Matthew 24:34

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

Verily {G281} I say {G3004} unto you {G5213}, This {G3778} generation {G1074} shall not {G3364} pass {G3928}, till {G302}{G2193} all {G3956} these things {G5023} be fulfilled {G1096}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Yes! I tell you that this people will certainly not pass away before all these things happen.

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 these things be accomplished.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 24:34, a pivotal statement within Jesus's Olivet Discourse, serves as a critical interpretive key for understanding the timeframe and certainty of the prophecies He delivers concerning the end of the age and His glorious return. Through this emphatic declaration, Jesus assures His disciples that the unfolding of these significant eschatological events will occur within a specific, divinely appointed period, underscoring the absolute reliability of His prophetic words and the imminent nature of God's sovereign plan.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Matthew 24:34 concludes a significant section of Jesus's Olivet Discourse, which began with the disciples' questions about the destruction of the Temple and the signs of His coming and the end of the age ([Matthew 24:3](/matthew/24-3 "Matthew 24:3 - Disciples' Questions")). Prior to this verse, Jesus describes a series of escalating tribulations and signs, including wars, famines, earthquakes, persecutions, the rise of false prophets, and the "abomination of desolation" ([Matthew 24:15](/matthew/24-15 "Matthew 24:15 - The Abomination of Desolation")). These culminate in cosmic disturbances and the glorious appearance of the Son of Man ([Matthew 24:29-30](/matthew/24-29-30 "Matthew 24:29-30 - Signs in the Heavens and the Coming of the Son of Man")). Immediately preceding verse 34, Jesus presents the parable of the fig tree ([Matthew 24:32-33](/matthew/24-32-33 "Matthew 24:32-33 - The Parable of the Fig Tree")), illustrating that just as the budding fig tree signals the nearness of summer, so too will the unfolding of "all these things" signal the nearness of His coming. Verse 34 then provides a crucial temporal marker for these events.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jesus's discourse was delivered on the Mount of Olives, overlooking the magnificent Second Temple in Jerusalem, which the disciples had just admired ([Matthew 24:1](/matthew/24-1 "Matthew 24:1 - Jesus Predicts the Temple's Destruction")). The Jewish people of that era lived under Roman occupation, longing for the Messiah to deliver them and restore Israel's sovereignty. Their understanding of prophecy was deeply rooted in Old Testament texts, often anticipating a singular, cataclysmic "Day of the Lord" that would usher in the Messianic age. The destruction of the Temple, prophesied by Jesus, would have been an unthinkable catastrophe, as the Temple was the spiritual and national heart of Judaism. The disciples' questions reflect their immediate concerns about these momentous events and their connection to the end of the age, a concept deeply intertwined with Jewish apocalyptic expectations and the coming of God's kingdom.

