Matthew 24:13

Matthew 24:13, in plain English

But here's the promise that holds everything together: the person who endures to the end will be saved. Don't give up. Keep going. It's worth it.

Why it's here

After all the heavy warnings, this verse is a lifeline. No matter how dark things get, holding on to your faith will carry you through.

Who's speaking

Jesus shifts from warning to encouragement, offering a powerful promise to hold onto.

Where it sits in the story

When everything seems overwhelming, this is the verse to hold onto. You don't have to be perfect. You just have to keep going. And Jesus promises it will be enough.

The scholarly reading

Jesus provides the antidote: 'the one who perseveres (hypomeinas) to the end (telos) will be saved (sōthēsetai).' The verb hypomenō means to remain under, to endure patiently. Salvation is connected to faithful endurance, not sinless perfection.

Language and setting

This verse has generated theological debate about the relationship between faith and perseverance. In context, it promises ultimate deliverance to those who maintain faith through the trials just described.

Voice

Jesus offers a promise of hope after a series of dire warnings, encouraging steadfast endurance.

Significance

After painting the darkest picture, Jesus lights a candle: hold on. Endure. Persevere. The one who stays faithful through it all will be saved.

11and many false prophets will arise and deceive many.

12Because of the multiplication of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold.

13But the one who perseveres to the end will be saved.

14And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.

15So when you see standing in the holy place ‘the abomination of desolation,’ spoken of by the prophet Daniel (let the reader understand),

Read all of Matthew 24 — The disciples ask when the end will come. Jesus answers with wars, earthquakes, and a warning: stay awake, because no one knows the hour.