Matthew 24:34 - This generation will not pass away (1st century historical fulfillment?)
Matthew 24:34 (1st century historical fulfillment?)
Matthew 24:32-33 - Parable from the fig-tree (1st century biblical & historical fulfillment?):
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Matthew 24:34
Matthew 24:35 - Heaven and earth will pass away (1st century imminence & fulfillment?):
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Matthew 24:34: "Truly I-say (to) you that this generation by-no-means will-pass-away until all these (things) take-place."
1st century audience?
Jesus said in Matthew 24:34: "Truly I-say (to) YOU that this generation by-no-means will-pass-away until all these (things) take-place."
Who can be the "YOU" (Matthew 24:34) addressed in this passage?
31 verses earlier, Jesus spoke to His 1st century disciples, as "THE DISCIPLES came to Him privately, saying, “Tell US" (Matthew 24:3) and "having-responded, Jesus said (to) THEM" (Matthew 24:4) these things.
"All these things"?
In referring to "ALL THESE (THINGS)" (Matthew 24:34), Jesus would have referred to the events that He described from Matthew 24:4 to Matthew 24:33. Jesus could also have included a reference to the initial question that His 1st century disciples asked in Matthew 24:3: "(while) He (was) sitting on the Mount (of) Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, “Tell us — when will THESE (THINGS) be?". Their question was referring to what Jesus said to them 1 verse earlier when He "said (to) them, “Do-you-see ALL THESE (THINGS)? Truly I-say (to) you — (a) stone upon (a) stone by-no-means will-be-left here which will not be-torn-down”." (Matthew 24:1-2). Jesus would have been referring to the temple of Jerusalem and its buildings standing there in the 1st century, as 1 verse earlier it is written that "having-departed from the temple, Jesus was-proceeding. And His disciples came-to (Him) to-show Him the buildings (of) the temple. But the (One), having-responded, said (to) them, “Do-you-see ALL THESE (THINGS)?" (Matthew 24:1-2).
That 1st century temple of Jerusalem was demolished by the Romans around AD 70.
For more information on the destruction of the temple around AD 70:
Matthew 24:1-2 - Not a stone left on another (1st century historical fulfillment?):
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1st century audience of "all these (things)" from Luke 21:36?
Jesus said in Matthew 24:34: "Truly I-say (to) YOU that this generation by-no-means will-pass-away until ALL THESE (THINGS) take-place."
In the parallel account to Matthew 24 in Luke 21, Jesus said: "be-keeping-alert in every season, praying that YOU-may-prevail to-flee-from ALL THESE (THINGS) being-about to-take-place" (Luke 21:36).
1st century imminence of "all these (things)" from Luke 21:36?
Jesus said in Matthew 24:34: "Truly I-say (to) you that this generation by-no-means will-pass-away until ALL THESE (THINGS) take-place."
In the parallel account to Matthew 24 in Luke 21, Jesus said in the 1st century that "ALL THESE (THINGS)" were ABOUT TO take place, as He said: "you-may-prevail to-flee-from ALL THESE (THINGS) BEING-ABOUT [mellonta 3195 in Greek] to-take-place" (Luke 21:36). The Greek word for "BEING-ABOUT" [melló 3195 in Greek] used in Luke 21:36 is a verb that can be translated as "is-about-to".
Term: The Greek word for "generation"
Jesus said in Matthew 24:34: "Truly I-say (to) you that this GENERATION by-no-means will-pass-away until all these (things) take-place."
Jesus said "this GENERATION [genea 1074 in Greek]" (Matthew 24:34). The Greek word used here for GENERATION is genea 1074 in Greek, which is a noun describing the people living in a single lifespan.
For example, Jesus referred to "the people (of) this GENERATION [genea 1074 in Greek]" (Luke 7:31). Here there are "people" (Luke 7:31) of a "GENERATION" (Luke 7:31).
Another example: "all the GENERATIONS [genea 1074 in Greek] from Abraham to David (are) fourteen GENERATIONS [genea 1074 in Greek]" (Matthew 1:17). Here there are "fourteen GENERATIONS" (Matthew 1:17) "from Abraham to David" (Matthew 1:17).
Another example: It is written about Jesus that "In His humiliation, His justice was-taken-away. Who will-describe His GENERATION [genea 1074 in Greek]? Because His life is-taken-away from the earth" (Acts 8:33). Jesus would have "His" (Acts 8:33) [own] "GENERATION" (Acts 8:33) in connection with when His life is taken away from the earth.
