Mark 13 20

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.

Mark 13:20 nkjv

And unless the Lord had shortened those days, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect's sake, whom He chose, He shortened the days.

Mark 13:20 niv

"If the Lord had not cut short those days, no one would survive. But for the sake of the elect, whom he has chosen, he has shortened them.

Mark 13:20 esv

And if the Lord had not cut short the days, no human being would be saved. But for the sake of the elect, whom he chose, he shortened the days.

Mark 13:20 nlt

In fact, unless the Lord shortens that time of calamity, not a single person will survive. But for the sake of his chosen ones he has shortened those days.

Mark 13 verses

Mark 13 20 Meaning

Mark 13:20 conveys a profound truth about God's sovereignty and His protective care for His chosen ones during a period of intense tribulation. It states that unless the duration of these severely trying days were supernaturally limited by God, no living being would survive the unprecedented global distress. However, out of His divine election and grace, the Lord mercifully shortens this period specifically for the benefit and preservation of His elect, ensuring their survival. This highlights divine intervention as the sole means of human endurance and salvation amidst ultimate calamity.

Mark 13 20 Context

Mark 13:20 is part of Jesus’ "Olivet Discourse," His longest continuous teaching in the Gospel of Mark. This discourse (Mk 13:1-37) is given in response to the disciples' questions about the destruction of the Temple and the signs of His coming and the end of the age (Mk 13:1-4). Jesus describes a period of unprecedented tribulation and cosmic disturbances, often referred to as the Great Tribulation (Mk 13:14-23), which will precede His glorious return. Within this context of immense suffering and deception, Mark 13:20 stands as a crucial promise of God's direct intervention to limit the duration of this extreme distress. It provides hope and assurance to the faithful, demonstrating God's sovereign control over even the most chaotic events and His unwavering commitment to His chosen people. The broader chapter urges vigilance and perseverance.

Mark 13 20 Word analysis

• And unless (Καὶ εἰ μὴ - Kai ei mē): Connects to the preceding description of unprecedented tribulation. Introduces a hypothetical, yet critical, condition that underscores the necessity of divine intervention. It highlights a vital requirement for any survival.

• the Lord (ὁ Κύριος - ho Kyrios): Refers directly to God, the sovereign Creator and Ruler of all things. In a predictive context about the end times, emphasizing "the Lord" reinforces that only God possesses the authority and power to control time and events of such magnitude. It elevates the action to the highest divine plane.

• had shortened (ἐκολόβωσεν - ekolobōsen): From koloboō, meaning to cut short, curtail, lop off, amputate. It's a very strong verb indicating a forceful and deliberate act of limiting or truncating. It implies a duration that was inherently longer but has been supernaturally reduced. This isn't merely a passive cessation but an active, divine curtailment.

• those days (τὰς ἡμέρας ἐκείνας - tas hēmeras ekeinas): Refers to the "days" of severe tribulation just described in Mark 13:19, which would be unparalleled in human history. The "those" indicates a specific, intensely difficult period of persecution and cosmic disturbance.

• no flesh (οὐκ ἐσώθη πᾶσα σὰρξ - ouk esōthē pasa sarx): "Flesh" (sarx) refers to all living beings, humanity in its totality. "No flesh" implies absolute universal destruction of life on earth. This underscores the severity and existential threat posed by the tribulation.

• would be saved (οὐκ ἐσώθη - ouk esōthē): "Saved" (sōzō) means to be preserved, delivered from danger, to survive physically or spiritually. In this context, it refers primarily to physical preservation of life amidst the catastrophe. The active choice of the Lord is necessary to prevent complete annihilation.

• but for the elect's sake (ἀλλὰ διὰ τοὺς ἐκλεκτούς - alla dia tous eklektous): "But" introduces a stark contrast. "The elect" (eklektous) refers to those whom God has chosen and called for His purposes, His covenant people (both Jewish and Gentile believers). Their ultimate well-being and salvation are the explicit reason for God's intervention.

• whom He chose (οὓς ἐξελέξατο - hous exelexato): Reinforces the concept of divine election. "Chose" (eklegomai) signifies a deliberate, sovereign act of selection. This clarifies that "the elect" are not a self-made group but those divinely selected, underscoring God's initiating grace and purpose behind the shortening of days.

• He shortened the days (ἐκολόβωσεν τὰς ἡμέρας - ekolobōsen tas hēmeras): Repeats and confirms the divine action stated at the beginning, now with the clear purpose emphasized. It highlights the divine prerogative and mercy demonstrated on behalf of His chosen.

• "And unless the Lord had shortened those days": This phrase highlights God's absolute sovereignty over time and events. It shows that human endurance or other factors would be insufficient; only a direct, supernatural act of God can prevent complete destruction.

• "no flesh would be saved": This extreme statement emphasizes the unparalleled severity and devastation of the Great Tribulation. Without God's intervention, no living human being would survive, underscoring the necessity of divine mercy for continued life on earth. It points to a literal threat to all life.

• "but for the elect’s sake, whom He chose, He shortened the days": This group of words reveals the divine motive and recipient of this saving act. God's action is not random but purposeful, specifically for "the elect"—those set apart by His sovereign choice. This demonstrates God's unwavering faithfulness and love for His people, who are objects of His special care amidst judgment. It roots human salvation in God's election rather than human merit or ability to endure.

Mark 13 20 Bonus section

The concept of "the elect" is central to understanding this verse. It refers to those chosen by God, not merely those who choose Him, emphasizing God's initiative in salvation. This election extends to preservation through cataclysmic events, confirming God's commitment to His covenant people through history and into eternity. The specific mention of "the Lord" shortening the days differentiates God's sovereign act from any human endeavor or resistance, showing that even human perseverance in tribulation is sustained by divine grace. The Olivet Discourse, as a whole, functions not just as prophecy but as pastoral warning and comfort for believers throughout history, reminding them of God's control and care even in the darkest hours. The brevity of this verse encapsulates a massive theological truth about divine grace, sovereignty, and election, serving as an anchor of hope for believers anticipating these times.

Mark 13 20 Commentary

Mark 13:20 is a pivotal verse in the Olivet Discourse, illustrating the unique blend of divine wrath and divine mercy during the end times. The intensity of the "days" described (Mark 13:19) is presented as so extreme that it would literally wipe out all life ("no flesh would be saved"). This is not hyperbole but an apocalyptic description of a period of tribulation so devastating that human survival is impossible without a direct act of God. The crucial point is that God does intervene, not by human plea or power, but "for the elect's sake, whom He chose." This underscores that God's plan for humanity's continuation on earth is intertwined with His preserving purpose for His chosen people. His election is not merely for spiritual salvation but also for their physical preservation to fulfill His broader eschatological plan. The "shortening" (ekolobōsen) is a forceful, active curtailment, showcasing God's absolute authority over the timeline of events. It is a promise of divine protection and faithfulness that should encourage believers facing persecution and tribulation, knowing that their very existence is supernaturally upheld by God's sovereign decree.

• Example 1: Just as a parent might swiftly remove a child from a burning house, God, by His will, reduces the time of an all-consuming fire to rescue His chosen family.
• Example 2: Imagine a critical surgery where the doctor performs a necessary, painful procedure but knows to limit its duration to protect the patient's overall health and ensure recovery. God’s "shortening" is like this precise intervention, tailored for the elect's survival.