New International Version“If those days had not been cut short, no one would survive, but for the sake of the elect those days will be shortened.
New Living TranslationIn fact, unless that time of calamity is shortened, not a single person will survive. But it will be shortened for the sake of God’s chosen ones.
English Standard VersionAnd if those days had not been cut short, no human being would be saved. But for the sake of the elect those days will be cut short.
Berean Standard BibleIf those days had not been cut short, nobody would be saved. But for the sake of the elect, those days will be cut short.
Berean Literal BibleAnd unless those days had been shortened, no flesh would have been saved; but because of the elect, those days will be shortened.
King James BibleAnd except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened.
New King James VersionAnd unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect’s sake those days will be shortened.
New American Standard BibleAnd if those days had not been cut short, no life would have been saved; but for the sake of the elect those days will be cut short.
NASB 1995“Unless those days had been cut short, no life would have been saved; but for the sake of the elect those days will be cut short.
NASB 1977 “And unless those days had been cut short, no life would have been saved; but for the sake of the elect those days shall be cut short.
Legacy Standard Bible And unless those days had been cut short, no life would have been saved; but for the sake of the elect those days will be cut short.
Amplified BibleAnd if those days [of tribulation] had not been cut short, no human life would be saved; but for the sake of the elect (God’s chosen ones) those days will be shortened.
Christian Standard BibleUnless those days were cut short, no one would be saved. But those days will be cut short because of the elect.
Holman Christian Standard BibleUnless those days were limited, no one would survive. But those days will be limited because of the elect.
American Standard VersionAnd except those days had been shortened, no flesh would have been saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened.
Contemporary English VersionIf God doesn't make the time shorter, no one will be left alive. But because of God's chosen ones, he will make the time shorter.
English Revised VersionAnd except those days had been shortened, no flesh would have been saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationIf God does not reduce the number of those days, no one will be saved. But those days will be reduced because of those whom God has chosen.
Good News TranslationBut God has already reduced the number of days; had he not done so, nobody would survive. For the sake of his chosen people, however, God will reduce the days.
International Standard VersionIf those days hadn't been limited, no one would survive. But for the sake of the elect, those days will be limited.
NET BibleAnd if those days had not been cut short, no one would be saved. But for the sake of the elect those days will be cut short.
New Heart English BibleUnless those days had been shortened, no flesh would have been saved. But for the sake of the chosen ones, those days will be shortened.
Webster's Bible TranslationAnd except those days should be shortened, there would no flesh be saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened.
Weymouth New TestamentAnd if those days had not been cut short, no one would escape; but for the sake of God's own People those days will be cut short. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleIf those days had not been cut short, nobody would be saved. But for the sake of the elect, those days will be cut short.
World English BibleUnless those days had been shortened, no flesh would have been saved. But for the sake of the chosen ones, those days will be shortened. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd if those days were not shortened, no flesh would have been saved; but because of the chosen will those days be shortened.
Berean Literal BibleAnd unless those days had been shortened, no flesh would have been saved; but because of the elect, those days will be shortened.
Young's Literal Translation And if those days were not shortened, no flesh would have been saved; but because of the chosen, shall those days be shortened.
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd except those days had been shortened, no flesh should be saved: but for the chosen, those days shall be shortened. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd unless those days had been shortened, no flesh should be saved: but for the sake of the elect those days shall be shortened.
Catholic Public Domain VersionAnd unless those days had been shortened, no flesh would be saved. But for the sake of the elect, those days shall be shortened.
New American BibleAnd if those days had not been shortened, no one would be saved; but for the sake of the elect they will be shortened.
New Revised Standard VersionAnd if those days had not been cut short, no one would be saved; but for the sake of the elect those days will be cut short. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd if those days were not shortened, no flesh would live; but for the sake of the chosen ones those days will be shortened.
Aramaic Bible in Plain EnglishIf those days are not cut short no one would live, but because of the chosen ones, those days will be cut short. NT Translations Anderson New TestamentAnd unless those days should be made few, no flesh could be saved. But on account of the elect those days shall be made few. Audio Bible
Context The Abomination of Desolation… 21For at that time there will be great tribulation, unmatched from the beginning of the world until now, and never to be seen again. 22 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. 23At that time, if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘There He is!’ do not believe it.…
Cross References Mark 13:20If the Lord had not cut short those days, nobody would be saved. But for the sake of the elect, whom He has chosen, He has cut them short.
Luke 18:7-8Will not God bring about justice for His elect who cry out to Him day and night? Will He delay in helping them? / I tell you, He will promptly carry out justice on their behalf. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on earth?”
