In Matthew 24:34 Mark 13:30; Luke 21:32 Jesus said, “This generation shall not pass away.” Which generation was He talking about?
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I don’t think another word in Scripture has caused as much confusion as “generation” in the below verses:
Now learn this parable from the fig tree: When its branch has already become tender and puts forth leaves, you know that summer is near. So you also, when you see all these things, know that it is near—at the doors! Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all these things take place.
Matthew 24:32-34; see also Mark 13:28-31; Luke 21:29-33
The most famous misunderstanding might be Edgar C. Whisenant’s book 88 Reasons Why the Rapture Will Be in 1988. 4.5 million copies were sold and another 300,000 were mailed free of charge to church leaders across the nation. Although Whisenant had 88 reasons for his conclusion, the strongest came from the word “generation.” The logic is:
- Israel is the fig tree.
- The words, “When its branch has already become tender and puts forth leaves, you know that summer is near” refer to Israel becoming a nation in 1948.
- A generation is 40 years.
- Jesus said the generation that sees Israel become a nation will not pass away.
Therefore, Jesus must return by 1988.
The problem is the Rapture didn’t occur in 1988 or on any of the other dates Whisenhant predicted (1989, 1993, 1994) before his death in 2001. Some pastors still quote this verse saying, “The generation that sees Israel become a nation will not pass away!” They conclude a generation isn’t 40 years. So the generation of people that saw Israel become a nation will not pass away before Jesus’ return.
This video from Dr. Michael Kruger answers a similar question: “Did Jesus say He would return in the 1st century A.D.?”
What did Jesus mean when He said, “This generation shall not pass away?”
Jesus said, “when you see all these things, know that it is near—at the doors!” What things? Everything Jesus discussed in the previous verses:
- Mark 13:1-2 & Matthew 24:1-2 & Luke 21:5-6 – The destruction of the temple
- Mark 13:3-13 & Matthew 24:3-14 & Luke 21:7-19 – The signs of the times and the end of the age
- Luke 21:20-24 – The destruction of Jerusalem
- Mark 13:14-23 & Matthew 24:15-28 – The Great Tribulation
- Mark 13:24-27 & Matthew 24:29-31 & Luke 21:25-28 – Jesus’ Second Coming
What is “it” when Jesus says “it is near”? In the parallel account in Luke 21:31 Jesus said, “So you also, when you see these things happening, know that the kingdom of God is near.” “It” is the Kingdom of God that Jesus will establish when He returns. In other words, when you see the things Jesus described, the Second Coming is close.
The generation Jesus was addressing?
A few years ago at a pastor’s conference I stayed up late talking with two pastors who were convinced Jesus’ Second Coming took place spiritually (as opposed to physically) in 70AD when Rome conquered Jerusalem and destroyed the temple. One of the main reasons they (as well as others) hold this view (known as Preterism) is based on the word “generation.”
Preterists believe the generation is the people Jesus was speaking to that day. They “[would] by no means pass away till all these things take place.” 70AD was approximately 40 years later, so Preterists believe Jesus’ words were fulfilled when Rome conquered Jerusalem in 70AD.
There are numerous reasons this view is wrong, but for simplicity’s sake, let’s only discuss one: in 70AD Jesus didn’t return like He described He would:
Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.”
Matthew 24:30
So which generation?
If Jesus isn’t talking about the “generation” of people living at the time, what “generation” is in view?
The generation of people who see the signs – the trials: final, hard labor pains – described in the previous verses that we know as the Tribulation. That “generation will by no means pass away till all [the things Jesus just discussed] take place.” Everything Jesus prophesied of in the chapter will occur within one generation.
142 Responses
There are so many interesting thoughts to ask the Lord about. I have always thought the most basic explanation was a good possibility for what would be. Take all people living in the world at the moment Israel became a nation again in May 1948. It seems to me that the scripture may mean that when the Lord returns, not every single person living in May 1948 would have died/passed away. Only the Lord knows when the last living person for this event would die. And, HE would return when there were still witnesses to this event living, even if the remaining people were only infants at the time. People live so much longer now. We hear of so many who are one hundred years old, and even older. I have even heard of a couple of people who were 114 years old. In the next decade, we may see some people who have lived a very large number of years. The Lord promised in Scripture that HE will reveal to least a few of HIS prophets what this means before the event happens.
Esse,
Thanks for sharing your thoughts. God bless!
The generation Jesus was referring to was the Fig Tree generation, which began when Israel became a nation in 1948. A generation typically lasts between 70 and 80 years. Adding 77 years to 1948 brings us to 2025. The rapture is believed to occur during the Feast of Trumpets, an appointed time in September 2025. Then, 2550 days after the Feast of Trumpets in 2032, on the Day of Atonement, Jesus will return on September 15. It’s as clear as daylight—no need for speculation. Only scoffers remain in the dark.