Another example: "David, having-served the purpose (of) God (in his) own GENERATION [genea 1074 in Greek]" (Acts 13:36). Here "David" (Acts 13:36) had his "own GENERATION" (Acts 13:36). This can shed light on why there were "fourteen GENERATIONS" (Matthew 1:17) "from Abraham to David" (Matthew 1:17), as Abraham would have had his own GENERATION, then other people between him and David would have had their own GENERATION, until David who had his "own GENERATION" (Acts 13:36).
Another example: God "allowed all the nations to-be-going their ways in the GENERATIONS [genea 1074 in Greek] having-gone-by" (Acts 14:16). Here at that point in time there were "GENERATIONS having-gone-by" (Acts 14:16).
Another example: "in the fourth GENERATION [genea 1074 in Greek] they will return here, for the sins of the Amorites are not yet filled up, (even) until now" (Genesis 15:16). Here it mentions "the fourth GENERATION" (Genesis 15:16) for something to happen, "for the sins of the Amorites are not yet filled up, (even) until now" (Genesis 15:16).
Another example: "A GENERATION [genea 1074 in Greek] goes, and a GENERATION [genea 1074 in Greek] comes; but the earth stands into the age" (Ecclesiastes 1:4). Here after that "A GENERATION goes" (Ecclesiastes 1:4), it is indicated that "a GENERATION comes" (Ecclesiastes 1:4) to replace it, in contrast with the earth which "stands into the age" (Ecclesiastes 1:4).
Term: The Greek word for "generation" is not:
Some translations sometimes use the word "GENERATION" to translate other different Greek words. This had led many people in the past to conflate two different Greek words (one used in Matthew 24:34, and another used somewhere else) that are different in Greek. Here is a list of Greek words that are different from the Greek word translated as "GENERATION" in Matthew 24:34 but that can sometimes be found to be translated as "GENERATION" in some translations:
The Greek word for "GENERATION [genea 1074 in Greek]" (Matthew 24:34) is not the same Greek word as for example "genealogeо́" [1075 in Greek], which is a verb that can describe TRACING A GENEALOGY, as for example: "even though (their brothers) have-come-out of the loins (of) Abraham) — yet the (one) not TRACING(-HIS)-GENEALOGY [genealogeо́ 1075 in Greek] out-of them has-collected-a-tenth (from) Abraham" (Hebrews 7:5-6).
The Greek word for "GENERATION [genea 1074 in Greek]" (Matthew 24:34) is not the same Greek word as for example "genealogia" [1076 in Greek], which is a noun that can describe a GENEALOGY, as for example: "nor paying-attention-to myths and endless GENEALOGIES [genealogia 1076 in Greek], which cause speculations" (1 Timothy 1:4).
The Greek word for "GENERATION [genea 1074 in Greek]" (Matthew 24:34) is not the same Greek word as for example "genesis" [1078 in Greek], which is a noun that can describe a GENESIS or GENEALOGY or BIRTH, as for example: "the BIRTH (of) Jesus Christ was as-follows" (Matthew 1:18).
The Greek word for "GENERATION [genea 1074 in Greek]" (Matthew 24:34) is not the same Greek word as for example "gennéma" [1081 in Greek], which is a noun that can describe a BROOD or OFFSPRING, as for example: "having-seen many (of) the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his baptism, he-said (to) them, “BROOD [gennéma 1081 in Greek] (of) vipers" (Matthew 3:7).
The Greek word for "GENERATION [genea 1074 in Greek]" (Matthew 24:34) is not the same Greek word as for example "genos" [1085 in Greek], which is a noun that can describe a RACE or FAMILY, as for example: "you (are a) chosen FAMILY [genos 1085 in Greek], (a) royal priesthood, (a) holy nation, (a) people for (His) possession" (1 Peter 2:9).
Term: "this" generation, not "that" generation
Jesus said in Matthew 24:34: "Truly I-say (to) you that THIS generation by-no-means will-pass-away until all these (things) take-place."
Jesus said "THIS [hautē 3778 in Greek] generation" (Matthew 24:34), not THAT generation. The Greek word used for "THIS" (Matthew 24:34) is houtos 3778 in Greek, which is a demonstrative pronoun, which generally designates a contemporary subject.
In contrast, another Greek word can be used to generally describe a subject that is not contemporary: "THAT" [ekeinos 1565 in Greek], which is used for example in the following sentence describing a future day not being there yet: "Many WILL-SAY [future tense] (to) Me on THAT [ekeinē 1565 in Greek] day, ‘Lord, Lord, did-we not prophesy" (Matthew 7:22).
