Devine Scripture

Mark 13:20

What does Mark 13:20 mean?

A plain-English look at Mark 13:20 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Mark 13:20 means

Jesus explained that the duration of this unprecedented tribulation would be divinely limited. He declared that "except the Lord had shortened the days, no flesh would have been saved." This means that the intensity and destructive power of this period would be so immense that if it were allowed to run its full natural course, all human life would be extinguished. However, "for the elect’s sake, whom he chose, he shortened the days." This reveals God's sovereign mercy and protection for His chosen people, ensuring their ultimate survival during this period.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And except the Lord had shortened the days, no flesh would have been saved; but for the elect’s sake, whom he chose, he shortened the days.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And except the Lord had shortened the days, no flesh would have been saved; but for the elect’s sake, whom he chose, he shortened the days.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And if the Lord had not made the time short, no flesh would have been kept from destruction; but because of the saints he has made the time short.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and if the Lord did not shorten the days, no flesh had been saved; but because of the chosen, whom He did choose to Himself, He did shorten the days.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And unless the Lord had shortened the days, no flesh should be saved: but, for the sake of the elect which he hath chosen, he hath shortened the days.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

and if [the] Lord had not cut short those days, no flesh should have been saved; but on account of the elect whom he has chosen, he has cut short those days.

Context

Following the extreme description of the tribulation in verse 19, this verse offers a crucial reassurance regarding its duration. It explains that God, in His sovereign mercy, will shorten the days for the sake of His elect. This provides a balance to the preceding intensity, preparing the reader for further warnings about deception that will arise precisely during this shortened, intense period, as discussed in the following verses.

v.19For those days shall be tribulation, such as there hath not been the like from the beginning of the creation which God created until now, and never shall be.

v.20This passage

v.21And then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is the Christ; or, Lo, there; believe it not:

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Romans 11:23

    And they also, if they continue not in their unbelief, shall be grafted in: for God is able to graft them in again.

  • Isaiah 6:13

    And if there be yet a tenth in it, it also shall in turn be eaten up: as a terebinth, and as an oak, whose stock remaineth, when they are felled; so the holy seed is the stock thereof.

  • Zechariah 13:8

    And it shall come to pass, that in all the land, saith Jehovah, two parts therein shall be cut off and die; but the third shall be left therein.

  • Romans 11:5

    Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace.

  • Isaiah 1:9

    Except Jehovah of hosts had left unto us a very small remnant, we should have been as Sodom, we should have been like unto Gomorrah.

  • Romans 11:28

    As touching the gospel, they are enemies for your sake: but as touching the election, they are beloved for the fathers’ sake.

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