Conrad,
Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
I can’t begin to describe how many people have said–over the last 15 years–every time the Feast of Trumpets is coming, that the rapture is going to happen too. Per Deut 18:20-22, if what you say doesn’t come to pass–what does that make you? There will be no pretribulation rapture–scripture makes that blatantly clear. For example, Paul shows us at 1 Cor 15:50-52 that the resurrection of those who have died in union with Christ will take place at the LAST trumpet, not the first trumpet–nor before the first trumpet. Paul is referring to the 7 trumpets described in Revelation…..it will be during the last one. Christ also makes this clear at Math 24:29-31, when he says he will gather his Saints, ‘after the tribulation of those days’, in which he clarifies at v31 this is when He will send his Angles to gather his elect….AFTER the tribulation/the 7th-final trumpet–and not before. If Christ didn’t spare his own Apostles of tribulation, what makes you think he will spare any of his elect today from it? There will be no ‘secret’ rapture as Paul shows clearly in 1 Thess 4:16-18 that the resurrection of the Saints will take place when Christ descends from heaven with a rousing cry–accompanied by his angels–and with the blast of the heavenly trumpet. This is going to be an event that will be made clearly manifest to all, and there will be no doubt as to what is happening. Christ, again, makes this very clear in Math 24:27, where he spoke about lighting flashing out of the east and filling the west–it will be blatantly clear/manifest before all mankind, and there will be nothing secretive about it. Did he not say in Math 24:25 not to believe those who put either him or the gathering of his Saints, ‘in a secret room/closet’? That’s what the pretribulation rapture does and it’s totally contrary to Scripture and will contribute to thousands and thousands of Christians who will not only fall away, but will loose their faith in a day when they realize everything their Churches/Pastors ever taught them about the true coming of the true Christ–and who is TRULY is and what he TRULY stands for–was nothing but a lie.
Hello William,
Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Jesus’s focus was on Jerusalem. The Old City of Jerusalem was taken by Israel in 1967.
Both Matthew and Luke say “when you SEE all these things.” A baby does not see. Nor does a small child see with understanding. And Jesus expects those who see to act responsibly: “WHEN you see” etc.
In Judaism, the age of responsibility is when the Bar Mitzvah is held – around the age of 13. So, a person who was born no later than 1954 (that is 1967-13) would see and understand these things and be held responsible. 1954 +70 or 80 = 2024 or 2034. So, perhaps 2024 (2025 now) to 2034 is the date range.
Hello OttoRvF,
Thanks for sharing these thoughts!
As interesting as this is, but the scriptures explain to us that no man know the day or hour, why it is not giving to us to know the day or the hour the father has decided for his coming. The Scriptures was beautifully animated by the early apostles to their generation as though the Christ was to come in their days. But more interestingly the notion of putting a specific day in mind will give people the implication to preparing for that day, and when it does not happen then they begin to doubt whether it will or not happen. Rather, we do what the apostles did. Teaching everyone person to live as though the coming of our lord is both now and tomorrow.
Hello Anestin,
Well said. I like the way you put it.
My dad was born in 1948. He and many others could live up to 90 years old. Lord Jesus didn’t specifically state the biblical status of one generation, but said ‘that generation will see the coming of the Lord, no matter how long they live. 80s, 90s, 120s… We shall see.
Heather,
Thank you for sharing.
Well it’s October 28, 2025. Looks like scoffers are the ones that are clear as daylight.
Patrick,
I’m sorry, but I don’t know exactly what you mean?
And when the Pharisees asked Jesus when the kingdom of God would come, he replied, “The kingdom of God will not come with observable signs. 21 Nor will people say, ‘Look, here it is,’ or ‘There it is.’ For you see, the kingdom of God is in your midst.”
Hello again Tracey,
Yes, Jesus was saying that when He came from heaven to earth the kingdom He brought was spiritual. It couldn’t be seen physically. He would later establish a physical kingdom. Again, I’m not sure what the point you’re making now?
The word “pass away” does not mean ‘to die’. The meaning is much broader and there is no restriction that the subject must be animate as there is in the word “to die.” It simply means “come to an end, cease to exist.” The most obvious meaning of the verse is that certain “things” will continue to exist, while other “things” will cease to exist. Heaven and earth will cease to exist (at least in the present form), but both “my words” and “this class of people” will continue to exist in spite of opposition and tribulation.
The Greek word genea is not at all equivalent to the modern English word “generation.” the word genea in itself is neutral. The pejorative part of the overall meaning is supplied solely by the connotations of the context.
Hello Tracey,
Thank you for sharing these thoughts, but could you please clarify the point you’re making? Did you want to distinguish between passing away and dying, and explain the Greek word for generation? If so, I believe you did that; however, if you’re going to explain the relevance to Jesus’ words, I don’t think that’s clear.
Very interesting topic. I offen think that there could be a time gap, that is longer than some may think. In other words, the rapture could happen and it might be 150 yrs before Christ 2nd coming. Now, it could explain the Jewish calendar being a couple hundred years from year 6000. I’m not saying it will be that long between a rapture and His second coming, Im saying that I believe this gap maybe longer than 7 years, bcuz if He didnt return, then no flesh would survive. Also, I’m wondering does the bible say that this anti christ comes to power, and commits the abomination that makes desolate at mid point of Tribulation, and does it not say it will be 42 months, 3.5 yrs, or 1260 days, from when the Temple is defiled, and the 2nd coming? If true, then anyone who missed the rapture will know the 2nd coming is 3 5 yrs from that point. Jesus did hold the Jews responsible for not recognizing His coming, and blinded them. After all, it is in the O.T., and the Jews meditated on those scriptures for over a thousand years, and they missed the hour of their visitation, so God blinded them untill the time of the Gentiles. The Lord left everyone a messege, detailed, to His 2nd coming. Then have to consider He comes early otherwise no flesh would survive.The rapture is the mystery that no man knows the day or hour.
