κολοβόω

From the study of Matthew 24:22

Range of meaning

Basic sense: to dock, lop off or mutilate, as when a limb is cut off or an animal's tail or horns are docked (compare the adjective κολοβός, 'stunted, maimed, docked'). From this it came to mean 'curtail, cut short' something that would otherwise run longer.

Against the English

'Shortened' (KJV, WEB, YLT) and 'cut short' (BSB, NIV, ESV) are both accurate. 'Cut short' keeps more of the verb's sharp, physical picture of something being lopped off before it runs its full length.

Used elsewhere in the period

In the Greek Old Testament (2 Samuel 4:12, LXX 2 Kingdoms) David's men cut off the hands and feet of Ishbosheth's murderers with this verb. In the New Testament it appears only here and in the parallel, Mark 13:20. The idea that God 'cuts short the times' for his people's sake is found in Jewish and early Christian end-time writings. The Epistle of Barnabas 4:3 cites 'Enoch' saying the Master has 'cut short the times and the days' (using a related verb, συντέμνω). 2 Baruch 20:1–2 and 83:1 speak of God making the times hasten.

From the study of Mark 13:20

Range of meaning

Literally to dock, lop off or mutilate. It is used of cutting off hands and feet or clipping animals, and comes from κολοβός, "stunted, docked." From there it extends to "curtail, cut short" something, including a stretch of time.

Against the English

"Shorten" (KJV, WEB, YLT) and "cut short" (BSB and most modern versions) are both accurate. "Cut short" keeps more of the verb's abrupt, physical edge. "Shorten" can sound like gradual reduction, while the Greek pictures a decisive cut.

Used elsewhere in the period

In the Greek Old Testament (LXX), 2 Samuel 4:12 uses it of David's men cutting off the hands and feet of Ishbosheth's murderers. Classical and later Greek use it of mutilated limbs and clipped animals. In the New Testament it occurs only here and in the Matthew 24:22 parallel. A related idea, God shortening or hastening the times for the sake of the righteous, appears in Jewish apocalyptic writing: 2 Baruch 20:1 speaks of the times hastening, and the early Christian Epistle of Barnabas 4:3 says the Master has cut short the seasons and days so that his beloved might hasten. Barnabas uses a different Greek verb.