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.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 20
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
μὴ
G3361
μὴ
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
3 of 20
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
κολοβωθήσονται
shall be shortened
G2856
κολοβωθήσονται
shall be shortened
Strong's:
G2856
Word #:
4 of 20
to dock, i.e., (figuratively) abridge
αἱ
G3588
αἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἡμέραι
days
G2250
ἡμέραι
days
Strong's:
G2250
Word #:
6 of 20
day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of
ἐκεῖναι
those
G1565
ἐκεῖναι
those
Strong's:
G1565
Word #:
7 of 20
that one (or (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed
ἐσώθη
be saved
G4982
ἐσώθη
be saved
Strong's:
G4982
Word #:
10 of 20
to save, i.e., deliver or protect (literally or figuratively)
σάρξ·
flesh
G4561
σάρξ·
flesh
Strong's:
G4561
Word #:
12 of 20
flesh (as stripped of the skin), i.e., (strictly) the meat of an animal (as food), or (by extension) the body (as opposed to the soul (or spirit), or
διὰ
for
G1223
διὰ
for
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
13 of 20
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κολοβωθήσονται
shall be shortened
G2856
κολοβωθήσονται
shall be shortened
Strong's:
G2856
Word #:
17 of 20
to dock, i.e., (figuratively) abridge
αἱ
G3588
αἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
18 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Mark 13:20And 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.2 Timothy 2:10Therefore I endure all things for the elect's sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.Matthew 24:24For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.Matthew 24:31And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.Romans 9:11(For the children being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him that calleth;)Matthew 22:14For many are called, but few are chosen.Zechariah 14:2For I will gather all nations against Jerusalem to battle; and the city shall be taken, and the houses rifled, and the women ravished; and half of the city shall go forth into captivity, and the residue of the people shall not be cut off from the city.Luke 18:7And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them?Zechariah 13:8And 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.Isaiah 6:13But 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.
Historical Context
First-century Palestine was marked by religious fervor and political tension. The passage reflects interactions between Jesus and various groups: Pharisees, Sadducees, disciples, and crowds. Each audience received teaching tailored to their needs and spiritual condition.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this passage challenge your understanding of God's character?
- What practical application does this truth have in your daily walk?
- How should this verse shape your priorities and decisions?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Reformed theology emphasizes the divine initiative evident in this text. The verse connects to broader biblical themes of covenant, redemption, and God's unchanging character. Understanding this passage requires recognizing both its historical context and its application to Christian life.