Hello PJ,
Thank you for sharing these thoughts!
I lean more toward the Great Falling Away, which I do not believe has happened but is approaching. The expectation of Christ’s return after Israel becomes a nation, and that generation will see his return, may cause some Christians to fall away if Jesus does not make his entrance. Remember, the devil challenged God’s sovereignty. Everything man has achieved, in my mind, is through that challenge. Otherwise, we would all still be in Eden. Man’s fall from grace has led us to our present state, and with the rise of artificial intelligence suggesting that humans do not need God, that challenge is truly on. I feel Jesus will return when all hope is gone. When will this happen exactly as Jesus spoke it? Even though I cannot make sense of when.
James,
Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
I’m Church of Christ and mostly agree with you, even though we are one of the most mocked churches on earth. Many consider us a cult because we believe baptism is for the remission of sins.
Hello Frank,
While I’m glad to read that you agree with what I wrote, I am familiar with the church of Christ and strongly disagree with their view of baptism. I believe it is adding works to the gospel, which creates a false gospel.
Scott, this is the first time I have been on your site. My favorite author is Ken Johnson ThD. He translates some fascinating early church history, among other topics. I ( and others) have heard what appears to be a verse that within one generation (70-80 years) from Israel entering the land a third time, the Messiah will return. It has not been easy trying to find this text. Some notes: I have made along the way. In 1st Enoch, It is noted that there will be 7000 years of human history. 1st Enoch, the Apocalypse of Esra, and Biblical calculations done by Sir Issac Neuton all land the time of the Rature-Tribulation-2nd Coming within the next handful of years. According to the Jewish Prophetic Calendar, the 2000th anniversary of Jesus’ crucifixion is Passover 2032. And the world is getting crazier. This is a challenging and controversial subject.
My bet is on Rosh Hashana 2025. But, as we all know, Daddy (Abba) is going to do what He wants (LOL). I think we’re all going to be surprised.
Peace
Hello Tony,
Nice to hear from you. Thanks for sharing these interesting thoughts.
That is a good reply and fascinating points, but I’ve not heard some.
I agree with the 70-80 generation (and even so slightly more, as God knew generations would be living longer at this time??)… and I’ve thought it has to be soonish, like as close to 2025 as possible, from watching Israel and their preparation of the building of the 3rd Temple. They have the red heifers now (which was a long wait and a special find), and they will not remain heifers longer than that year. That’s my thoughts anyway.
When antichrist rises, he will sign the 7-year peace treaty, giving them the go-ahead to build. They need to sign off on the building because they will believe he is their Messiah, the King or priest.
Also, it’s to the point where Christ’s name has been removed from everything. The blood can’t be spoken of without one thinking we are macabre and also. The false prophet-the one world religion (I believe under the Pope’s Fraternity signed in 20l9 with grand Iman of …and joined by many other religious leaders) is at the door. The Pope is presently going around the world talking about uniting faiths under his religion of socialism.
What is the thinking behind Rosh Hashana? Why not Shavuot or Passover? I’m just wondering about the significance of Rosh, which I’ve not looked into.
Hello Yvonne,
Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I hope Tony responds!
Because of your mention of the feast, I hope you will check out my recent posts on them: Unlocking the Meaning of the Three Fall Feasts of the Lord.
Hello Scott and Yvonne. Sorry for my tardiness. Why Rosh HaShannana. Like other feasts it has several names. Feast of the Awaking Blast, Feast of the Resurrection, Feast of the Last Trump. My study has lead me to believe in pre-trib Rapture. Overlay this onto Ken Johnson’s Prophetic Jewish Calamder. The first Age of Chaos 0-2000years ended with Abraham’s call. The Age of Torah 2001-3057 ended with the Crusifiction of Jesus. April 6 ,32AD. 4000years=4 Days of a Godly week. 3958-to maybe5957;2000 years of the Age of Grace. Then 1000 years of Millennial Kingdom/ Day of Rest. 5957 is 2032AD minus 7 years Tribulation brings you to 2025. Then the Bible verse: 1 Corinthians 15:52; In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump; for the trump will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. That is why Rosh HaShannah 2025 is my best bet. By the way Rosh HaShanah begins Sept 22 @10:36am Central Standard Time. Also, a really smart guy figured out that a twinkling of an eye is appropriately 1/10 of a second. Stay prayerful that we are all worthy of the Rapture:)
Tony,
Thank you for sharing all these precise thoughts!
Rosh Hashana or better known as the Feast of Trumpets starts at a day and hour no man knows, google it. That’s why it’s likened to the end that Jesus said no man knows the day or hour of. God has always used Feasts as special timings for things.
Hello Nonyabizness,
I don’t understand why you’re saying nobody knows the day or hour of Rosh Hashanah? Were told the day in Leviticus 23:23-25:
The last child born in 1988 is the generation that saw Israel’s return.
Hello Sheryll,
Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
So, if the last child was born in 1988 and the generation that saw Israel become a nation was from 1948 to 1988, what does that mean for the period from 1989 to 2025?
Chris,
That’s a good point and definitely invalidates the argument that the generation was 40 years and began when Israel became a nation in 1988.