Revelation 7:14“Sir,” I answered, “you know.” So he replied, “These are the ones who have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.
Daniel 12:1“At that time Michael, the great prince who stands watch over your people, will rise up. There will be a time of distress, the likes of which will not have occurred from the beginning of nations until that time. But at that time your people—everyone whose name is found written in the book—will be delivered.
Isaiah 65:8-9This is what the LORD says: “As the new wine is found in a cluster of grapes, and men say, ‘Do not destroy it, for it contains a blessing,’ so I will act on behalf of My servants; I will not destroy them all. / And I will bring forth descendants from Jacob, and heirs from Judah; My elect will possess My mountains, and My servants will dwell there.
Romans 9:27-29Isaiah cries out concerning Israel: “Though the number of the Israelites is like the sand of the sea, only the remnant will be saved. / For the Lord will carry out His sentence on the earth thoroughly and decisively.” / It is just as Isaiah foretold: “Unless the Lord of Hosts had left us descendants, we would have become like Sodom, we would have resembled Gomorrah.”
Isaiah 10:22-23Though your people, O Israel, be like the sand of the sea, only a remnant will return. Destruction has been decreed, overflowing with righteousness. / For the Lord GOD of Hosts will carry out the destruction decreed upon the whole land.
Revelation 12:12Therefore rejoice, O heavens, and you who dwell in them! But woe to the earth and the sea; with great fury the devil has come down to you, knowing he has only a short time.”
2 Peter 3:9The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise as some understand slowness, but is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish but everyone to come to repentance.
Isaiah 13:12I will make man scarcer than pure gold, and mankind rarer than the gold of Ophir.
Jeremiah 30:7How awful that day will be! None will be like it! It is the time of Jacob’s distress, but he will be saved out of it.
Zechariah 14:2-3For I will gather all the nations for battle against Jerusalem, and the city will be captured, the houses looted, and the women ravished. Half of the city will go into exile, but the rest of the people will not be removed from the city. / Then the LORD will go out to fight against those nations, as He fights in the day of battle.
Joel 2:32And everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved; for on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there will be deliverance, as the LORD has promised, among the remnant called by the LORD.
Amos 9:8-9Surely the eyes of the Lord GOD are on the sinful kingdom, and I will destroy it from the face of the earth. Yet I will not utterly destroy the house of Jacob,” declares the LORD. / “For surely I will give the command, and I will shake the house of Israel among all the nations as grain is sifted in a sieve; but not a pebble will reach the ground.
Isaiah 45:22Turn to Me and be saved, all the ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is no other.
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. for. Isaiah 6:13
But yet in it shall be a tenth, and it shall return, and shall be eaten: as a teil tree, and as an oak, whose substance is in them, when they cast their leaves: so the holy seed shall be the substance thereof. Isaiah 65:8,9
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… Zechariah 13:8
And it shall come to pass, that in all the land, saith the LORD, two parts therein shall be cut off and die; but the third shall be left therein. Jump to Previous Account Chosen Cut Elect Elect's Escape Except Flesh God's Human Life Ones Saints Sake Salvation Saved Short Shortened Survive UnlessJump to Next Account Chosen Cut Elect Elect's Escape Except Flesh God's Human Life Ones Saints Sake Salvation Saved Short Shortened Survive UnlessMatthew 24 1. Jesus foretells the destruction of the temple;3. what and how great calamities shall be before it;29. the signs of his coming to judgment.36. And because that day and hour are unknown,42. we ought to watch like good servants, expecting our Master's coming.If those days had not been cut shortThis phrase refers to a period of intense tribulation and suffering. In the context of Matthew 24, Jesus is speaking about the end times and the great distress that will occur. The "days" mentioned are often interpreted as a time of unprecedented hardship, possibly linked to the Great Tribulation described in Revelation. The idea of days being "cut short" suggests divine intervention to prevent total destruction. This reflects God's sovereignty and mercy, ensuring that the period of suffering is limited for the sake of humanity. nobody would be saved
The severity of the tribulation is emphasized here, indicating that without divine intervention, no one would survive. This underscores the catastrophic nature of the events being described. The term "saved" can be understood both physically, in terms of survival, and spiritually, in terms of eternal salvation. This aligns with the biblical theme of God's deliverance and protection of His people, as seen in other scriptures like Isaiah 45:22 and Joel 2:32. But for the sake of the elect
