Luke 21:32

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

Verily {G281} I say {G3004} unto you {G5213},{G3754} This {G3778} generation {G1074} shall {G3928} not {G3364} pass away {G3928},{G302} till {G2193} all {G3956} be fulfilled {G1096}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Yes! I tell you that this people will certainly not pass away before it has all happened.

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 21:32, a pivotal verse within Jesus' Olivet Discourse, serves as a solemn declaration of the absolute certainty and imminent fulfillment of the prophecies He has just delivered. It assures His disciples that the events foretold—ranging from the destruction of Jerusalem to the cosmic signs preceding His glorious return—will undeniably come to pass within a specific, though debated, timeframe encapsulated by the phrase "this generation." This statement underscores divine sovereignty and the unwavering reliability of God's prophetic word.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Luke 21:32 is situated at the climax of Jesus' extensive prophetic discourse, often referred to as the Olivet Discourse, which begins in [Luke 21:5](/luke/21-5 "Luke 21:5 - Prophecy of the Temple's Destruction") with His disciples' admiration for the Temple. Jesus immediately prophesies its destruction, then warns of future tribulations, persecutions, and global upheavals ([Luke 21:7-19](/luke/21-7-19 "Luke 21:7-19 - Signs of the End Times")). He then gives a specific prophecy concerning the [siege and destruction of Jerusalem](/luke/21-20-24 "Luke 21:20-24 - The Destruction of Jerusalem"), followed by descriptions of cosmic signs and His glorious return as the Son of Man ([Luke 21:25-28](/luke/21-25-28 "Luke 21:25-28 - The Coming of the Son of Man")). Immediately preceding verse 32 is the parable of the fig tree ([Luke 21:29-31](/luke/21-29-31 "Luke 21:29-31 - The Parable of the Fig Tree")), which illustrates that just as the budding of a fig tree signals the nearness of summer, so too will the appearance of these signs indicate the nearness of the Kingdom of God. Verse 32 acts as the emphatic conclusion to this prophetic sequence, affirming its certain fulfillment, before Jesus transitions to exhortations for watchfulness and prayer ([Luke 21:33-36](/luke/21-33-36 "Luke 21:33-36 - Exhortation to Watchfulness")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jesus delivered this discourse on the Mount of Olives, overlooking Jerusalem and its magnificent Temple, a structure that symbolized Jewish identity and God's presence. At the time, Judea was under Roman occupation, a reality that fueled messianic expectations and hopes for liberation among the Jewish people. Prophecies of national destruction and a coming Messiah were deeply embedded in Jewish thought, drawing from Old Testament prophets like Daniel and Isaiah. The idea of "this generation" would have resonated with the immediate audience, who were keenly aware of the political tensions and the potential for upheaval. The subsequent fulfillment of the prophecy regarding Jerusalem's destruction in A.D. 70 by the Roman general Titus, a mere 40 years after Jesus' words, provides a significant historical anchor for understanding at least part of this prophecy's scope.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several major theological and narrative themes within Luke's Gospel and biblical eschatology. First, it powerfully asserts the **Divine Certainty** of God's prophetic word, emphasizing that what Jesus declares will undoubtedly come to pass. This theme is reinforced by the authoritative introduction, "Verily I say unto you." Second, it introduces the complex and highly debated theme of **The Enigma of "This Generation,"** which has led to diverse interpretations regarding the timing and scope of the prophecies, encompassing both near-term events (like Jerusalem's fall) and far-term events (like Christ's Second Coming). Third, the verse highlights the **Inescapable Fulfillment** of God's plan, regardless of human understanding or timeline, underscoring God's sovereignty over history. Finally, it implicitly calls for **Watchfulness and Readiness**, a theme explicitly developed in the verses immediately following [Luke 21:33-36](/luke/21-33-36 "Luke 21:33-36 - Exhortation to Watchfulness"), as believers are to live in anticipation of these certain events.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Verily (Greek, _amḗn'_):** From Hebrew origin, meaning "firm," "trustworthy," or "surely." When Jesus uses "Amen" (translated "Verily") to introduce a statement, it functions as a solemn affirmation of absolute truth and authority, underscoring the unwavering certainty and divine origin of His words. It demands attention and belief.
* **generation (Greek, _geneá'_):** This word, derived from _génos_ (race, stock), can refer to a group of people living at the same time (a contemporary generation), a lineage or race (e.g., the Jewish people), or even a particular class of people. Its precise meaning in this context is the subject of considerable scholarly debate, leading to varying interpretations of the verse's timing.
* **fulfilled (Greek, _gínomai'_):** This verb means "to come into being," "to become," "to happen," or "to be brought to pass." In the context of prophecy, it signifies the complete and certain accomplishment of what has been foretold, emphasizing that every detail will materialize precisely as declared.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Verily I say unto you,"**: This authoritative declaration, marked by the solemn "Verily" (Greek _amēn_), signals an absolute truth statement from Jesus. It emphasizes the divine certainty and unwavering reliability of the prophecy that follows, demanding the listener's full attention and belief.
* **"This generation"**: This phrase is the interpretive crux of the verse. It refers to a specific group of people, but its precise scope is debated: some understand it as the contemporary generation of Jesus' time (who would witness the destruction of Jerusalem); others, as the generation that witnesses the *beginning* of the end-time signs; and still others, as the enduring Jewish people or race throughout history.
* **"shall not pass away,"**: This signifies that the identified "generation" will not cease to exist, disappear, or die out. It conveys an assurance of continuity or endurance until the stated condition is met, highlighting the unalterable nature of the divine timetable.
* **"till all be fulfilled."**: This clause indicates the culmination point. "All" refers comprehensively to the entire sequence of prophecies Jesus has just delivered in the Olivet Discourse—from the destruction of the Temple and Jerusalem to the cosmic signs and His glorious Second Coming. It means that the designated "generation" will remain until every single one of these predicted events has come to pass.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 21:32 employs several significant literary devices that amplify its meaning and impact. The most prominent is **Prophecy**, as the entire Olivet Discourse is a future-oriented declaration of events to come, with this verse serving as a powerful affirmation of their certainty. **Emphasis** is conveyed through the opening "Verily I say unto you," using the Greek _amēn_, which functions as an authoritative oath or solemn declaration, underscoring the absolute truthfulness and divine origin of Jesus' words. This rhetorical device compels the listener to pay close attention. Furthermore, the phrase "this generation" introduces a degree of **Ambiguity**, which has led to centuries of theological debate. Whether intentional or inherent in the nature of prophetic language, this ambiguity allows the prophecy to resonate across different historical periods and interpretations, keeping the church in a state of watchful expectation. Finally, there is an element of **Hyperbole** or strong assertion in the definitive nature of "shall not pass away," which powerfully conveys the unyielding nature of God's plan.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 21:32 stands as a profound testament to God's unwavering faithfulness and the absolute reliability of His prophetic word. It assures believers that divine promises and warnings are not idle threats or mere possibilities, but certainties that will unfold precisely according to God's sovereign timetable. The tension inherent in the interpretation of "this generation" serves to maintain a posture of ongoing watchfulness within the church, preventing complacency while discouraging rigid date-setting. This verse underscores that history is not random but is moving towards a divinely appointed climax, culminating in the full establishment of God's Kingdom. It calls believers to live with a deep trust in God's control, even amidst global turmoil and uncertainty, knowing that His ultimate plan will be perfectly fulfilled.