From the prophecy in Daniel 9:24-27, many assume the little horn will make peace with Israel and then break a covenant made with them in the middle of a 7-year time. The person, also known as the antichrist or false messiah, came from the eastern half of the Roman Empire, later known as the Ottoman Empire, until the end of WW1. When Turkey joined the fight against Israel, the tribulation began. The covenant is made with many, but nothing is mentioned about Israel. The Muslim leader will unite all the factions of their religion, now over 2,000,000,000, most surrounding Israel currently, and then Luke 21 will happen. When you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know its destruction has come near. The times of the Gentiles continue until the sign of the Son of Man appears, the first resurrection/gathering at the end of the tribulation, followed by the 7 bowls of wrath on unbelievers. AD 70 did not fulfill the end time signs, nor did Messiah Yeshua return. What is happening currently, 9/30/24, maybe the Psalm 83 War, as part of the wars and rumors of wars that precede the 3.5-year tribulation. We are in year 76 since Israel became a nation again, and the coming year will prove very interesting.
Hello Gene,
Thank you very much for sharing these thoughts!
The correct reading of Matthew 24:2 is cited by Afrahat and attested in the Clementine Homilies:
“There won’t be left a stone on a stone, for she did not know the day of her greatness; this generation will not pass till the destruction begins.” (Dem. 21.18; Hom. 3.15)
Afrahat’s use of the third person corroborates that Jesus spoke to an audience, not to Jerusalem directly (as in Lk 19.42). The variant demonstrates that Lk 19.44 is spurious.
Forty years after the crucifixion, Jerusalem was ruined. While the term «generation» is self-explanatory here, in Mt 24.34, which replaces «till the destruction begins» with «till all these things have happened,» the term is obscure and has allowed for the preterist heresy. Yet despite this Catholic nonsense, most textual critics will misinterpret the reading as «harmonistic,» i.e., as a meld of Mt 24.2 and v. 34; few will perceive that the Clementine Homilies preserve a portion of “Gospel according to the Hebrews” (disregarding Afrahat’s segment).
Hello Jake,
I appreciate much of what you wrote and agree with you that full preterism is heretical.
It seems like you told us what the verses do not mean. Can you clearly state what you believe they mean? Thank you!
Generation = “Reincarnation”
Hello Sam,
I’m sorry, but I don’t fully understand your comment. Can you please elaborate?
Something that’s been on my mind lately is Jesus’s statement, “But as the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.” As it was the Lord himself who said this, it seems that we should be able to look at even the smallest details of Noah’s day.
One thing I like to consider is that Methuselah was given as a sign of the flood. I’ve heard that his name means when he dies, it will come. By God’s grace, Methuselah lived longer than any man.
I find it curious that the statement Jesus made about the fig tree is very similar if the interpretation is correct…as I have always been taught. A man’s lifespan or death was given as a sign of pre-flood. A generation’s duration is given as a sign of Christ’s return. I have to wonder if this generation’s lifespan will be stretched, like Methuselahs. So, I give up on the generational math, lol. These two signs seem so familiar that I’m pretty sure it was the same person who gave them both. God Bless
Hello Leland,
Nice to hear from you. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
Yes, I have heard that same teaching about the names of the people leading up to the flood.
I wonder if Methuselah (of the Righteous line to Noah) is a type of the Body of Christ (who ate the Righteousness of God in Christ Jesus) that is now on earth and will be taken before the ‘flood’ that is coming. When the restrainer is taken away: 2 Thessalonians). Just a quick, simple thought. Or is his life significant in the millennial period? The age man will live before the devil is once again released and before the 1000 years is up?
Hello Yvonne,
Thanks for sharing these thoughts!
Abraham had Ishmel also by Haggar. Isn’t the descendents of Ishmel Arabic with Islam their faith? I think they are being deceived. Thoughts?
Connie,
Yes, Ishmael’s descendants are the Arabs. Yes, although there are some Arab Christians, the majority are deceived.
Because Ishmael was the son of the flesh(not the promised son), his generation has always been at war with Isaac. Jealousy- that’s why they are enraged with the seed of Isaac. And I have to say that it had to be a root of anger toward the God of their father, Abraham, for seemingly casting them aside. Yet it wasn’t God’s doing..once again, man chose to try and do things their way- at the woman’s first suggestion, BUT the man was not allowed (and probably quite happily in this instance. Again, there was no protest, and voice of authority from the man).
God told Hagar that Ishmael would become a great nation, but his people would live in conflict with everyone..” a wild donkey of a man; his hand will be against everyone & everyone’s hand against him & he will live in hostility toward all his brothers.”
I can see why and how they come to their warring faith.
The thing that can be hard to grasp is that God allowed it all. Yet we see that is why He didn’t want that fruit on that tree eaten. He saw ahead what sin would do!
Hello Yvonne,
Thanks for sharing these thoughts!
He could be Gog.
Hello William,
Can you elaborate on your comment? Are you responding to a certain person?
My understanding is the AC will be of Assyrian descent. Isaiah 19:24-25; 14:25-26;30:30-31 and Micah 5:5-6
Hello Wayne,
I looked up those verses, but I don’t see how they discuss the antichrist? Perhaps Micah, but Assyria did invade Israel, which I believe is in view in those verses.
And would he be recognized as Jewish in some way because the Jews are waiting for their Messiah and believe it is him when he appears with signs and wonders?
Hello Yvonne,
I have always found it hard to believe that the Jews would embrace a Messiah who is not Jewish. Yes, I believe they would expect Him to perform signs and wonders, which the antichrist will do.
