The statement “this generation will not pass” is found in three of the four Gospels – Matthew 24:34, Mark 13:30, and Luke 21:32. In each case, Jesus speaks these words after giving an extended teaching about the end times and His second coming. But what exactly did He mean when He said “this generation”? There are several different interpretations:
1. Jesus was referring to the generation alive during His earthly ministry
According to this view, Jesus was saying that the generation alive when He was speaking would still be alive to witness the end times events He described. The destruction of the temple and the suffering He spoke of were fulfilled in 70 AD when the Romans destroyed Jerusalem. So in this interpretation, “this generation” refers specifically to the people listening to Jesus at that time.
2. Jesus meant the Jewish race or nation
Some interpreters take “this generation” as referring generally to the Jewish people or nation. Even through different individuals pass away, the Jewish nation continues. So the Jewish race will be preserved until all these end times events are fulfilled.
3. Jesus was referring to the generation alive during the end times
In this interpretation, Jesus’ use of “this generation” refers forward to the generation alive during the end times when the events He described would take place. Those living through the tribulations and wars would also see His return.
4. It’s a metaphor for a future “generation” that sees the signs
Some see “generation” being used in a metaphorical sense, referring to the future “generation” or people that see the beginning of end times birth pains and signs. Though individual lives will pass away, Jesus’ words will remain true for the generation of people that sees the signs of His coming.
5. Jesus meant the generation that sees the signs will also see His return
Closely related to the previous view, this interpretation takes the “generation” that witnesses the beginning end time signs as also living to witness Jesus’ second coming. Though a literal generation of 40 years won’t pass before Christ returns, the generation of people alive at the start of the final tribulations will also be alive for Jesus return.
Key Points About “This Generation”
Looking at these main interpretations, there are a few key things we can highlight:
- Jesus made clear that the events He described were to take place within a limited time frame.
- Whether referring to Jesus’ contemporaries or a future end times generation, a “generation” was not meant to pass before fulfillment.
- While we cannot be certain how long a “generation” means, the term expresses a limit, not an interminable amount of time.
- Jesus’ words urge readiness, watchfulness, and recognition that His return is not far distant.
Summary of the Views
In summary, there are a few main ways scholars interpret Jesus’ statement about “this generation not passing” in Matthew 24:34, Mark 13:30, and Luke 21:32:
- It referred specifically to the generation Jesus was speaking to during His earthly ministry.
- It refers generally to the Jewish race or nation as a whole.
- It points forward to the end times generation alive during the tribulation period.
- It is metaphorical for the “generation” or people that see the signs of His coming.
- It refers to the generation alive at the start of the end times tribulation who will also witness Christ’s return.
The interpretation one adopts affects how the entire Olivet Discourse is viewed – as primarily fulfilled in 70 AD, partially fulfilled, or awaiting complete future fulfillment. But regardless of the exact meaning, Jesus emphasizes the certainty of His predictions, that God’s word will come true, and the importance of being ready spiritually for His return, which He says will happen within a generation or limited period of time.
Examining the Context and Grammar
Looking closely at the context and grammar in each verse can help shed light on what Jesus intended to convey. Some key observations:
- In Matthew 24:34, the Greek for “generation” is genea, meaning age, people, nation, or time period. It seems to refer to a group alive at one time.
- In Mark 13:30, “this generation” is haute he genea, possibly emphasizing “this” group of people.
- In Luke 21:32, “generation” is genea haute, similar to Mark in putting focus on “this” one.
- The context before and after this statement in each Gospel focuses on Christ’s second coming.
- Jesus emphasizes that the day and hour are unknown (Matthew 24:36), demanding readiness.
These details lend support to the view that Jesus meant the people alive at the future time of the end would witness all these things come to pass. The phrasing puts focus on “this” generation alive during those days.
Additional Considerations
A few other considerations can aid our understanding of this passage:
- The parallel account in Matthew 16:28 has a similar “some standing here will not taste death” statement fulfilled in seeing His transfiguration, pointing to a near-term fulfillment.
- Matthew 24:2 notes the temple was torn down in their generation in 70 AD, but some argue other predictions weren’t fulfilled then.
- Some parts of Matthew 24/Luke 21 were likely fulfilled in the destruction of Jerusalem, but evidence suggests portions also await future fulfillment.
- Revelation speaks of end times martyrs coming “out of the great tribulation” (Revelation 7:14), meaning they entered it but didn’t pass away till Christ returns.
These contextual clues indicate Jesus had a multilayered prophecy in view – with partial first century fulfillment but the ultimate complete fulfillment awaiting the end times generation alive to witness His return after the great tribulation.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while “this generation will not pass” in Matthew 24:34, Mark 13:30 and Luke 21:32 can be interpreted different ways, the immediate and future end times context implies Jesus meant the people alive to see the beginning signs of the final tribulations would live to witness His climactic second coming. Though the day and hour remains unknown, His return will happen within a limited “generation.” This emphasizes the need to spiritually prepare and recognize that His coming is not far distant.