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 13:20KJV
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Mark 13:20 (KJV)

What does Mark 13:20 mean?

Mark 13:20 says that God will shorten a period of great trouble so that people can survive, and He does this especially for the sake of those He has chosen. Without God’s intervention, no one would make it through, but He acts out of care for His chosen people.

In this verse, Jesus is speaking to His disciples about future hardships, often called a time of tribulation. He explains that the coming difficulties will be so severe that, if God did not limit their duration, everyone would be destroyed. The focus is on God’s mercy and His special concern for “the elect,” a term for those He has chosen.

The Greek behind Mark 13:20

  • κύριος (kyrios, “Lord”): This word refers to God as the one with authority to shorten the days, highlighting His control over events.
  • ἐκλεκτός (eklektos, “elect”): This word means “chosen ones,” pointing to a specific group that God has selected, showing a personal relationship and purpose.
  • σάρξ (sarx, “flesh”): This word is often understood as “all people” or “humanity,” emphasizing that the danger would affect everyone, not just a few.
  • ἐκολοβώθησαν (ekolobōthēsan, “shortened”): The Greek carries the sense of “cutting short” or “reducing,” stressing that God actively intervenes to limit the time of suffering.

Why Mark 13:20 matters

  • Mark 13:20 clarifies that survival during the coming trouble is not due to human strength or luck, but directly because of God’s decision to limit the suffering.
  • The verse emphasizes God’s care for His “elect,” showing that even in judgment or hardship, God’s attention is on those He has chosen.
  • This verse connects to the larger passage where Jesus warns about coming trials, reminding readers that God remains in control even in the most difficult times.

Where else these words appear

“shortened” Greek G2856 · used in 2 verses

  • 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.

“chosen” Greek G1586 · used in 19 verses

  • Luke 6:13 And when it was day, he called unto him his disciples: and of them he chose twelve, whom also he named apostles;
  • John 15:19 If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.
  • Acts 15:22 Then pleased it the apostles and elders, with the whole church, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; namely, Judas surnamed Barsabas, and Silas, chief men among the brethren:

“sake” Greek G1588 · used in 23 verses

  • Matthew 20:16 So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen.
  • Luke 18:7 And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them?
  • Titus 1:1 Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God's elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness;

“except” Greek G1508 · used in 87 verses

  • Matthew 5:13 Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.
  • Luke 4:26 But unto none of them was Elias sent, save unto Sarepta, a city of Sidon, unto a woman that was a widow.
  • Romans 14:14 I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that there is nothing unclean of itself: but to him that esteemeth any thing to be unclean, to him it is unclean.