Matthew 24:34

[KeilanS]

I'm kind of stumped on this verse. Here are two translations.

New International Version:

I tell you the truth, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened.

This translation comes with a footnote stating that generation could also mean "race". No problems there.

Now I take it back a few hundred years.

King James Version:

Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled.

No foot note, nothing. So what does this mean. Now obviously the disciples no longer live as physical beings, and many generations have passed. So what do you all make of this. If the true translation is "race" then it makes sense, but I just want some opinions on this.

[EricH]

Here is my understanding of the Olivet Discourse (Matthew 24)

1. The disciples heard Jesus' prediction in Matthew 23:37- 24:2 and understood He was talking about the destruction of the temple. They understood the destruction of the temple and the end times to be a single series of events as is made evident by their question:

And as He was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, "Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?"

Matthew 24:3 NASB

The "these things" are the temple being left desolate and the destruction of Jerusalem that Jesus described above. The disciples saw this as an indication that the final days were coming

2. Jesus warns them that the end will not come immediately after the destruction of Jerusalem, but that the period of "these things" will be stretched out over time (Matthew 24:8)

3. Jesus also indicates that during these last days there will be a particularly violent episode that will involve the destruction of Jerusalem and the profaning of the temple (this happened in AD 70) (Matthew 24:15-ff).

4. Immediately after the extended persecution period (the these things) will come the second advent (Matthew 25:29-31)

Matthew 24:32-35 is a reference to the "these things", not His actual return.

even so you too, when you see all these things, recognize that He is near, right at the door.

Matthew 24:33 NASB

Clearly the "all these things" do not include his return, because according to Jesus they are a sign He is "right at the door"

Truly I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place.

Matthew 24:34 NASB

The all these things that will indicate Jesus is at the door will be seen by the generation hearing Jesus. They saw persecution, war, famine, false prophets, and the fall of Jerusalem

The generation living at the time Jesus lived would see all of the features of the period (including the fall of Jerusalem). But the exact hour of His return is known to no one. The "these things" in verse 34 are the same "these things" that the disciples asked about. Namely, the fall of Jerusalem and the events that will characterize the period from Jesus death up to and not including HIs return. His return happens after the "these things" (so verses 29 - 31 are not included in the things the generation living during Jesus time would see)

[RND]

Very good Eric. I concur.

[KeilanS]

I'm kind of stumped on this verse. Here are two translations.

New International Version:

I tell you the truth, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened.

This translation comes with a footnote stating that generation could also mean "race". No problems there.

Now I take it back a few hundred years.

King James Version:

Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled.

No foot note, nothing. So what does this mean. Now obviously the disciples no longer live as physical beings, and many generations have passed. So what do you all make of this. If the true translation is "race" then it makes sense, but I just want some opinions on this.

That makes sense, thank you.

[Leonard]

Well, I think it rather obvious that 'these things' were fulfilled in A.D. 67-70, when Rome first 'encompassed Jerusalem with armies', then sacked the holy city.........

[billie]

I don't claim this to be an absolute certainity, but it is my opinion that Jesus will likely return before the generation has passed away that saw Israel become a nation again. A generation to me is three score and ten years to fourscore years which is 70 to 80 years, so that would mean by the year 2028.

Hey, my pastor says the same thing.

[Adarian]

EricH and butero: right on.