Matthew 24 13

Matthew 24:13 kjv

But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.

Matthew 24:13 nkjv

But he who endures to the end shall be saved.

Matthew 24:13 niv

but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.

Matthew 24:13 esv

But the one who endures to the end will be saved.

Matthew 24:13 nlt

But the one who endures to the end will be saved.

Matthew 24 verses

Matthew 24 13 Meaning

Matthew 24:13 conveys a profound truth about perseverance in the face of escalating tribulation and deception that characterize the end times, or any significant period of hardship for believers. It states that salvation, here understood as ultimate deliverance and entry into God's eternal Kingdom, is reserved for those who actively endure faithful to Christ "to the end." This "end" can refer to one's life, the climax of a period of tribulation, or the ultimate eschatological culmination when Christ returns. The verse highlights that genuine faith is characterized by steadfast endurance amidst trials, in contrast to those whose love grows cold or who fall away.

Matthew 24 13 Context

Matthew 24:13 is an integral part of Jesus' Olivet Discourse (Matthew 24-25), delivered to His disciples on the Mount of Olives. The disciples had inquired about the destruction of the Temple and the signs of His coming and the end of the age (24:3). Jesus responds by outlining a series of escalating events, beginning with general deceptions, wars, and natural disasters (vv. 4-8), followed by specific tribulations for believers: persecution, hatred, apostasy, the rise of false prophets, and the cooling of love (vv. 9-12). In this dire context, verse 13 emerges as a crucial exhortation, a promise of hope and deliverance amidst widespread difficulty and defection. It serves as a stark contrast to the previous verses, highlighting that not everyone will fall away, and there is a pathway to ultimate salvation for the steadfast.

Matthew 24 13 Word analysis

• But (Ὁ δὲ - Ho de): This Greek particle indicates a contrast or transition. Here, it contrasts the negative experiences of the many who fall away (v. 10) and whose love grows cold (v. 12) with the specific, positive outcome for the few who persevere. It marks a shift from warning to assurance.

• he who endures (ὁ ὑπομείνας - ho hypomeinas):

  • Hypomenō (ὑπομένω) is derived from hypo (under) and menō (to remain, abide). It signifies more than passive waiting; it means to stand firm, to persevere steadfastly, to courageously bear up under duress without yielding or swerving. It describes an active and determined constancy despite immense pressure, persecution, or temptation. It denotes patience, steadfastness, and constancy in affliction.

• to the end (εἰς τέλος - eis telos):

  • Eis (εἰς) means "into" or "unto."
  • Telos (τέλος) means end, completion, goal, or ultimate point. In the context of Matthew 24, "the end" carries multiple layers of meaning:
    1. The end of an individual's life (dying faithfully).
    2. The completion of a specific period of intense tribulation.
    3. Primarily, it refers to the eschatological culmination: the very end of the age preceding Christ's Second Coming, which leads into the eternal state. This ultimate end is further contextualized by verse 14, where the Gospel must be preached to all nations "then the end will come."

• shall be saved (οὗτος σωθήσεται - houtos sōthēsetai):

  • Houtos (οὗτος) means "this one" and specifically refers back to "he who endures."
  • Sōthēsetai (σωθήσεται) is the future passive indicative of sōzō (σῴζω), meaning "to save, preserve, deliver, make whole." In this context, "shall be saved" signifies ultimate, complete deliverance. It includes spiritual salvation and eternal life in the Kingdom, but also implies divine preservation through the tribulations of the end times, protecting the believer from the final judgment and securing their place in God's eternal presence. It's a holistic salvation—spiritual, temporal, and eschatological.

• words-group by words-group analysis:

  • But he who endures: This phrase emphasizes an individual's active commitment and persistence, setting apart genuine believers who will persevere despite widespread apostasy and challenges. It points to a definitive quality of true faith: its enduring nature.
  • to the end shall be saved: This defines the scope of required perseverance (until the ultimate conclusion) and clarifies the ultimate outcome (divine rescue and eternal deliverance). It connects a sustained life of faithfulness with ultimate security and destiny in Christ.

Matthew 24 13 Bonus section

This verse directly addresses the problem of apostasy described in Matthew 24:10-12, offering hope and a criterion for true discipleship. While many will stumble, betray, hate, and abandon their first love, there is a distinct remnant characterized by unwavering endurance. The teaching reinforces the biblical concept that salvation has a final, consummated aspect, which is directly linked to steadfast faith over time. It underscores the active role of the believer in faithfully walking out their salvation, not just intellectually assenting to belief. The consistency with Jesus' teaching elsewhere, particularly in Matthew 10:22, emphasizes this as a consistent theme in His eschatological and discipleship teachings. The emphasis on "the end" implies that the believer's walk with Christ is a race that requires sustained effort, rather than a single sprint.

Matthew 24 13 Commentary

Matthew 24:13 stands as a vital truth amidst Jesus' forewarnings of unprecedented hardship and apostasy. It's not a call to earn salvation through human effort, but rather an affirmation that genuine faith will manifest in active perseverance. The "endurance" (hypomone) described is an inner fortitude, sustained by God's grace, that keeps a believer steadfast even when love grows cold and persecution mounts. This endurance serves as a mark of true discipleship and offers a path of hope when many falter. The salvation promised is multifaceted, encompassing both spiritual rescue from judgment and ultimate entrance into Christ's eternal Kingdom, preserved through whatever tribulations precede that final "end." The verse implicitly challenges passive belief, demanding instead an active, living faith that demonstrates its authenticity through a continuous commitment to Christ, even unto death or the Lord's return.

Examples:

• A Christian living in a country facing intense persecution maintains their witness and worship despite severe threats.
• Someone suffering prolonged personal illness or loss holds onto their faith, trusting God's ultimate plan, without bitterness.
• Believers navigating widespread societal spiritual apathy continue to live out biblical principles and share their faith without compromise.