Bible Dictionary
SHORTEN
To shorten means to make less in time, distance, extent, power, or duration. In prophecy and Jesus’ teaching it can refer especially to limiting the period of affliction for the sake of God’s people.
Definition
To shorten is to make less in time, space, extent, power, or duration. Biblical usage includes the abbreviation of time or distance and the limitation of power or suffering.
Biblical Usage
The term can describe God’s limitation of affliction for the sake of His people, as in Jesus’ teaching concerning the days of tribulation.
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>shor'-t'-n: The Hebrew word qatsar and the Greek koloboo literally indicate abbreviation of time or space (Ps 89:45; Pr 10:27; Eze 42:5); figuratively they point to limitation of power or of suffering (Nu 11:23; Isa 50:2; 59:1; Mt 24:22; Mr 13:20).</p>