What does Mark 13:20 mean?

Explanation

The verse Mark 13:20, from the King James Version of the Bible, speaks of a time of great tribulation. Here, the phrase "no flesh should be saved" implies a potential for utter destruction of human life.

The term "flesh" typically denotes human frailty and mortality. Jesus explains that if God did not intervene by shortening these days of hardship, the survival of humanity would be at stake.

However, for the sake of the "elect", who are God's chosen people, the Lord has decided to reduce the duration of this challenging period. The electoral status implies a divine selection based on God's grace rather than human merit.

This verse underlines God's sovereignty and His merciful, protective nature towards His chosen ones in the face of apocalyptic events.

Historical Context

Mark 13, also known as the Olivet Discourse, is thought to have been penned around 65-70 AD, a time of increasing turmoil for the early Christian community.

This chapter deals with signs of the end times and Jesus' return.

The immediate historical context may have been the events leading up to the siege of Jerusalem and its destruction by the Roman Empire in 70 AD, which would have been a time of great tribulation for the Jewish people and early Christians.

Theological Insights

Christian eschatology is rich with varying interpretations of such passages.

Preterists might argue that this scripture was entirely fulfilled with the destruction of Jerusalem.

Futurists might see it as a prophecy for a yet-to-come Great Tribulation before the second coming of Christ.

There is also an amillennial perspective that interprets this verse as symbolically referring to the ongoing struggle between good and evil throughout the church age, rather than a literal shortening of time in the future.

Practical Applications

This verse can be comforting to believers, reminding them that God is in control and will not let a period of suffering last longer than is necessary.

It also suggests that there is a purpose in trials and that God is attentive to His people's needs.

In practical terms, it encourages believers to endure knowing that their time of hardship is known and limited by God.

Cross-References

• 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."
• Revelation 7:14 - "These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb."
• 2 Peter 3:9 - "The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance."

Language Study

The Greek word for "shortened" (κολοβόω) could mean to cut short or abridge, supporting the idea that the time of tribulation is to be made briefer than it otherwise would have been.

"Elect" (ἐκλεκτός) refers to those chosen or selected, suggesting a group of people set apart by God for a specific purpose or relationship.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Comparisons can be made with the Jewish concept of the "Messianic Age," where a period of tribulation is followed by a time of peace and divine rule.

Additionally, other religious traditions have notions of a chosen group or person, such as the Bodhisattva in Buddhism, destined to help others in times of great need.

Scientific Perspectives

Modern science may engage this verse when discussing the potential for global catastrophic risks, such as climate change or nuclear war, which could threaten "no flesh being saved." Here, the divine shortening of days may be metaphorically likened to human efforts to mitigate or prevent such disasters.

Commentaries

Commentaries provide a range of interpretations.

Some suggest that this verse demonstrates God's ultimate sovereignty and mercy.

Others focus on the encouraging message for believers that God actively limits their suffering.

There is also discourse among scholars on whether "those days" refers to a specific historical event or a future apocalyptic scenario.

Overall, while recognizing the importance of the historical and immediate context in which the verse was written, commentators often emphasize its enduring spiritual significance.