The "elect" refers to those chosen by God, often understood as believers or the faithful. This concept is rooted in the Old Testament, where Israel is described as God's chosen people (Deuteronomy 7:6). In the New Testament, the term expands to include all who follow Christ, as seen in passages like Romans 8:33 and Colossians 3:12. The protection and preservation of the elect highlight God's faithfulness to His promises and His care for His people. those days will be cut short
This reiterates the assurance of divine intervention. The repetition emphasizes God's control over history and His commitment to His people. The cutting short of the days serves as a reminder of God's mercy and the fulfillment of His prophetic word. It also points to the hope and deliverance that believers can expect, even in the midst of trials, as seen in passages like Daniel 12:1 and Revelation 7:14. Persons / Places / Events 1. Jesus ChristThe speaker of this prophecy, providing insight into the end times and the tribulation period. 2. The ElectRefers to God's chosen people, those who are saved and follow Christ. 3. The TribulationA future period of great suffering and distress, as described by Jesus in the Olivet Discourse. 4. JerusalemThe city where Jesus delivered this discourse, significant in eschatological events. 5. The End TimesThe period leading up to the return of Christ, characterized by trials and divine intervention. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty and MercyGod's control over history is evident as He shortens the days of tribulation for the sake of the elect, demonstrating His mercy and care for His people. The Importance of Being Part of the ElectBelievers are encouraged to examine their faith and ensure they are living in accordance with God's will, as the elect are those who are saved. Endurance in Times of TrialChristians are called to remain steadfast and faithful during difficult times, trusting in God's promise to protect and deliver His people. Hope in God's DeliveranceThe assurance that God will intervene for the sake of the elect provides hope and encouragement to believers facing trials. Urgency of the GospelThe reality of the end times should motivate believers to share the Gospel, as God's desire is for all to be saved. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Matthew 24:22?
2. How does Matthew 24:22 emphasize God's mercy in shortening the days?
3. What role do "the elect" play in the context of Matthew 24:22?
4. How can we prepare for end times as described in Matthew 24:22?
5. Which Old Testament prophecies align with the message in Matthew 24:22?
6. How does Matthew 24:22 encourage perseverance during trials and tribulations?
7. What does Matthew 24:22 mean by "those days will be shortened"?
8. How does Matthew 24:22 relate to the concept of divine intervention?
9. Why would God choose to shorten the days for the sake of the elect?
10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Matthew 24?
11. Who can condemn if God justifies us?
12. Is salvation available to all or only the elect? (John 3:16 vs. Matthew 22:14)
13. When did the disciples return to Galilee? They saw Jesus there after at least 40 days, as they were instructed to stay in Jerusalem until receiving power (Matthew 28:17, Luke 24:49, Acts 1:3-4).
14. Jesus predicted He would return soon (Matthew 24:34), but 2,000 years have passed--was He wrong?What Does Matthew 24:22 Mean If those days had not been cut shortJesus is speaking of the unprecedented tribulation He has just described (Matthew 24:21). • These “days” point to a literal, time-limited period of catastrophic judgment comparable to “a time of distress such as has never occurred” in Daniel 12:1 and echoed in Revelation 6:17. • By stating that the days could have continued longer, the Lord underscores how severe God’s wrath will be when evil reaches its climax. • Mark 13:20 confirms the same promise, showing consistency across the Synoptic accounts.
nobody would be saved• “Saved” here refers to physical preservation, not merely spiritual salvation. The destruction would be so total that, humanly speaking, survival would be impossible (cf. Amos 5:18-20). • Revelation 9:6 depicts people seeking death because the judgments are unbearable, highlighting the extremity Jesus foresees. • The statement also hints at the spiritual peril: unchecked deception and persecution (Matthew 24:24) could overwhelm even the strongest believers if the period were not limited.
But for the sake of the elect• “The elect” are those whom God has chosen in Christ, encompassing believing Israel and Gentile believers living during the tribulation (Isaiah 65:9; Romans 11:5-7). • God’s covenant faithfulness ensures He always preserves a remnant (Isaiah 10:22; 1 Peter 2:9). • This phrase reveals the Lord’s tender concern: even amid righteous judgment, His eye is on His people, just as He spared Noah in the Flood (Genesis 7:1) and Lot from Sodom (2 Peter 2:7).
those days will be cut short• God Himself intervenes to limit the duration, demonstrating His sovereign control over history (Job 38:11; Acts 17:26). • The shortening may involve a precise number of prophetic days, as suggested by the 1,260 days/42 months in Revelation 11–13. • This divine limitation guarantees the survival of the elect and the fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan, preparing the way for Christ’s visible return (Matthew 24:29-30).