* [Matthew 24:34](/matthew/24-34 "Matthew 24:34 - Parallel Account of Jesus' Prophecy")
* [Mark 13:30](/mark/13-30 "Mark 13:30 - Parallel Account of Jesus' Prophecy")
* [Isaiah 46:10](/isaiah/46-10 "Isaiah 46:10 - God Declares the End from the Beginning")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 21:32 calls us to a posture of profound trust and active watchfulness. The certainty of Jesus' words should instill in us an unshakeable confidence in God's sovereignty over all of history, from the rise and fall of nations to the cosmic events of the end times. This confidence liberates us from anxiety about the future, allowing us to rest in the assurance that God's plan is unfolding precisely as He intends. Rather than fueling speculative date-setting or sensationalism, this verse should inspire a deep spiritual readiness, prompting us to live lives of holiness, mission, and faithful stewardship. It reminds us that our primary call is not to decipher every detail of the prophetic timeline, but to be found faithful, serving Christ and loving our neighbors, as we await His glorious return. The imminence of "all being fulfilled" should motivate us to live each day with eternal perspective, prioritizing what truly matters in light of God's ultimate victory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the absolute certainty of Jesus' words in this verse impact my personal trust in God's promises for my life and for the world?**
* **In what practical ways can I cultivate a posture of "watchful readiness" without falling into anxiety or speculative interpretations of end-time events?**
* **Considering that "all will be fulfilled," how should this truth shape my daily priorities, my evangelistic fervor, and my commitment to living a life pleasing to God?**

