The expression “this generation will not pass away,” found in Matthew 24.34, Mark 13.30 and Luke 21.32, is one of the most debated passages in the eschatological discourse of the Messiah Jesus. Here are the main ways to explain and understand it:
- The generation contemporary with Jesus
Some interpret this sentence as referring to the people living at the time Jesus speaks. In that case, Jesus would be announcing that the events described, notably the destruction of the Temple of Jerusalem, would take place before that generation passes away. This interpretation is consistent with the fact that the Temple was destroyed in AD 70, about 39 years after these words.
- The generation that will see the signs
Another reading holds that “this generation” refers to the one that will witness the signs mentioned in the discourse (wars, famines, persecutions, heavenly signs…). This means that all of the eschatological events will unfold over a relatively short period, once the signs have begun.
- The people of Israel
In the Jewish tradition, the word “generation” can also designate a group or a lineage, notably the chosen people. Some exegetes think that the Messiah Jesus is affirming here that the people of Israel will not disappear before the final fulfillment of the Kingdom, underscoring God’s faithfulness to his promises.
- A spiritual generation
Finally, a more symbolic reading sees in “this generation” the believers or the opponents of the Kingdom, depending on the context. It can designate the generation of rebellious humanity, which persists until the end, or the community of disciples, called to remain watchful.
In summary
The expression “this generation will not pass away” can be understood in several ways:
Historical: Jesus’ contemporaries will see certain fulfillments.
Prophetic: the generation that sees the signs will also live to see their completion.
Theological: Israel or humanity will not disappear before the fulfillment.
Spiritual: believers are called to vigilance until the return of Christ.
All these readings converge on one and the same idea: the certainty that the words of Jesus will be fulfilled, and the call to stay attentive to the signs of the Kingdom.
Apart from Matthew 24.34, Mark 13.30 and Luke 21.32, there is no other Bible verse that uses exactly the expression “this generation will not pass away” in the context of the end times. However, the concept of a generation tied to eschatological events is mentioned elsewhere in an indirect way.
What the texts say
The three verses mentioned are the only ones to use this precise wording within the eschatological discourse of Jesus. In it he affirms that “this generation will not pass away until all these things take place,” in reference to the signs that herald the return of the Son of Man.
Other allusions to an eschatological generation
Although the expression is not repeated word for word elsewhere, some biblical passages mention a generation confronted with the events of the end:
Matthew 24.22: “If those days had not been cut short, no one would be saved; but for the sake of the elect, those days will be cut short.” → This suggests a generation living through times so troubled that it could not survive without divine intervention.
Luke 17.26-30: Jesus compares the days of the Son of Man to the generations of Noah and Lot, stressing that people will live normally until the moment of judgment, which implies a generation caught by surprise by the end.
Revelation 3.10: “Because you have kept my word of perseverance, I will keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come on the whole world.” → This evokes a worldwide generation confronted with an eschatological trial.
Revelation 6-19: These chapters describe a series of events that take place within a limited span of time, often interpreted as a single generation living through the judgments and the return of Christ.
Theological interpretation
Some commentators believe that the Messiah Jesus is speaking of a future generation, the one that will see the signs of the end fulfilled rapidly. Others think he refers to the people of Israel, who will not disappear before the final fulfillment. Finally, some see a spiritual generation, that of believers called to remain watchful.
In summary
The formula “this generation will not pass away” is unique to the three Synoptic Gospels in the eschatological discourse. However, the idea of a generation confronted with the events of the end is present elsewhere, notably in the words of the Messiah Jesus and in Revelation, in more implicit forms.