Term: "this" generation in front of Jesus or "this" generation that will see all these things?
Jesus said in Matthew 24:34: "Truly I-say (to) you that THIS GENERATION by-no-means will-pass-away until ALL THESE (THINGS) take-place."
The Greek pronoun for "THIS" can sometimes be used to denote a subject that had been talked about (instead of a subject in front of the person). Was "THIS" generation in Matthew 24:34 the one in front of Jesus or the one that will see all these things? The answer is that both would be the same.
Indeed, one verse earlier, Jesus said to His 1st century disciples in front of Him: "So also YOU — when YOU-see ALL THESE (THINGS), YOU know that (it) is near, at (the) doors. Truly I-say (to) YOU that THIS GENERATION by-no-means will-pass-away until ALL THESE (THINGS) take-place" (Matthew 24:33-34). A literary device seems to have been used here, in which two things are talked about in an interchangeable way. The part about "when YOU-see ALL THESE (THINGS)" (Matthew 24:33) would have been used interchangeably with "THIS GENERATION" (Matthew 24:33) that will not pass away until "ALL THESE (THINGS)" (Matthew 24:34) take place. Here "YOU" and "THIS GENERATION" may have been used interchangeably, as both would see "ALL THESE (THINGS)" (Matthew 24:33, Matthew 24:34).
Conjugation: "this" [houtē 3778 in Greek] can be interchangeable with "this" [tautē 3778 in Greek]
Jesus said in Matthew 24:34: "Truly I-say (to) you that THIS generation by-no-means will-pass-away until all these (things) take-place."
The Greek word used for "THIS" (Matthew 24:34) is houtos 3778 in Greek, and it can be conjugated in different forms such as "hautē" or "tautē" for example.
The form "hautē" can be used specifically to conjugate a nominative case that is of a feminine or masculine gender. Otherwise, the form "tautē" can be used, even when it is also a nominative case (but for a neuter gender). The meaning of the Greek word for "THIS" stays the same whether it is conjugated "hautē" or "tautē", it will just be conjugated differently depending on if it is the subject of a verb for example and if it is attached to a word having a particular gender.
Here are some examples in Matthew in the nominative case but in different genders. Notice how the last one is conjugated "touto" instead of "houtos" or "hautē" simply because it is attached to a neuter word:
hautē: "THIS generation [feminine]" (Matthew 24:34) [hautē 3778 in Greek, nominative case, feminine gender].
houtos: "THIS people [masculine]" (Matthew 15:8) [houtos 3778 in Greek, nominative case, masculine gender].
touto: "THIS cup [neuter]" (Matthew 26:39) [touto 3778 in Greek, nominative case, neuter gender].
Other examples in Matthew using the phrase "THIS generation", conjugated in other cases (because they are simply not the subject of a verb):
tautēn: "THIS generation" (Matthew 23:36) [tautēn 3778 in Greek, accusative case, feminine gender].
tautē: "THIS generation" (Matthew 12:45) [tautē 3778 in Greek, dative case, feminine gender].
tautēs: "THIS generation" (Matthew 12:42) [tautēs 3778 in Greek, genitive case, feminine gender].
The same Greek word for "THIS" [houtos 3778 in Greek] in the conjugated forms of "hautē" or "tautē" can be used interchangeably in the same passage.
For example, it is written in Luke 11: "And (while) the crowds (were) assembling-more, He-began to-say “THIS [hautē 3778 in Greek, nominative case, feminine gender] GENERATION is (an) evil generation. It-is-seeking (a) sign. And (a) sign will not be-given (to) it except the sign (of) Jonah. For as Jonah became (a) sign (to) the Ninevites, so the Son (of) Man also will-be (to) THIS [tautē 3778 in Greek, dative case, feminine gender] GENERATION" (Luke 11:29-30).
In Luke 11:29-30 the only difference between the Greek conjugations of the same Greek word for "THIS" [houtos 3778 in Greek] are that one is conjugated in the nominative case, and the other is conjugated in the dative case. The nominative case simply means that the word is the subject of a verb. Here "THIS [nominative case] generation IS [verb] (an) evil generation" (Luke 11:29). The meaning of the Greek word for "THIS" stays the same whether it is conjugated "hautē" or "tautē".