Putin upholding the Christian values in Russia, restored hundreds of Christian churches after the Soviet Union collapse.
During the last orthodox Christmas, the Russians asked the Ukrainian government to stop offensive operations so the soldiers could celebrate Christmas, they refused on orders from Washington.
Putin evil?
Mark,
Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
People either read or fail to read with any understanding of God’s word. God himself informs all mankind what a generation is. Because teachers do not want to accept what is written verbatim, they fabricate their interpretations to their own shame. In Genesis 15:13 and beyond, God tells Abraham that his offspring will sojourn in Egypt for 400 years and will be mistreated and enslaved. However, in the fourth generation at the end of that period, they will return to the promised land. A generation in God’s count is 100 years. So, in my view, when Israel became a nation in 1948 and you add 100 years, we arrive at 2048. From my perspective, there are 23 years left—plenty of time to fulfill this prophecy. Additionally, consider that 60 generations equal 6000 years, a time for man and Satan’s control over the Earth. The number 60 in Hebrew has a connected meaning of Earthly King. Is it a coincidence? I, for one, do not think so.
Hello Ralph,
This is fascinating, thank you for sharing. But do you believe any other places in Scripture support the idea that the generation is a different number of years? For example, here’s a good defense of a generation being different than 100 years: How long is a generation in the Bible?
I am not convinced the Anti-Christ is Jewish. I was taught long ago he would rise out of the old kingdom that now is Iran, Iraq, Syria, and Turkey. He will Conquer 3 of the Arab tribes the other seven will give him his kingship. An Ariba nation would never give leadership to a man of Jewish ancestry. Because he is the Anti-Christ, he will be a mirror of Christ, being roughly 33 years of age. He will perform what will be perceived as miracles, and will most likely Usher in the new world government. To declare himself god he will have to abandon the faith of his fathers.
The buying and selling of goods by a mark is a clear warning to Christianity to beware but you can’t take the mark until the Anti-Christ is walking among us. That said all things can be put into place before his arrival. Satan is alive and well his dominions are putting everything in place for his arrival. So much so that when he arrives his step to power will be mind-boggling.
As to Israel, I believe it is the centerpiece to which all will pivot around, yet the country is not yet the nation Israel. The nation had 12 tribes, 10 of whom were taken into captivity with the curse and promise that their identity would not be known Until the End time.
Joseph,
Can you imagine the Jews receiving a Messiah who is not Jewish?
I do agree with you that he will be similar to the Messiah. The word “anti” or opposite of can mean instead of verses opposed to.
Actually, I can. When there is war people look for peace and even to the point that they look even to others. So, if someone promises peace and then delivers it. Especially as the Bible says he will help them with the 3rd temple getting built. Something Jews have been wanting, since the last one was destroyed.
Loni,
Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
Yet the religious Jews are very strict about everything from the dotting of the i’s to the crossing of the t’s when it comes to the temple build. Everything has to be precise, even down to the spotless red heifers, which they now have. The last is either a King or prophet(priest) to sign off on the build. They are now waiting, and have been waiting, for Messiah’s return.
They won’t just welcome anyone…UNLESS.. as they didn’t recognize Jesus as Messiah by not knowing prophecies, e.g., Isaiah 53..(they only read the 1st five books-Torah), they may not be expecting anyone from within their own nation. I don’t know now. Ha.
Ah, I’ve just had a complete reversal, but I thought I’d write it as I was thinking, regardless.
You, Scott, or someone else can straighten me up, please.
Hello again Yvonne,
In John 5:43 Jesus said, “I have come in my Father’s name, and you do not receive me. If another comes in his own name, you will receive him.” The Jews rejected Jesus as their Messiah; therefore, they are still waiting for their Messiah to come. I believe Jesus prophesied in this verse that the Jews would receive the antichrist as their Messiah. I think Daniel 9:27 is also prophesying of the Jews receiving the antichrist: “And he shall make a strong covenant with many for one week, and for half of the week he shall put an end to sacrifice and offering. And on the wing of abominations shall come one who makes desolate, until the decreed end is poured out on the desolator.”
When the fig branch turns green in 1948, Matthew 24. Genesis 6:3 = 120 years = 2068? Our Father has 7 feasts. only 1 falls on the New Moon, and it’s called Trumpets in English. Let’s go and start to teach. What is happing today is in the Bible.
Wendell
Hello Wendell,
Nice to hear from you. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
A generation is 70 years…by reason of strength 80 years.
Kelly,
Thanks for contributing!
Could a generation simply be those born around 1948 and their average lifespan? Average lifespan is about 82 years in Israel. 1948 + 82 = 2030.
2030 is also the start of the 3rd day because a 1000 years to us is like 1 day to God.
Tyler,
That’s an interesting thought and worth consideration. My only concern is that we let Scripture interpret Scripture and I’m not aware of a generation being eighty years or more in Scripture.
@ Tyler’s comment, I’ve recently had two different people independently come up with that exact thought through different scriptures and reasonings. Specifically that the rapture would float around 2029.
Jordan,
Can you let us know how they came up with that estimated date?
I was just looking for scripture proving that a generation is 70 years, by reason of strength 80 years. Where is that in the King James Bible?
