an act of mercy to preserve His chosen people [[Mark 13:20]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the context of this divine action:
* `{{G2250}}` **hēméra** (day): This word defines a period of time. It is the object that is acted upon by `{{G2856}}`; the "days" are what "shall be shortened" [[Matthew 24:22]]. This word often refers to specific, significant periods, such as "the day of Jesus Christ" [[Philippians 1:6]] or a time of judgment.
* `{{G4982}}` **sṓzō** (to save): This word provides the reason for the action of `{{G2856}}`. The days are shortened so that the elect might be **saved** [[Mark 13:20]]. Its use extends beyond physical preservation to spiritual salvation, as in being **saved** through faith [[Ephesians 2:8]] or the salvation that comes through confessing Jesus as Lord [[Romans 10:9]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G2856}}` is concentrated in its eschatological context.
* **Sovereign Intervention:** The use of `{{G2856}}` demonstrates God's sovereignty over time itself. He has the authority to **shorten** the appointed "days" `{{G2250}}` of tribulation for His purposes [[Mark 13:20]].
* **Mercy for the Elect:** The act of shortening is explicitly tied to God's mercy for "the elect's sake" [[Matthew 24:22]]. This intervention ensures their preservation and ability to be "saved" `{{G4982}}` when they otherwise would not survive.
* **Averting Total Destruction:** The context reveals the unparalleled severity of this future period. The necessity of shortening the days underscores a time of crisis so great that without divine action, no flesh would be saved.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G2856}}` is a precise and potent term that describes a specific, divine act of shortening time. It functions at the intersection of God's sovereignty over time, represented by **hēméra** `{{G2250}}`, and His plan of redemption, represented by **sṓzō** `{{G4982}}`. Though appearing rarely, its use in [[Matthew 24:22]] and [[Mark 13:20]] provides a critical insight into God's merciful intervention on behalf of the elect during the final days.
TRV