Terms: All the uses of the terms "this generation" by Jesus in the gospels
Jesus said in Matthew 24:34: "Truly I-say (to) you that THIS GENERATION by-no-means will-pass-away until all these (things) take-place."
Jesus used the expression "THIS GENERATION" several times in the gospels.
Here is a list of all the uses of "THIS GENERATION" by Jesus: Matthew 11:16, Matthew 12:41, Matthew 12:42, Matthew 12:45, Matthew 23:36, Matthew 24:34, Mark 8:12, Mark 8:38, Mark 13:30, Luke 7:31, Luke 11:29, Luke 11:30, Luke 11:31, Luke 11:32, Luke 11:50, Luke 11:51, Luke 17:25, Luke 21:32.
The accounts that would be paralleled (or saying similar things) could be grouped like this:
Matthew 11:16, Luke 7:31.
Matthew 12:41, Matthew 12:42, Matthew 12:45, Luke 11:29, Luke 11:30, Luke 11:31, Luke 11:32.
Matthew 23:36, Luke 11:50, Luke 11:51.
Matthew 24:34, Mark 13:30, Luke 21:32.
Mark 8:12
Mark 8:38
Luke 17:25
Below is an analysis of all those passages grouped together by parallel and similar accounts:
Matthew 11:16, Luke 7:31:
It is written in Matthew 12: "NINEVITE MEN will-rise-up at the judgment WITH THIS GENERATION, and THEY-will-condemn IT. Because THEY-repented at the proclamation (of) Jonah, and behold — a greater (thing than) Jonah (is) HERE" (Matthew 12:41). Here NINEVITE MEN are not "THIS GENERATION", as they will rise up "WITH THIS GENERATION, and THEY-will-condemn IT" (Matthew 12:41). "THEY" are contrasted with "IT". Then the contrast continues, as "THEY-repented at the proclamation (of) Jonah", in contrast with THIS GENERATION who had "a greater (thing than) Jonah (is) HERE" (Matthew 12:41). The same principles can apply for the next verse: "(The) QUEEN (of the) SOUTH will-be-raised at the judgment WITH THIS GENERATION, and SHE-will-condemn IT. Because SHE-came from the ends (of) the earth to-hear the wisdom (of) Solomon, and behold — (a) greater (thing than) Solomon (is) HERE" (Matthew 12:42).
In Matthew 12, Jesus delivered a man from an unclean spirit, as "(a) blind and mute (man) being-demonized was-brought to Him. And He-cured him" (Matthew 12:22), "But the Pharisees, having-heard (it), said, “This (One) is not casting-out the demons except by Beelzebul, (the) ruler (of) the demons" (Matthew 12:24). Jesus told them: "Brood (of) vipers! How are-you-able to-speak good (things), being EVIL?" (Matthew 12:34). In that context, Jesus then mentioned that the NINEVITE MEN and the QUEEN of the SOUTH will be raised "WITH THIS GENERATION" (Matthew 12:41-42) in order to condemn IT, and then He added: "NOW WHEN THE UNCLEAN SPIRIT DEPARTS FROM THE PERSON, it-goes through waterless places seeking rest, and does not find (it). Then it-says, ‘I-will-return to my house from-where I-came-out’. And having-come, it-finds (it) being-unoccupied, having-been-swept and put-in-order. Then it-proceeds and takes-along with itself seven other spirits more-evil (than) itself. And having-gone-in, they-dwell there, and the last (state of) that person becomes worse (than) the first. So it-will-be also (with) THIS EVIL GENERATION" (Matthew 12:43-45). Jesus may have used interchangeably "the Pharisees" (Matthew 12:24) in front of Him in the 1st century who were "being EVIL" (Matthew 12:34) by opposing Him casting out an unclean spirit, with "THIS EVIL GENERATION" (Matthew 12:45) into which the last state will be worse than the first similarly to when an unclean spirit which departed returns to the same person.