### FAQ
**What are the main interpretations of "this generation" in Luke 21:32?**

Answer: The phrase "this generation" (Greek: _geneá_) in Luke 21:32 is one of the most debated in biblical prophecy, leading to three primary interpretations:

* **The Contemporary Generation:** This view holds that "this generation" refers to the people alive at the time Jesus spoke these words. Proponents argue that the prophecies concerning the destruction of Jerusalem ([Luke 21:20-24](/luke/21-20-24 "Luke 21:20-24 - The Destruction of Jerusalem")) were indeed fulfilled within 40 years, by A.D. 70, when the Romans destroyed Jerusalem and its Temple. This interpretation suggests that "all" primarily refers to these immediate events, with the broader cosmic signs and Christ's return being either distinct prophecies or a more figurative extension.
* **The Generation that Sees the Signs:** This interpretation suggests that "this generation" refers to the generation that witnesses the *beginning* of the extensive signs Jesus describes in the Olivet Discourse. Once these signs commence (e.g., wars, famines, earthquakes, persecution, cosmic disturbances described in [Luke 21:7-28](/luke/21-7-28 "Luke 21:7-28 - Signs of the End Times")), that particular generation will not pass away until *all* (including the Second Coming) are fulfilled. This aligns well with the parable of the fig tree ([Luke 21:29-31](/luke/21-29-31 "Luke 21:29-31 - The Parable of the Fig Tree")), which teaches that the appearance of certain signs indicates the nearness of the end.
* **The Jewish Race/People:** Some scholars argue that "generation" (Greek: _geneá_) can also refer to a lineage or race. In this sense, "this generation" would signify the Jewish people or nation as an enduring entity. According to this view, the Jewish people would not cease to exist until all prophecies, including the climactic return of Christ, are fulfilled, highlighting God's faithfulness to Israel despite their dispersion.

Each interpretation grapples with the tension between the immediate historical fulfillment of some prophecies (like A.D. 70) and the yet-to-be-fulfilled cosmic and eschatological events.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 21:32, while seemingly focused on a timeline, ultimately points to Christ as the central figure and ultimate fulfiller of all prophecy. Jesus is not merely the messenger of these certainties; He is the very subject and guarantor of their fulfillment. His authoritative "Verily I say unto you" underscores His divine nature and His absolute control over history, demonstrating that He is the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end, who declares the end from the beginning ([Revelation 1:8](/revelation/1-8 "Revelation 1:8 - Jesus as Alpha and Omega"); [Isaiah 46:10](/isaiah/46-10 "Isaiah 46:10 - God Declares the End from the Beginning")). The "all" that "shall be fulfilled" culminates in His glorious Second Coming, when He will return as the Son of Man with power and great glory ([Luke 21:27](/luke/21-27 "Luke 21:27 - The Coming of the Son of Man")), to establish His eternal kingdom definitively. Thus, the certainty of prophecy in [Luke 21:32](/luke/21-32 "Luke 21:32 - This Generation Shall Not Pass Away") is not a detached historical prediction, but a profound assurance rooted in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who is Himself the embodiment of God's faithful promises, and whose words, unlike heaven and earth, will never pass away ([Matthew 24:35](/matthew/24-35 "Matthew 24:35 - Heaven and Earth Will Pass Away, But My Words Will Not")). He is the one who was, and is, and is to come ([Revelation 1:4](/revelation/1-4 "Revelation 1:4 - God Who Is, Was, and Is to Come")), ensuring the perfect accomplishment of God's redemptive plan.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Mark 13:30

Verily I say unto you, that this generation shall not pass, till all these things be done.

Matthew 24:34

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

Matthew 16:28

Verily I say unto you, There be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the Son of man coming in his kingdom.

Matthew 23:36

Verily I say unto you, All these things shall come upon this generation.

Luke 11:50

That the blood of all the prophets, which was shed from the foundation of the world, may be required of this generation;

Luke 11:51

From the blood of Abel unto the blood of Zacharias, which perished between the altar and the temple: verily I say unto you, It shall be required of this generation.