What does Luke 21:32 mean?
ESV: Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all has taken place.
NIV: "Truly I tell you, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened.
NASB: Truly I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all things take place.
CSB: Truly I tell you, this generation will certainly not pass away until all things take place.
NLT: I tell you the truth, this generation will not pass from the scene until all these things have taken place.
KJV: Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass away, till all be fulfilled.
NKJV: Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all things take place.
Verse Commentary:
This is one of the most confusing verses in the Bible. Jesus is talking about how His followers can determine when the "Son of Man" will return. The signs will be as obvious as the leaves that grow on trees before summer. When they see the supernatural events in the heavens and on earth, the time will be near (Luke 21:25–31). Now, Jesus seems to say the present generation will witness these events.
Scholars have offered many ways to understand this reference. Dr. Darrell L. Bock, for instance, lists several possible interpretations (Bock, Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament) of the phrase "a generation:"
- •The disciples present—Peter, Andrew, James, and John (Mark 13:3)—will still be alive. This doesn't fit history. James dies shortly after Jesus ascends into heaven (Acts 12:1–2), and it appears most of the disciples will be killed before the destruction of the temple, which Jesus places before His return (Luke 21:20–28).
- •Jesus is referring to the fall of Jerusalem and the temple in AD 70. It's true that at least John was still alive at this point, but Matthew makes it clear Jesus is talking about His return (Matthew 24:33).
- •"Generation" doesn't refer to an era of people but a people group. That people group is alternately identified as the Jews, humanity, Jesus' disciples, or the "evil generation" of Luke 11:29–32. Although that's possible within the context, it would be an extremely unusual meaning of the term "generation" considering it doesn't include an identifying adjective.
- •The fall of Jerusalem in AD 70 is so linked to the tribulation and the return of the Son of Man that they are a single event, and so since at least John will be alive in AD 70, he can be said to have witnessed the event in general. Again, Jesus makes a distinct break between AD 70 and His return in Luke 21:24–25, so this interpretation would probably be too subtle.
There are a couple of other possible interpretations. One is that the end will come quickly. The generation that witnesses the supernatural events of Luke 21:25 will also witness the return of the Son of Man. One dispensational view is that "generation" refers to Jesus' followers of the church age, the dispensation of grace, which begins in Acts 2:1–4. Either is possible, but we honestly don't know which is true. Daniel may have known, but God told him, "But you, Daniel, shut up the words and seal the book, until the time of the end. Many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall increase" (Daniel 12:4). God will reveal what is needed at the right time.
Verse Context:
Luke 21:29–33 is Jesus' practical application to the warnings in Luke 21:25–28. His prophecies begin when the disciples are first persecuted and continue through His second coming at the end of the tribulation (Luke 21:8–28). Now, Jesus tells them to keep watch for the signs of His return. If they are to faithfully serve Him, they need to focus on God's kingdom, not their earthly comforts or decadent and avoidant behavior. Matthew 24:32–35 and Mark 13:28–31 cover the same material, but Matthew continues in a great deal more detail in Matthew 24:36—25:46.
Chapter Summary:
Luke 21 records the last of Jesus' teachings before the Last Supper, His arrest, and His crucifixion. Luke 21:1–4 fits well with the themes of Luke 19:28—20:47. Luke 21:5–11 describes how false messiahs, war, and natural disasters will become normal. Luke 21:12–24 prophesies challenges prior to the destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70. Luke 21:25–28 moves to the tribulation. Luke 21:29–36 is Jesus' instructions about the disciples' lives and ministries with respect to the delayed kingdom. Luke 21:37–38 is a note about Jesus' schedule in the days between the triumphal entry and His arrest.
Chapter Context:
Luke 21 finishes the presentation of Jesus in Jerusalem as the Messiah of the Jews. This lays a foundation for the Passion Narrative: the final days before Jesus is crucified. Luke 19:28—20:47 covered most of the discussions about His authority which are completed with His words about the widow's sacrificial offering (Luke 21:1–4). The rest of the chapter records His warnings to the disciples about the violence they, the temple, Jerusalem, and the world will face between His ascension and His return. Matthew 24 and Mark 12:41—13:37 cover the same material.
Book Summary:
Luke was a traveling companion of Paul (Acts 16:10) and a physician (Colossians 4:14). Unlike Matthew, Mark, and John, Luke writes his gospel as an historian, rather than as a first-hand eyewitness. His extensive writings also include the book of Acts (Acts 1:1–3). These are deliberately organized, carefully researched accounts of those events. The gospel of Luke focuses on the earthly ministry of Jesus Christ. Luke's Gentile perspective presents Christ as a Savior for all people, offering both forgiveness and direction to those who follow Him.
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