In the parallel account in Luke 11 to Matthew 12, it is written that "some of them said, “He-is-casting-out the demons by Beelzebul, the ruler (of) the demons”. And OTHERS, testing (Him), WERE-SEEKING from Him (A) SIGN from heaven" (Luke 11:15-16) and Jesus said "(while) the crowds (were) assembling-more, He-began to-say “THIS GENERATION is (an) evil GENERATION. IT-IS-SEEKING (A) SIGN" (Luke 11:29). Here "OTHERS" in the 1st century and "THIS GENERATION" may have been used interchangeably, as both would have things SEEKING A SIGN in the same context. Jesus then added: "(a) sign will not be-given (to) it except the sign (of) Jonah. For as JONAH became (a) sign (TO) THE NINEVITES, so THE SON (OF) MAN also will-be (TO) THIS GENERATION" (Luke 11:29-30). Here JONAH and the generation of the THE NINEVITES may be contrasted with THE SON OF MAN and "THIS GENERATION" (Luke 11:30). This is when Jesus then proceeded to say: "(The) QUEEN (of the) SOUTH will-be-raised at the judgment WITH THE MEN (OF) THIS GENERATION, and SHE-will-condemn THEM. Because SHE-came from the ends (of) the earth to-hear the wisdom (of) Solomon, and behold — (a) greater (thing than) Solomon (is) HERE . NINEVITE MEN will-rise-up at the judgment WITH THIS GENERATION, and THEY-will-condemn IT. Because THEY-repented at the proclamation (of) Jonah, and behold — (a) greater (thing than) Jonah (is) HERE" (Luke 11:31-32).
Matthew 23:36, Luke 11:50, Luke 11:51:
It is written in Matthew 23 that Jesus addressed "scribes and Pharisees" (Matthew 23:29) in the 1st century, and said to them: "Snakes, brood (of) vipers, how may-YOU-escape from the condemnation (of) Gehenna? “For this reason behold, I am-sending-forth prophets and wise (ones) and scribes TO YOU — (some) of them YOU-will-kill and crucify, and (some) of them YOU-will-whip in your synagogues and persecute from city to city — so-that all (the) righteous blood being-shed on the earth MAY-COME UPON YOU: from the blood (of) Abel the righteous (one), up-to the blood (of) Zechariah, son (of) Berechiah, whom YOU-murdered between the temple and the altar. Truly I-say (to) YOU, all these (things) WILL-COME UPON THIS GENERATION" (Matthew 23:33-36). A literary device seems to have been used here, in which two things are talked about in an interchangeable way. The part about "all (the) righteous blood being-shed on the earth MAY-COME UPON YOU" (Matthew 23:35) would have been used interchangeably with "all these (things) WILL-COME UPON THIS GENERATION" (Matthew 24:33). Here "YOU" and "THIS GENERATION" may have been used interchangeably, as both would have things COMING UPON them in the same context. Luke 11:50-51 is similar to Matthew 23:36.
Matthew 24:34, Mark 13:30, Luke 21:32.
It is written in Matthew 24: "So also YOU — when YOU-see ALL THESE (THINGS), YOU know that (it) is near, at (the) doors. Truly I-say (to) YOU that THIS GENERATION by-no-means will-pass-away until ALL THESE (THINGS) take-place" (Matthew 24:33-34). A literary device seems to have been used here, in which two things are talked about in an interchangeable way. The part about "when YOU-see ALL THESE (THINGS)" (Matthew 24:33) would have been used interchangeably with "THIS GENERATION" (Matthew 24:33) that will not pass away until "ALL THESE (THINGS)" (Matthew 24:34) take place. Here "YOU" and "THIS GENERATION" may have been used interchangeably, as both would see "ALL THESE (THINGS)" (Matthew 24:33, Matthew 24:34). The parallel passages found in Mark 13:30 and Luke 21:32 are also similar to Matthew 24:34.
Mark 8:12:
It is written in Mark 8: "And THE PHARISEES came-out and began to-debate (with) Him, SEEKING FROM HIM (A) SIGN from heaven, testing Him. And having-sighed-deeply in His spirit, He-says “Why IS THIS GENERATION SEEKING (A) SIGN?" (Mark 8:11-12). Here "THE PHARISEES" (Mark 8:11) in front of Jesus in the 1st century were "SEEKING FROM HIM (A) SIGN" (Mark 8:11), and as an answer Jesus said: "Why IS THIS GENERATION SEEKING (A) SIGN?" (Mark 8:12). Here "THE PHARISEES" and "THIS GENERATION" may have been used interchangeably, as both would have things SEEKING A SIGN in the same context. Jesus then added: "Truly I-say (to) YOU, (a) sign will-(not)-be-given (to) THIS GENERATION" (Mark 8:12), that is, probably expect the sign of Jonah (like other verses suggest). Here again "YOU" (Mark 8:12) may be used interchangeably with "THIS GENERATION" (Mark 8:12).