* **Key Themes:** Matthew 24:34 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the Olivet Discourse and the Gospel of Matthew. Foremost is the **Certainty of Prophecy**, as Jesus's emphatic "Verily I say unto you" underscores the absolute truth and reliability of His words, contrasting with the deception of false prophets He warned against earlier ([Matthew 24:11](/matthew/24-11 "Matthew 24:11 - False Prophets")). The verse also highlights the **Imminence of God's Plan**, emphasizing that while the exact day and hour remain unknown ([Matthew 24:36](/matthew/24-36 "Matthew 24:36 - No One Knows the Day or Hour")), the unfolding of events will be swift and decisive once the signs begin. Furthermore, it speaks to the theme of **Divine Sovereignty over History**, assuring believers that God is in complete control of all historical developments, guiding them towards His ultimate redemptive purposes. Finally, the discourse, including this verse, calls for **Vigilance and Readiness**, urging disciples to be watchful and prepared for the Master's return, like the wise servants in the parables that follow ([Matthew 24:45-51](/matthew/24-45-51 "Matthew 24:45-51 - Parable of the Faithful and Wise Servant")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Verily (Greek, _amḗn'_):** From Hebrew origin, meaning "firm" or "trustworthy." As an adverb, it signifies "surely" or "truly." Here, Jesus uses it to introduce a statement of utmost certainty and solemnity, emphasizing the absolute truthfulness and reliability of what He is about to declare. It functions as a divine oath, guaranteeing the fulfillment of His words.
* **generation (Greek, _geneá'_):** Derived from a word meaning "birth" or "race." It can refer to a group of people born at the same time (contemporaries), a particular lineage or race (like the Jewish people), or a specific kind or class of people, often with a moral connotation (e.g., "a wicked generation"). The ambiguity of this term is central to the interpretive debates surrounding Matthew 24:34.
* **fulfilled (Greek, _gínomai'_):** A versatile verb meaning "to cause to be," "to become," or "to come into being." In this context, it signifies that "all these things" will "come to pass" or "be accomplished." It denotes the full realization and completion of the events and prophecies Jesus has just described, leaving no detail unfulfilled.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Verily I say unto you":** This is Jesus's characteristic emphatic declaration, often translated as "Truly, truly, I say to you" in John's Gospel. It signals a statement of profound importance and absolute truth, demanding the disciples' full attention and belief in the certainty of what follows. It underscores the divine authority behind His prophecy.
* **"This generation shall not pass":** This clause introduces the crucial temporal element. "This generation" refers to the specific group of people Jesus is addressing or referring to, but its precise scope is debated. "Shall not pass" signifies that this generation will not cease to exist or die out before the subsequent events unfold. It establishes a fixed timeframe, indicating that the fulfillment will occur within the lifetime or existence of this designated "generation."
* **"till all these things be fulfilled":** This phrase defines the scope of the events that must come to pass before "this generation" passes away. "All these things" refers comprehensively to the signs, tribulations, and cosmic events Jesus has just detailed in the preceding verses of the Olivet Discourse, culminating in the appearance of the Son of Man. The verb "be fulfilled" indicates their complete and comprehensive accomplishment.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 24:34 employs several potent literary devices. The phrase "Verily I say unto you" functions as an **Emphatic Affirmation**, a rhetorical device Jesus frequently uses to underscore the absolute truth and divine authority of His pronouncements. It elevates the statement to the level of undeniable certainty. The entire verse is an example of **Prophetic Language**, characteristic of biblical eschatology, where future events are declared with certainty, often employing symbolic or condensed phrasing that requires careful interpretation. The use of "this generation" and "all these things" creates a degree of **Ambiguity**, a common feature in prophetic texts that allows for multiple layers of fulfillment or for the message to resonate across different historical periods, while simultaneously challenging interpreters to discern the precise meaning intended by the speaker. This ambiguity, however, does not negate the certainty of the prophecy's fulfillment, but rather shapes the ongoing interpretive dialogue.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 24:34 stands as a powerful testament to the infallibility of God's Word and the certainty of His redemptive plan. It assures believers that divine prophecy is not mere speculation but a guaranteed unfolding of God's will in history. The debates surrounding "this generation" highlight the tension between the "already" and the "not yet" of God's kingdom—the initial fulfillment in the first century and the ultimate consummation at Christ's return. Regardless of the specific interpretation of the timeframe, the verse firmly establishes Jesus's absolute authority over history and His ultimate triumph. It calls believers to a life of expectant watchfulness, not fear, knowing that all things are moving towards the glorious revelation of God's perfect plan.

* [Isaiah 46:9-10](/isaiah/46-9-10 "Isaiah 46:9-10 - God Declares the End from the Beginning")
* [Luke 21:32](/luke/21-32 "Luke 21:32 - Parallel Olivet Discourse")
* [2 Peter 3:8-9](/2_peter/3-8-9 "2 Peter 3:8-9 - God's Patience and Promise")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 24:34, while historically and theologically complex, offers profound spiritual nourishment for believers today. It calls us to live with a deep sense of trust in God's sovereign control over all of history. In a world often characterized by uncertainty, chaos, and fear, Jesus's declaration reminds us that His words are utterly reliable and His promises will be fulfilled. This should cultivate within us a patient endurance, knowing that the trials and tribulations of the present age are not random but are part of a divinely orchestrated plan leading to a glorious culmination. Rather than engaging in speculative date-setting, the verse urges us to cultivate a posture of active vigilance, living each day in light of Christ's certain return, striving to be faithful stewards of the gospel and His kingdom until He comes. It is a call to hope, perseverance, and unwavering faith in the One who holds all time in His hands.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jesus's emphatic "Verily I say unto you" strengthen your confidence in the reliability of biblical prophecy and God's promises?**
* **In what ways does understanding the certainty of Christ's return motivate you to live a life of greater faithfulness and readiness?**
* **How can we balance the call to vigilance and watchfulness with avoiding speculative or sensationalist interpretations of end-times prophecy?**