summaryMatthew 24:22 assures believers that while the coming tribulation will be unimaginably fierce, God will not allow it to run unchecked. If He did, no human life would remain. Yet, motivated by covenant love for His elect, He will shorten the ordeal, preserving a remnant and showcasing His absolute sovereignty over judgment and salvation. (22) Should no flesh be saved.--The words are of course limited by the context to the scene of the events to which the prophecy refers. The warfare with foes outside the city, and the faction-fights and massacres within, would have caused an utter depopulation of the whole country. For the elect's sake.--Those who, as believers in Jesus, were the "remnant" of the visible Israel, and therefore the true Israel of God. It was for the sake of the Christians of Judaea, not for that of the rebellious Jews, that the war was not protracted, and that Titus, under the outward influences of Josephus and Bernice, tempered his conquests with compassion (Ant. xii. 3, ? 2; Wars, vi. 9, ? 2). The new prominence which the idea of an election gains in our Lord's later teaching is every way remarkable. (Comp. Matthew 18:7; Matthew 20:6). The "call" had been wide; in those who received and obeyed it He taught men to recognise the "elect" whom God had chosen. Subtle questions as to whether the choice rested on foreknowledge or was absolutely arbitrary lay, if we may reverently so speak, outside the scope of His teaching. Verse 22. - Except these days should be shortened ( ἐκολοβώθησαν, had been shortened). In the midst of wrath God thinks on mercy. He providentially ordained that the days of vengeance should not be indefinitely prolonged; the siege was practically of short duration, the country was not wholly overrun and desolated (comp. 2 Kings 13:23). The natural causes that combined to produce this shortening of the siege have been recounted by commentators. These were - the divided counsels of the Jews themselves, the voluntary surrender of parts of the fortifications, the fierce factions in the city, the destruction of magazines of provisions by calamitous fire, the suddenness of the arrival of Titus, and the fact that the walls had never been strengthened, as Herod Agrippa had intended. There should no flesh be saved; i.e. the whole Jewish nation would have been annihilated. For the elect's sake. At the intercession of the escaped Christians, who offered up unceasing prayer for their brethren and countrymen, God lessened the duration of the calamities. "The supplication of a righteous man availeth much in its working" ( James 5:16). Ten righteous would have saved Sodom; Lot's intercession did preserve Zoar (comp. Isaiah 6:13; Jeremiah 5:1; Acts 27:24). Some, not so suitably, explain "the elect" to be those Jews who should hereafter turn to the Lord; or the elect seed, "beloved for the fathers' sake" ( Romans 11:28). We may well believe that the local tribulations, such as are intimated by Daniel and Christ, and their limitation in time, are a picture of what shall happen in the last days, the intermediate fulfilment being the prelude of the final accomplishment.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek Ifεἰ (ei)Conjunction
Strong's 1487: If. A primary particle of conditionality; if, whether, that, etc.thoseἐκεῖναι (ekeinai)Demonstrative Pronoun - Nominative Feminine Plural
Strong's 1565: That, that one there, yonder. From ekei; that one (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed.daysἡμέραι (hēmerai)Noun - Nominative Feminine Plural
Strong's 2250: A day, the period from sunrise to sunset. had not been cut short,ἐκολοβώθησαν (ekolobōthēsan)Verb - Aorist Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 2856: (lit: I maim, mutilate), I cut short, shorten, abbreviate. From a derivative of the base of kolazo; to dock, i.e. abridge.nobodyπᾶσα (pasa)Adjective - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3956: All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.would be saved.ἐσώθη (esōthē)Verb - Aorist Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 4982: To save, heal, preserve, rescue. From a primary sos; to save, i.e. Deliver or protect.Butδὲ (de)Conjunction
Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc.for the sake ofδιὰ (dia)Preposition
Strong's 1223: A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through.theτοὺς (tous)Article - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.elect,ἐκλεκτοὺς (eklektous)Adjective - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 1588: From eklegomai; select; by implication, favorite.thoseἐκεῖναι (ekeinai)Demonstrative Pronoun - Nominative Feminine Plural
Strong's 1565: That, that one there, yonder. From ekei; that one (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed.daysἡμέραι (hēmerai)Noun - Nominative Feminine Plural
Strong's 2250: A day, the period from sunrise to sunset. will be shortened.κολοβωθήσονται (kolobōthēsontai)Verb - Future Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 2856: (lit: I maim, mutilate), I cut short, shorten, abbreviate. From a derivative of the base of kolazo; to dock, i.e. abridge.
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NT Gospels: Matthew 24:22 Unless those days had been shortened no (Matt. Mat Mt) |