Mark 8:38:
It is written in in Mark 8, "having-summoned THE CROWD WITH HIS DISCIPLES, He-said (TO) THEM" (Mark 8:34): "what might (a) person give in-exchange-for his soul? FOR WHOEVER (is) ashamed-of Me and My words in THIS adulterous and sinful GENERATION, the Son (of) Man will also be-ashamed of HIM when He-comes in the glory (of) His Father with the holy angels" (Mark 8:37-38). Here Jesus specifically addressed in the 1st century "THE CROWD WITH HIS DISCIPLES, He-said (TO) THEM" (Mark 8:34) these things regarding "Me and My words in THIS adulterous and sinful GENERATION" (Mark 8:38).
Luke 17:25:
It is written in Luke 17: "just-like the lightning flashing out-of the (one part) under heaven shines to the (other part) under heaven, so will-be the Son (of) Man in His day. BUT FIRST He must suffer many (things) and be-rejected BY THIS GENERATION" (Luke 17:24-25). Here Jesus was talking about a future day, in contrast to "BUT FIRST" (Luke 17:25) suffering and being rejected "BY THIS GENERATION" (Luke 17:25).
Terms: All the other uses of the terms "this generation" in the New Testament (outside of the mentions from Jesus)
Jesus said in Matthew 24:34: "Truly I-say (to) you that THIS GENERATION by-no-means will-pass-away until all these (things) take-place."
Jesus used the expression "THIS GENERATION" several times in the gospels.
Outside of these mentions, the terms "THIS GENERATION" are only used 2 other times in the entire New Testament: only in Acts 2:40 & Hebrews 3:10.
Acts 2:40:
It is written in Acts 2:40 about "Peter" (Acts 2:38) addressed a 1st century audience, and that : "he-solemnly-testified (with) many other words, and was-exhorting THEM, saying, “BE-SAVED FROM THIS crooked GENERATION”. SO INDEED, the (ones) having-welcomed his word were-baptized. And about three-thousand souls were-added on that day" (Acts 2:40-41). Here Peter told this 1st century audience to "BE-SAVED FROM THIS crooked GENERATION" (Acts 2:40), and the very next verse indicates that "SO INDEED" (Acts 2:41) they were baptized. This would indicate that they believed that they could be saved "FROM THIS crooked GENERATION" (Acts 2:40) by getting baptized right there and then in the 1st century.
Hebrews 3:10:
It is written in Hebrews 3:10 in the 1st century: "your fathers tested (Me) with (a) trial and saw My works (for) FORTY YEARS. Therefore I-was-angry (with) THIS GENERATION" (Hebrews 3:9-10). In Hebrews 3, the expression "THIS GENERATION" (Hebrews 3:10) is used in relation to a period of "FORTY YEARS" (Hebrews 3:10). Hebrews 3 is actually referring to what happened in the Exodus from Egypt in the time of Moses, in which the GENERATION of Moses would have passed away in the wilderness because God became angry with them.
The coming of Jesus in the generation of Jesus in an earlier Jewish writing?
Jesus said in Matthew 24: "they-will-see the Son (of) man COMING on the clouds (of) heaven with power and great glory. And He-will-send-out His angels" (Matthew 24:30-31) and then 3 verses later: "Truly I-say (to) you that THIS GENERATION by-no-means will-pass-away until all these (things) take-place."
Later in the 1st century, Jude 1:14-15 mentioned "Enoch" who "prophesied" and referred to a passage about the Lord coming that is similar to what can be found in an ancient Jewish writing called "1 Enoch" dating before Christ, in 1 Enoch 1:9.
In 1 Enoch 10:12-13, a timing would be indicated for that coming to also take place: 70 generations.
These 70 generations would be from the generation of "Enoch" (1 Enoch 1:2) onward, who even wrote that what he understood was not for his own generation, but for one far remote, as it is written: "I understood as I saw, but NOT FOR THIS GENERATION, BUT FOR A REMOTE ONE WHICH IS TO COME" (1 Enoch 1:2).
Luke provided a genealogy of the generations from "Enoch" (Luke 3:37) onward. If counting 70 generations from Enoch onward, it would land on the generation of... Jesus! This could explain why when Jesus came, He said at that point to His 1st century audience: "Truly I-say (to) YOU that THIS GENERATION BY-NO-MEANS WILL-PASS-AWAY UNTIL ALL (THINGS) TAKE-PLACE" (Luke 21:32).