### FAQ

**What are the main interpretations of "this generation" in Matthew 24:34?**

Answer: The phrase "this generation" (Greek: _geneá_) is the subject of significant scholarly debate, leading to several prominent interpretations. One view holds that it refers to **the contemporary generation** of Jesus's time, suggesting that "all these things" primarily refer to the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple in AD 70, along with the initial signs and tribulations that preceded it. Another interpretation understands "this generation" as referring to **the Jewish race or people**, meaning that the Jewish nation would not pass away as a distinct entity until all the prophecies, including the Second Coming of Christ, are fulfilled. A third common view is that "this generation" refers to **the generation that will be alive when the final signs of Christ's return begin to unfold**, implying that once these signs appear, that particular generation will not pass away before the ultimate fulfillment of His coming. Finally, some interpret "this generation" as referring to a persistent **"kind" of unbelieving or wicked people**, suggesting that this moral "kind" of generation will continue to exist until all things are fulfilled.

**What does "all these things" refer to in this verse?**

Answer: "All these things" refers to the comprehensive list of events and signs that Jesus describes in the preceding verses of the Olivet Discourse, specifically [Matthew 24:4-31](/matthew/24-4-31 "Matthew 24:4-31 - Signs of the End and the Coming of the Son of Man"). This includes a variety of phenomena: the rise of false Christs and prophets, wars, famines, earthquakes, widespread persecution of believers, the preaching of the gospel to all nations, the "abomination of desolation" ([Matthew 24:15](/matthew/24-15 "Matthew 24:15 - The Abomination of Desolation")), great tribulation, and cosmic disturbances like the darkening of the sun and moon. The culmination of "all these things" is the glorious appearance of the Son of Man coming on the clouds with power and great glory ([Matthew 24:30](/matthew/24-30 "Matthew 24:30 - The Coming of the Son of Man")). The scope of "all these things" is therefore broad, encompassing both historical events and future eschatological climaxes.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Matthew 24:34 specifically addresses the timing of eschatological events, its ultimate fulfillment is profoundly Christ-centered. Jesus, as the divine Prophet and King, is the very embodiment of the prophecies He delivers. His first coming, marked by His birth, life, death, and resurrection, initiated the "last days" and set in motion the divine timetable for all subsequent events. The destruction of the Temple in AD 70, often seen as a partial fulfillment of "all these things," underscored Jesus's prophetic authority and the shift from the Old Covenant to the New Covenant established in His blood ([Hebrews 8:6-13](/hebrews/8-6-13 "Hebrews 8:6-13 - The New Covenant")). Ultimately, "all these things" find their complete and final fulfillment in Christ's glorious second coming, when He will return as the triumphant Son of Man ([Revelation 1:7](/revelation/1-7 "Revelation 1:7 - Every Eye Will See Him")) to judge the living and the dead, establish His eternal kingdom, and fully consummate His redemptive work ([Revelation 11:15](/revelation/11-15 "Revelation 11:15 - The Kingdom of the World Becomes the Kingdom of Our Lord")). Thus, Matthew 24:34 is not merely about a timeline but about the unwavering certainty of Christ's sovereign reign and His ultimate victory over all things, bringing to completion God's plan for humanity and creation.

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.

Mark 13:31

Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away.

Luke 21:32

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

Luke 21:33

Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away.

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;