What does Matthew 24:34 Mean?

Study Notes

This generation
(Greek - ἀγενεαλόγητος ," the primary definition of which is, "race, kind, family, stock, breed)." (So all lexicons.) That the word is used in this sense because none of "these things," i.e. the world-wide preaching of the kingdom, the great tribulation, the return of the Lord in visible glory, and the regathering of the elect, occurred at the destruction of Jerusalem by Titus, A.D. 70. The promise is, therefore, that the generation--nation, or family of Israel-- will be preserved unto "these things"; a promise wonderfully fulfilled to this day.

Verse Meaning

Jesus first stressed the importance of what He would say. [source][source]

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What did He mean by "this generation?" Many interpreters have concluded that Jesus meant the generation of disciples to whom He spoke (cf. Matthew 11:16; Matthew 12:39; Matthew 12:41-42; Matthew 12:45; Matthew 16:4; Matthew 17:17; Matthew 23:36). Some within this group of interpreters have concluded that because these signs did not occur before that generation of disciples died Jesus made a mistake. ^[1] This solution is unacceptable in view of who Jesus was. Other interpreters in this group have concluded that since these signs did not appear during the lifetime of that generation of disciples Jesus must have been speaking metaphorically, not literally. ^[2] They say the destruction of Jerusalem fulfilled what Jesus predicted. This solution is also unacceptable because there is nothing in the text to indicate that Jesus meant that the disciples should understand the signs non-literally. Moreover numerous similar prophecies concerning Messiah"s first coming happened literally. [source][source]

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Perhaps Jesus meant that the generation of disciples that saw the future signs would also witness His return. ^[3] However the demonstrative pronoun "this" (Gr. aute) seems to stress the generation Jesus was addressing. But this pronoun could refer to the end times rather than to that generation. ^[4] I prefer this view. [source][source]

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Other interpreters have noted that "generation" (Gr. genea) can refer to a race of people, not just to one generation (cf. Matthew 16:4; Philippians 2:15). ^[1]0 They conclude that Jesus meant the Jewish race would not end before all these signs had attained fulfillment. ^[6] This is a possible solution, but it seems unusual that Jesus would introduce the continuing existence of the Jewish race to confirm the fulfillment of these signs. [source][source]

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Another view has focused attention on the words "take place" or "have happened" (Gr. genetai) that occur in all three synoptic accounts. The Greek word meant "to begin" or "to have a beginning." Advocates affirm that Jesus meant that the fulfillment of "all these things" would begin in the generation of His present disciples (cf. Matthew 24:33), but complete fulfillment would not come until later. ^[7] However, Jesus said "all" those things would begin during that generation. It is possible that "all" those things would begin during that generation if one interprets "all those things" as the signs as a whole (cf. Matthew 24:32). The earliest signs then would correspond to the branches of the fig tree becoming tender. This would be the first evidence of fulfillment shaping up. "This generation" then "represents an evil class of people who will oppose Jesus" disciples until the day He returns." ^[8] [source]

Context Summary

The preceding portion of this prophecy is by all interpreters applied to the destruction of Jerusalem. But on the portion that follows there is a considerable division of opinion.

Perhaps it is wisest, between Matthew 24:28-29, to interpolate the Christian centuries during which the gospel is being preached to the Gentiles, according to Romans 11:25, (but that whole chapter should be considered). Just as one who looks across a mountainous country may count the successive ranks of sierras or ranges, but does not record the valleys that lie between, so our Lord, who speaks as the last of the Hebrew prophets, does not stop to notice the story of the Church, but confines Himself to the events which are specially Hebrew.

Probably the present age will be ushered out by scenes not unlike those of the preceding one; and immediately afterward the Lord will set up His reign, and there shall be a new heaven and a new earth. The Advent will be sudden, Matthew 24:36; and will find men unprepared, Matthew 24:38. The Jewish people will exist as a people till then, Matthew 24:34. [source]

Chapter Summary: Matthew 24

¹  Jesus foretells the destruction of the temple;
³  what and how great calamities shall be before it;
²⁹  the signs of his coming to judgment
³⁶  And because that day and hour are unknown,
⁴²  we ought to watch like good servants, expecting our Master's coming