You can find the evidence below for that:
Jesus said in Matthew 24: "they-will-see the Son (of) man COMING on the clouds (of) heaven with power and great glory. And He-will-send-out His angels" (Matthew 24:30-31). Later in the 1st century, Jude wrote: "Enoch, (the) seventh from Adam, prophesied (with regard to) these (ones), saying, “Behold — (the) Lord came with His holy myriads to-execute judgment against all" (Jude 1:14-15). A similar quote may be found in an ancient Jewish writing called "1 Enoch" dating before Christ, in which it reads: "Behold, he will arrive with ten million of the holy ones in order to execute judgment upon all" (1 Enoch 1:9).
Later in 1 Enoch, a timing may be indicated regarding this judgment, as it is written: "And when their sons have slain one another, and they have seen the destruction of their beloved ones, BIND them fast FOR SEVENTY GENERATIONS in the valleys of the earth, TILL THE DAY OF THEIR JUDGMENT and of their consummation" (1 Enoch 10:12). There was a need here to "BIND them fast FOR SEVENTY GENERATIONS in the valleys of the earth, TILL THE DAY OF THEIR JUDGMENT" (1 Enoch 10:12).
"SEVENTY GENERATIONS" (1 Enoch 10:12) here would be from the generation of "Enoch" (1 Enoch 1:2) onward, who even wrote that what he understood was not for his own generation, but for one far remote, as it is written: "I understood as I saw, but NOT FOR THIS GENERATION, BUT FOR A REMOTE ONE WHICH IS TO COME" (1 Enoch 1:2).
Luke provided a genealogy of the generations from "Enoch" (Luke 3:37) onward. If counting 70 generations from Enoch onward, it would land on the generation of... Jesus!
Luke 3:23-37 reads: "And Jesus [70] Himself was, [when] beginning (His ministry), about thirty years (old), being (a) son, as it-was-being-supposed, (of) Joseph [69], the (son of) Heli [68], the (son of) Matthat [67], the (son of) Levi [66], the (son of) Melchi [65], the (son of) Jannai [64], the (son of) Joseph [63], the (son of) Mattathias [62], the (son of) Amos [61], the (son of) Nahum [60], the (son of) Hesli [59], the (son of) Naggai [58], the (son of) Maath [57], the (son of) Mattathias [56], the (son of) Semein [55], the (son of) Josech [54], the (son of) Joda [53], the (son of) Joanan [52], the (son of) Rhesa [51], the (son of) Zerubbabel [50], the (son of) Shealtiel [49], the (son of) Neri [48], the (son of) Melchi [47], the (son of) Addi [46], the (son of) Cosam [45], the (son of) Elmadam [44], the (son of) Er [43], the (son of) Joshua [42], the (son of) Eliezer [41], the (son of) Jorim [40], the (son of) Matthat [39], the (son of) Levi [38], the (son of) Simeon [37], the (son of) Judah [36], the (son of) Joseph [35], the (son of) Jonam [34], the (son of) Eliakim [33], the (son of) Melea [32], the (son of) Menna [31], the (son of) Mattatha [30], the (son of) Nathan [29], the (son of) David [28], the (son of) Jesse [27], the (son of) Obed [26], the (son of) Boaz [25], the (son of) Sala [24], the (son of) Nahshon [23], the (son of) Aminadab [22], the (son of) Aram [21], the (son of) Hezron [20], the (son of) Perez [19], the (son of) Judah [18], the (son of) Jacob [17], the (son of) Isaac [16], the (son of) Abraham [15], the (son of) Terah [14], the (son of) Nahor [13], the (son of) Serug [12], the (son of) Reu [11], the (son of) Peleg [10], the (son of) Heber [9], the (son of) Shelah [8], the (son of) Cainan [7], the (son of) Arphaxad [6], the (son of) Shem [5], the (son of) Noah [4], the (son of) Lamech [3], the (son of) Methuselah [2], the (son of) Enoch [1]"
This may be why Jesus said later in Luke to His 1st century audience at His time: "Truly I-say (to) YOU that THIS GENERATION BY-NO-MEANS WILL-PASS-AWAY UNTIL ALL (THINGS) TAKE-PLACE" (Luke 21:32).
How much time can a generation last according to Matthew?
It is also written in Matthew 24:34: "Truly I-say (to) you that this GENERATION by-no-means will-pass-away until all these (things) take-place."
How much time could a GENERATION last according to Matthew? It is written in Matthew 1: "From the deportation (of) Babylon to the Christ (are) fourteen GENERATIONS" (Matthew 1:17). The "deportation (of) Babylon" (Matthew 1:17) happened around 586 BC. The "Christ" (Matthew 1:17) would have been born around 4 BC. Between those dates were "fourteen GENERATIONS" (Matthew 1:17). 582 years separate 586 BC and 4 BC. 582 years divided by fourteen GENERATIONS equals 42 years for one GENERATION. A GENERATION could last about 42 years according to Matthew.