Hello Janet,
Some people think a generation is seventy years based on this verse:
I was thinking the same. 120 years is a generation, but most people live to around 85 years, so that is only 11 or 12 years around 1935 if you talk about 85 years. Yes, 120 years would make it 2068. But do you really think that the Arab nations are going to wait that long before they have a full invasion of Israel 🇮🇱? So, we are closer than we think because the Middle East is a powder keg.
Hello James,
Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
I completely agree with you and the scriptures throughout God’s Word. And the entire global community is witnessing the fulfillment of bible prophecy today right before my brother’s eyes. When our beloved Messiah was speaking privately to each of the 12 disciples, he was unequivocal about what he meant when Yeshua used the parable of the fig tree because, without question, he’s referring to the generation who witnesses the rebirth of the nation of Israel and clearly states it will be “that” generation who’ll see all these prophecies being fulfilled and that we would be the generation who will witness his soon return. Although many pastors have taught a pre-rapture doctrine, I have read first and second Thessalonians and Corinthians and have yet been able to find a definitive pre-tribulation rapture throughout these scriptures it’s simply not there, nor is there any way to explain or read into the plain language of the text that implies, says, or states there will somehow be a pre-tribulation rapture for the church said it’s not in the text and this old man very much used to believe in a pre- tribe rapture until I kept noticing how the text reads. It clearly states at the sound of the last Trump, the dead will rise from out of their graves first, and then those of us who are truly saved and born again will be changed in the twinkling of an eye. The phrase last Trump says it all, describes it all does it not?
Hello Jeff,
Even though you don’t see a pre-trib rapture you see the generation Jesus described being the generation that witnesses the judgments He describes. So, in other words, even though we don’t agree on a pre-trib rapture, we at least seem to agree on the generation Jesus had in view. God bless!
What Bible verse tells us the antichrist will be Jewish? And do you believe it will be someone who claims to be Jewish or of Abraham’s bloodline? For three years I couldn’t wrap my head around how Israel after the Holocaust would choose to inject the bioagent in their people before any other nation.
Hello Mel,
Why do I think the antichrist will be Jewish? The Jews will receive the antichrist in place of Jesus, or as the Messiah. It is hard to believe that the Jews would believe someone was their Messiah if he wasn’t Jewish.
I don’t know what you mean about whether he will claim to be Jewish or of Abraham’s bloodline. The Jews are of Abraham’s bloodline.
I have been hearing that Jesus is coming back soon ever since I was a small child. I am just about to turn 63 years young and HE tells us we will know by the signs that HIS coming is near. Anyone that is a Believer in Jesus Christ can see the signs now. Especially with evil being celebrated and good being prosecuted. We are not supposed to know the day or time, as even Jesus doesn’t know, only GOD. But we definitely know the signs are here now and it’s definitely getting closer. I pray daily that my generation might be the one that sees HIS coming.
Hello Lori,
Well said. I do think every generation is to live as though they are the last. We definitely are seeing some unprecedented evil.
The 2 witnesses are the jokers in the deck. As long as one or more were born during the first generation of modern Israel as must have happened (the hidden sign), they will last to the “last generation” before the end times begin….so the wait time is no longer predictable. But the end times will come someday. Be ready.
Hello Mike,
Good point, thanks.
Very good read. I believe the youngest of the generation that saw the rebirth of Israel would be around 75 yrs old now. Figuring AVERAGE span of a generation is 80 yrs Look into Shlomo Yehudah Be’eri the Rabbi many Jews believe to be the Messiah. He was born in Spain and has performed “miracles”. I’ve seen Rabbis also referring to him as the Messiah because he is a prodigy and can recite the Torah from memory. Just something interesting to research and steer you down into the rabbit holes of the internet. God Bless 🙏
Hello Kristen,
Thank you for sharing your thoughts. What do you mean he performed miracles? I noticed you quoted the word.
Can you explain, biblically speaking, why you think the antichrist will be Jewish?
Hello Mary,
Good question. The Jews received the antichrist in place of Jesus, or that Christ. It is hard to believe that the Jews would receive an individual as their Messiah who is not Jewish.
As far as a biblical response, I would offer Daniel 11:37 which says, “He shall pay no attention to the gods of his fathers, or to the one beloved by women. He shall not pay attention to any other god, for he shall magnify himself above all.”
This is referring to the antichrist and it says he pays no attention to the gods of his fathers, and I take this to be the patriarchs.
Do not take a chip in hand or forehead to buy and sell goods or lose salvation.
Mary,
I’m sorry, but I don’t understand what you mean. Can you please elaborate?
Scripture says that a generation is 70 years, by reason of strength 80 years. A prophet, Thomas Horne, says an asteroid from Revelation will hit on April 12, 2029 and NASA has been moving the trajectory very close every year. This prophet also prophesied the stepping down of the last Pope to the very day. NASA was at 31k to impact. Now they say 19k. Plus they have been wrong many times on trajectory. I believe it will hit. Thomas Horne is right and it’s no coincidence. It’s called Apophis.
Kelly,
Here’s what I read about this on Wikipedia: “99942 Apophis is a near-Earth asteroid and a potentially hazardous object with a diameter of 370 metres (1,210 feet) that caused a brief period of concern in December 2004 when initial observations indicated a probability up to 2.7% that it would hit Earth on April 13, 2029. Additional observations provided improved predictions that eliminated the possibility of an impact on Earth in 2029.”
Sounds like the asteroid is no longer a threat, but even if it was, don’t we believe what God’s Word says about the way the world will end? It doesn’t sound like it will be from an asteroid.
