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NASB | Luke 21:32 "Truly I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all things take place. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Luke 21:32 "I assure you and most solemnly say to you, this generation [those living at that definite period of time preceding the second coming] will not pass away until everything takes place. |
Bible Question:
Thanks for the info. :) The reason I asked this question is because I have been having a bit of a debate with a Preterist. He takes this verse as meaning that if Jesus did not come within that generation (as in 70 A.D.) then God is a liar. I have always taken this verse to either mean the nation of Israel, or perhaps the kingdom of God. Do you have any thoughts? P.S. I plan on getting a word study book for the Bible. Thanks. |
Bible Answer: Greetings Autumn! There isn't any doubt that Jesus said that 'this generation' will not pass away until all these things come to pass. The question is: To which generation was He referring? Here are some comments from the "Bible Knowledge Commentary" which help explain this verse. ******************************************** 21:29-33. In the Parable of the Fig Tree Jesus taught that one can tell what is coming by watching the signs. By looking at fig leaves sprouting in April, they know that summer is near. Similarly when the Great Tribulation comes, people will know that the kingdom of God is near. The clause, this generation (genea) will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened, has caused much controversy. Some think Jesus was telling His disciples that their generation would see the destruction of the temple. That interpretation stems primarily from verses 5-7 in which the discussion pertained to the temple’s destruction. However, because of verse 31 (in which Jesus spoke of the coming of the kingdom of God), and because of Matthew 24:34, it seems preferable to say His words refer to the generation living at the time of the cosmological events that will just precede His second coming. That generation will actually see the founding of the kingdom of God—something every generation of Jewish citizens has longed for throughout the nation’s history. ********************************************** So, v. 31 is the key. "This generation" begins when they see 'these things happening'. It does not refer to the 'generation' alive at the time of Christ, but to the 'generation' which will see the Great Tribulation beginning. I hope this helps! Your Brother in Christ, Tim Moran |