Truly I tell you
This phrase is a solemn affirmation used by Jesus to emphasize the truth and importance of what He is about to say. The Greek word "ἀμὴν" (amēn), translated as "truly," is a term of certainty and authority. It underscores the reliability of Jesus' words, inviting the listener to pay close attention. In the context of biblical teaching, this phrase often introduces a statement of profound significance, reflecting Jesus' divine authority and the trustworthiness of His message.

this generation
The term "generation" (Greek: "γενεά" - genea) can be understood in several ways. Historically, it has been interpreted as the people living at the time of Jesus, suggesting that some of the events He prophesied would occur within their lifetime. Alternatively, it can refer to a type of people characterized by unbelief or rebellion against God, which would persist until the fulfillment of His prophecies. This dual interpretation highlights both the immediate and the eschatological implications of Jesus' words, reminding believers of the ongoing relevance of His teachings.

will not pass away
The phrase "will not pass away" (Greek: "οὐ μὴ παρέλθῃ" - ou mē parelthē) conveys a strong negation, indicating that the events Jesus speaks of are certain to occur. This assurance reflects the unchanging nature of God's word and His sovereign control over history. The use of this phrase emphasizes the inevitability of divine prophecy, encouraging believers to trust in God's promises and remain vigilant in their faith.

until all these things have happened
This part of the verse points to the fulfillment of the prophetic events Jesus described earlier in the chapter. The phrase "all these things" encompasses the signs and occurrences leading up to the end times, as outlined in Luke 21. The certainty of these events is rooted in God's eternal plan, which unfolds according to His perfect timing. For believers, this serves as a reminder of the hope and assurance found in God's promises, urging them to live with an eternal perspective and readiness for Christ's return.

1. Jesus Christ
The speaker of this prophecy, Jesus is addressing His disciples and providing them with insights into future events.

2. The Disciples
The immediate audience of Jesus' teaching, they are being prepared for the trials and tribulations that will come.

3. Jerusalem
The city that is central to the events Jesus is describing, particularly in the context of the destruction of the temple and the end times.

4. The Generation
Refers to the people living at the time of Jesus' prophecy, though interpretations vary on whether it refers to the literal generation or a symbolic one.

5. End Times Events
The series of events Jesus describes in Luke 21, including wars, natural disasters, and cosmic signs, leading up to His return.Understanding This Generation
The term "generation" (Greek: genea) can be interpreted in various ways, including the people alive at Jesus' time, a future group witnessing the end times, or a symbolic representation of humanity. Understanding this term is crucial for interpreting the prophecy.

Certainty of Prophecy
Jesus emphasizes the certainty of His words. Believers can trust in the fulfillment of God's promises, as His word is unchanging and reliable.

Readiness and Watchfulness
The prophecy calls for believers to be vigilant and prepared for the fulfillment of God's plans. This involves spiritual readiness and a commitment to living according to God's will.

Hope in Christ's Return
Despite the trials and tribulations described, the prophecy ultimately points to the hope of Christ's return. Believers are encouraged to find comfort and assurance in this promise.

Living with an Eternal Perspective
Understanding the temporary nature of this world and the certainty of God's kingdom encourages believers to prioritize eternal values over temporal concerns.(32, 33) Verily I say unto you . . .--Here the variation ceases for a time, and the two verses are identical with Matthew 24:34-35, and Mark 13:30-31.

Verse 32. - Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pan away, till all be fulfilled. In the interpretation of this verse, a verse which has occasioned much perplexity to students, any non-natural sense for "generation" (γεμεά), such as being an equivalent for the Christian Church (Origen and Chrysostom) or the human race (Jerome) must be at once set aside. Γενέα (generation) denotes roughly a period of thirty to forty years. Thus the words of the Lord here simply asserted that within thirty or forty years all he had been particularly detailing would be fulfilled. Now, the burden of his prophecy had been the destruction of the city and temple, and the signs they were to look for as immediately preceding this great catastrophe. This was the plain and simple answer to their question of ver. 7, which asked "when these things should come to pass." The words he had added relative to the coming of the Son of man did not belong to the formal answer, but were spoken in passing. This mighty advent the Lord alluded to as probably a very remote event - an event certainly to be postponed, to use his own words, "until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled." Not so the great catastrophe involving the ruin of Jerusalem and the temple, the prophecy concerning which occupied so much of the Lord's reply. That lay in the immediate future; that would happen in the lifetime of some of those standing by. Before forty years had elapsed the city and temple, now lying before them in all its strength and beauty, would have disappeared.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Truly
ἀμὴν (amēn)
Hebrew Word
Strong's 281: Of Hebrew origin; properly, firm, i.e. trustworthy; adverbially, surely.

I tell
λέγω (legō)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 3004: (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command.

you,
ὑμῖν (hymin)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

this
αὕτη (hautē)
Demonstrative Pronoun - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3778: This; he, she, it.

generation
γενεὰ (genea)
Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1074: From genos; a generation; by implication, an age.

will not pass away
παρέλθῃ (parelthē)
Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 3928: From para and erchomai; to come near or aside, i.e. To approach, go by, perish or neglect, avert.

until
ἕως (heōs)
Conjunction
Strong's 2193: A conjunction, preposition and adverb of continuance, until.

all [these things]
πάντα (panta)
Adjective - Nominative Neuter Plural
Strong's 3956: All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.

have happened.
γένηται (genētai)
Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Middle - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1096: A prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be, i.e. to become, used with great latitude.


Luke 21:32 NIV
Luke 21:32 NLT
Luke 21:32 ESV
Luke 21:32 NASB
Luke 21:32 KJV

Luke 21:32 BibleApps.com
Luke 21:32 Biblia Paralela
Luke 21:32 Chinese Bible
Luke 21:32 French Bible
Luke 21:32 Catholic Bible

NT Gospels: Luke 21:32 Most certainly I tell you this generation (Luke Lu Lk)