And 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.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The phrase "no human being would be saved" isn't a hyperbole; it points to a reality so catastrophic that survival itself would become impossible for anyone. This extreme danger is precisely why God intervened to "shorten" those days, not for the general population, but specifically "for the sake of the elect," meaning His chosen people.
And 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.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus is describing a future, devastating tribulation, likening it to a time of unprecedented suffering and destruction. He emphasizes that if this period weren't cut short, no one would survive, but God would intervene to spare a remnant for the sake of His chosen people.
Imagine a disaster so catastrophic that survival seems impossible, not just for a few, but for anyone. This verse paints a picture of such a dire situation.
Jesus describes a time of unparalleled tribulation, using the destruction of Jerusalem as a case study. He states plainly that if this period weren't cut short, no one would survive. This highlights the sheer intensity and totality of the coming judgment.
Why would God intervene to save anyone when judgment is so severe? This verse points to a specific group as the reason for divine mercy.
The crucial phrase is 'but for the sake of the elect those days will be cut short.' This reveals that God's actions, even in judgment, are deeply connected to His chosen people.
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Understand the original words
eklektos · Greek Adjective/Noun
Those whom God has chosen by His sovereign grace for salvation, eternal life, and participation in the kingdom of God, based solely on His purpose and not human merit.
This verse highlights how even the most catastrophic events are viewed through God's sovereign plan, with divine intervention preserving a remnant of His chosen people amidst overwhelming destruction.
c. 4 BC
Death of Herod the Great
Herod's death led to a period of instability and division among his sons, contributing to unrest in Judea.
c. AD 30-33
Crucifixion of Jesus
Jesus's ministry and crucifixion occurred amidst growing tensions between Jewish leadership and Roman rule, setting the stage for future conflict.
c. AD 62
Agrippa II strengthens Jerusalem's walls
King Herod Agrippa II began strengthening Jerusalem's walls, a project that was later halted by Roman authorities, potentially altering siege strategies.
AD 66
First Jewish Revolt Begins
The Great Revolt against Roman rule erupted in Judea, leading to widespread conflict and the eventual Roman siege of Jerusalem.
AD 70— this verse
Siege and Destruction of Jerusalem
The Roman army under Titus besieged Jerusalem, enduring intense internal strife and resistance from Jewish factions. The city was eventually captured and destroyed, fulfilling Jesus' prophecy. The defenders' desperate measures, like burning provisions, and the Romans' rapid assault shortened the siege.
This passage speaks of a remnant being saved from utter destruction, mirroring the concept in Matthew 24:22 that only 'for the sake of the elect' would salvation be possible amid overwhelming judgment.
Jeremiah 30:7This verse describes a time of 'Jacob's trouble' that is unparalleled, echoing the extreme tribulation Jesus mentions in Matthew 24:21-22, implying that such an event would be unsurvivable without divine intervention.
Romans 9:27-29Paul quotes Isaiah to show that a remnant of Israel would be saved, even in judgment. This connects to Matthew 24:22 by highlighting God's sovereign choice to preserve a portion of His people, even when a nation faces destruction.
Luke 21:20-22This parallel passage from Luke describes Jerusalem being surrounded by armies and the fulfillment of days of vengeance, directly supporting the context of extreme tribulation leading to destruction that Matthew 24:22 addresses.
1 Peter 1:5-7Peter speaks of believers being protected by God's power through faith, even amidst fiery trials. This relates to Matthew 24:22 by emphasizing that God's preservation of His 'elect' (chosen ones) is a key theme in enduring severe judgment.
vincentMatthew 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."
Should be shortened (ἐκολοβώθησαν)Rev., had been shortened. A very picturesque word. The verb is, literally, to dock, to cut off, leaving a stump, as a limb. Wyc., abridged. As a fact, various causes did combine to shorten the siege. Herod Agrippa was stopped in his work of strengthening the walls by orders from the emperor; the Jews, absorbed in…
barnesMatthew 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."
Except those days should be shortened - If the calamities of the siege should be lengthened out. If famine and war should be suffered to rage. No flesh be saved - None of the nation would be preserved alive. All the inhabitants of Judea would perish. The war, famine, and pestilence would entirely destroy them. But for the elect's sake - The "elect"…
The phrase "no human being would be saved" isn't a hyperbole; it points to a reality so catastrophic that survival itself would become impossible for anyone. This extreme danger is precisely why God intervened to "shorten" those days, not for the general population, but specifically "for the sake of the elect," meaning His chosen people.
Jesus is describing a future, devastating tribulation, likening it to a time of unprecedented suffering and destruction. He emphasizes that if this period weren't cut short, no one would survive, but God would intervene to spare a remnant for the sake of His chosen people.
Jesus is describing a future, devastating tribulation, likening it to a time of unprecedented suffering and destruction. He emphasizes that if this period weren't cut short, no one would survive, but God would intervene to spare a remnant for the sake of His chosen people.
"And 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." — The phrase "no human being would be saved" isn't a hyperbole; it points to a reality so catastrophic that survival itself would become impossible for anyone. This extreme danger is precisely why God…
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Last reviewed October 2026