Jesus spoke those words in Matthew 24 around AD 30, and if we add a GENERATION of about 42 years to that, it would land around AD 72.
How much time can a generation last according to other passages in the Bible?
It is written about "David, having-served the purpose (of) God (in his) own GENERATION [genea 1074 in Greek]" (Acts 13:36). It is written that "the days which David reigned over Israel (were) FORTY YEARS" (1 Kings 2:11). Then his son Solomon replaced him and again Solomon served the same amount of years, as it is written: "the days which Solomon reigned in Jerusalem (were) FORTY YEARS" (1 Kings 11:42).
1st century events
Before AD 72 would pass away, the 1st century historian Josephus recorded that the 1st century temple of Jerusalem was demolished by the Romans around AD 70.
The 1st century historian Josephus wrote in "The Wars of the Jews":
War 7.1 (7.1.1): "Now, as soon as the army had no more people to slay or to plunder, because there remained none to be objects of their fury (for they would not have spared any, had there remained any other such work to be done) Caesar gave orders that they should now demolish the entire city and temple, but should leave as many of the towers standing as were of the greatest eminency; that is, Phasaelus, and Hippicus, and Mariamne, and so much of the wall as enclosed the city on the west side."
War 7:29 (7.2.1): "And now Simon, thinking he might be able to astonish and delude the Romans, put on a white frock, and buttoned upon him a purple cloak, and appeared out of the ground in the place the temple had formerly been."
The 1st century historian Josephus added that the "GENERATION of men" at that time was fruitful in wickedness and were according to him "the occasions of THIS its overthrow".
The 1st century historian Josephus wrote in "The Wars of the Jews":
Wars 5.10.5: "neither did any other city ever suffer such miseries, nor did any age ever breed a generation more fruitful in wickedness than this was, from the beginning of the world."
War 6:408 (6.8.5): "a city that had been liable to so many miseries during the siege, that, had it always enjoyed as much happiness from its first foundation, it would certainly have been the envy of the world. Nor did it on any other account so much deserve these sore misfortunes, as by producing such a generation of men as were the occasions of this its overthrow."
Early Christian authors
Later early Christians authors wrote that it was "less than ONE whole GENERATION later" "THAT GENERATION" at that time who were totally destroyed in these 1st century events.
In the 2th century, a Christian author named Clement of Alexandria wrote in "Clementine Homilies":
3:15: "But our Master did not prophesy after this fashion; but, as I have already said, being a prophet by an inborn and every-flowing Spirit, and knowing all things at all times, He confidently set forth, plainly as I said before, sufferings, places, appointed times, manners, limits. Accordingly, therdore, prophesying concerning the temple, He said: "See ye these buildings? Verily I say to you, There shall not be left here one stone upon another which shall not be taken away [Matt. 24:3]; and this generation shall not pass until the destruction begin [Matt. 24:34]. . . ." And in like manner He spoke in plain words the things that were straightway to happen, which we can now see with our eyes, in order that the accomplishment might be among those to whom the word was spoken."
In the 3th century, a Christian author named Origen wrote in "Against Celsus":
IV:XXII: "I challenge anyone to prove my statement untrue if I say that the entire Jewish nation was destroyed less than one whole generation later on account of these sufferings which they inflicted on Jesus. For it was, I believe, forty-two years from the time when they crucified Jesus to the destruction of Jerusalem"
Around the 4th century, the Christian historian Eusebius wrote in "Ecclesiastical History":
3:5: "But the people of the church in Jerusalem had been commanded by a revelation, vouchsafed to approved men there before the war, to leave the city and to dwell in a certain town of Perea called Pella. And when those that believed in Christ had come thither from Jerusalem, then, as if the royal city of the Jews and the whole land of Judea were entirely destitute of holy men, the judgment of God at length overtook those who had committed such outrages against Christ and his apostles, and totally destroyed that generation of impious men."
In the 4th century, a Christian author named Chrysostom wrote in "Homilies on Matthew":
Homily 74: "For I will ask them, Did He send the prophets and wise men? Did they slay them in their synagogue? Was their house left desolate? Did all the vengeance come upon that generation? It is quite plain that it was so, and no man gainsays it"
Consistency with Hebrews 3?
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