But the move toward a cashless society has already begun. With this I wonder what shall be the mark.
Heidi,
Good point. People have been talking about this for years and we are getting closer each day.
Here is another perspective that seems to be taboo. What if the people claiming to be Israel are not really Israel at all? What if they are actually Revelation 2:9 and 3:9? 1948 is irrelevant because they are NOT the descendants of Abraham. Israel is just now waking up to their identity but the world is NOT acknowledging it. So, Christ will come like a thief in the night because the world has been deceived by the synagogue of Satan. Israel was sold into slavery on slave ships Deuteronomy 28:68.
Hello Pete,
Are you saying that the Jews today are not really the descendants of Abraham? I don’t mean the spiritual children of Abraham today (Christians), but the biological descendants of Abraham?
I believe in the Psalm 90 life span but just remember, the Rapture is imminent. Nothing needs to transpire.
Mario,
Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Amen
Hello Frazil,
Do you have any other thoughts? Would you be interested in sharing why you agree?
This finally is the correct answer to my opinion by Curtis Tillman.
A generation is one lifetime, e.g. around 80 years. But the number 40 is used interchangeably for days and for years. We see that in the Bible numerous times. It refers to 40 testing and/or trial days or years e.g., Israelites wandering for 40 years in the wilderness before they entered the Promised Land. The Lord was angry at their unbelief and rebellion during that time and He said, that generation will not see and step into the promised Land. Only the generation of Caleb and Joshua did. Because they were like 40 years old or less. Even Moses did not survive to see the Land. Why? Because the generation of Moses were too old and died by then. Only those Israelites, the remnants who were young less than 40 years old at the time when they left Egypt lived through it and reached the Promised Land. Forty years old Caleb and Joshua plus another 40 years in the desert wandering equals 80 years old. So, one generation is one lifetime and it could be around 75 or up to 80 years of age. Joshua and Caleb’s generation was nearing the age of 75 and/or 80 years old when finally, God allowed them to reach the Land of promise. Our Lord fasted for 40 days (Satan tempted him);
Hello Frazil,
Nice to hear from you. Thank you for reading and sharing your thoughts. God bless!
What about Psalm 90:10, which says, “The days of our lives are seventy years; and if by reason of strength they are eighty”?
1948+80=2028 What if a generation is what psalm 90:10 is explaining?
Hi Janell,
Great point. Here is the exact verse for anyone following along…
That would be awesome to be Raptured. Unless it’s God’s will that I live to 68.
Ann,
Nice to hear from you. Yes, it would. Assuming you make it to 68, happy birthday ahead of time!
Disclaimer: For educational purposes only
Did you know that Israel is turning 100 years in 2048?
Our Gregorian calendar is incorrect (4 years missing)
Let’s just assume a generation is 100, 2048-7 (tribulation) = 2041
2041-4 (years missing) = 2037
2037-2023 = 14 years remaining to the rapture
Benny,
Nice to hear from you. Thank you for sharing your thoughts. Can you let me know using Scripture why you believe that the rapture occurs one hundred years after Israel became a nation again? Also, I don’t think I would word it this way: “It’s real is turning one hundred years in 2048.” Israel has been a nation for thousands of years.
Israel became a nation on May 17, 1948. It has NOT been a nation for hundreds or thousands of years. When the three angels came to Abram (99) and Sari (90), before going on to Sodom and Gomorrah, they said Abram would be a father of nations and Sari the mother. She laughed for they had no children. The angels said they would call their son Isaac, meaning laughter, and in one year he would be born. Hence, generational length is100 years: the age Abraham was when Isaac was born. Before the angels left they changed both their names.
Stephen,
Thanks for sharing your thoughts about a generation’s length. God bless!
It’s so cool to hear what other people think about this subject! I think Jesus is going to come and get us anytime between now and 2068.
Angela,
Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Can you explain why you believe Jesus is coming back before that date?
I agree with Angela’s perspective. Although we will not know the day or the hour, we will know the signs of the times just as we know when the seasons change.
Jesus says,“I tell you the truth, this generation will not pass from the scene until all these things take place.”
Matthew 24:34 NLT
Scripture says, “Then the Lord said, “My Spirit will not put up with humans for such a long time, for they are only mortal flesh. In the future, their normal lifespan will be no more than 120 years.””
Genesis 6:3 NLT
I believe that “this generation will not pass from the scene” to mean that as long as one person is still alive that was alive on the day that Israel became a nation then that generation has not passed. However, man’s lifespan has been limited to 120 years meaning that man could still live to be 120 years old. Although the oldest living person today is 117 years and 264 days old.
Most everyone agrees this is in relation to Israel becoming a nation. Israel became a nation in 1948.
If my interpretation is correct then ”all these things take place” sometime between now and 2068 as 1948 + 120 = 2068.
Hello Joshua,
I also agree that yes, we will not know the day or hour, but we can watch the times.
I definitely think that Israel becoming a nation again is huge. But I also know that many people have become false prophets by adding years to that date and claiming that it identifies Christ return. Maybe your dating with one hundred twenty years will be different.
Jesus mentioned that a great falling away must first take place. What happens if the rapture does not take place before the tribulation???
The Anti-christ must come out of the Jewish ✡️ nation in order to be a false messiah. Selah!
Ado,
You asked what happens if the rapture does not take place before the tribulation. Then the church would enter the tribulation. Is that what you mean?
It is 14 generations from the birth of Abraham to the birth of David. It rounds off to 80 years.
Hello Curtis,
Thank you for sharing this with Benny and the rest of us. Can you help me understand the point behind your comment? I appreciate it, but what application does it have to the topic? Thanks ahead of time for explaining.
I was thinking the same 100 years from 1948, because we know and calculate easy that from Adam to Abraham the father of Jacob/Israel is 1948 years, and 100 years more until Jacob is born. Hmmm.
Hi Darius,
Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
Benny,
So anytime soon relatively speaking. Anytime in the next 15 years should cover it.
John,
It sounds like that’s what Benny is saying. Hopefully he will respond and confirm.
There is a strong case as we see the days unfold. We are watching a convergence of things that are making us shake our heads and wonder. Every day there is a spirit that has taken over the whole earth if we’re paying attention. It will not come as a surprise to those who are looking up. Come Jesus Come. He is coming quickly.
Hello Anne,
Nice to hear from you. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I agree with you that many things are happening and we need to pay attention to what is going on around us. As Jesus taught in His parables, those remaining faithful will not be surprised and overtaken by that day.
“But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father alone” (Matthew 24:36). The return of Jesus Christ is near, even at the door, like a thief in the night (2 Peter 3:10). 1948, begins of the generation who will witness the second coming of Christ.
Could Putin be the antichrist?
Kara,
I understand why you are asking this question. Putin is not the first and he will not be the last evil leader. There would have to be quite a few more signs before I would begin to think that he was the antichrist.
With that said, I don’t think he is, because I believe the antichrist will be Jewish. I don’t see how the Jews could receive an individual as their Messiah who is not one of their brethren.
He will come like the prince of peace and will perform miracles, but he will deceive many. The one world government hasn’t come neither.
Mike,
Yes, the antichrist will come preaching peace. The white horse he rides on represents his claim to be a man of peace (Revelation 6:2). Also, yes, the one world government has not yet occurred.
The anti-whatever is not Jewish. The individual will be of French or Spanish origin. Why must he be related to the Roman empire ruler? It was the only country never defeated in war, but still fell. European charter is based on the Roman Empire. Please read Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Daniel, and Revelation. The first four are the Books of the Prophets. Everyone understands the last book, Revelation, the mirror of the future. Enjoy!
Stephen,
Why do you think you will be of French or Spanish origin?
So by your interpretation the answer to what generation is simply the generation that sees the beginnings of the trials, the final hard labor pains? Isn’t the beginnings of the trails somewhat subjective? There have been trials throughout history and certainly as described by Jesus in Matthew 24:6-8. How do you distinguish those from the ones associated with the end of the age?
Just so I am clear, you are not including Israel becoming a nation again in your interpretation?
I am personally not sure what to believe here as I hear many pastors make that claim (about the generation that saw Israel become a nation, seeing the second coming) and claim that it is still a very real possibility. If it’s a generation that shall not pass away, how long does it take for a generation to pass away? Psalm 90:10 would seem to suggest 70 years, or 80 at the longest. Still time for that generation to see the end, but not much time.
1948 + 80 = 2028.
And if you believe in a pre-tribulation rapture of the church that could be very close, 2028 – 7 = 2021!
Again, numbers based on the Israel thing, but I don’t want to fall into the same trap as Whisenant, but I do find it all very interesting and exciting to think we could well be that generation!
Exciting stuff.
Thanks for your thoughts.
Todd,
Yes, that is correct.
Yes, it is somewhat subjective. I don’t know how to determine whether they are the trials that have occurred throughout history or are those associated with the end times. More than likely those associated with the end times will be worse, but we have seen some severe winds throughout history. So again, yes, it would be difficult to determine.
No, I am not including Israel becoming a nation again in my interpretation. If that was the case I would expect the trials to begin 40 to 80 years after 1948. Like you said.
I do think Israel becoming a nation again is very significant. But I’m not comfortable saying that the generation must be within 80 years of 1948.
I think every generation should live as though the rapture could occur in their lifetimes. This is what we mean by imminency; nothing must occur first.
Thank you for your thoughts as well!
Nowhere does it state a length of time in scripture. His statement is this generation will not pass away before His return. It could quite plausibly be 100+ years. How long can a generation of people last? With our medical science in 21 century it could even be 120 years, we don’t know. Only God/Jesus knows the hour and the day.
Hi Danny,
Thanks for reading and commenting. I agree the Bible doesn’t spell it out, so it isn’t directly defined, but it is indirectly defined. Here’s a good, concise discussion of the word generation in the Bible.
Hello Todd,
You are correct on Psalms 90:10. Just think, we are in 2023 and if the rapture is to occur in 2028 or before we are only 4 1/2 years away. Wonderful to consider.
Joey
Hello Joey,
Thanks for sharing your thoughts. You can see my response to Todd for my view of his comment.
Interesting, Scott! This is one of those verses in the Bible that I just kind of read over because I didn’t understand it. Thanks for shedding some light on it for me!
You’re welcome Beka. Glad the post helped you!
Hi my Pastor,
You’ve made a strong case for 70 years as a generation in earlier Bible studies. Also, we certainly have a front row seat re folks calling evil good and good, evil these days.
Thanks Steve.
Yes, that would be exciting if we Were the last generation!