What does Luke 21:32 mean?

Explanation

Luke 21:32 is a verse from the Bible that reads, "Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass away, till all be fulfilled." This statement is attributed to Jesus Christ during his discourse about the end times, known as the Olivet Discourse.

The literal interpretation of this verse is that the generation present during Jesus' time would not completely die out before the prophecies he was discussing, including those about the destruction of Jerusalem and the events leading up to the end of the age, were fulfilled.

Some scholars and theologians, however, read this verse as referring to the generation that sees the signs of the end times beginning to unfold.

It is a verse that has sparked a great deal of debate regarding eschatology or the part of theology concerned with death, judgment, and the final destiny of the soul and of humankind.

Historical Context

Luke 21:32 is situated in the broader narrative of Luke 21, wherein Jesus speaks of the future destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem, signs of the end times, the coming of the Son of Man, and the need for vigilance.

The Gospel of Luke was written possibly between 60 and 110 AD, a time when early Christians expected the imminent return of Christ.

The historical context of this verse also includes the likely audience of the Gospel of Luke, which were primarily Greek-speaking Christians spread throughout the Roman Empire.

Theological Insights

Various theological perspectives have arisen from the interpretation of Luke 21:32.

Some hold a Preterist view that all prophecies, including the return of Christ, were fulfilled within the first century or shortly thereafter, with the destruction of the Temple in 70 AD as a key event.

Futurists, however, argue that this verse points to future events that will transpire before the Second Coming of Christ.

Whereas Historicists may view this verse as applicable to every generation since Christ, until all prophecies are fulfilled.

Also, some scholars advocate for a "partial Preterism,” where some events were fulfilled in the first century but others remain for the future.

Practical Applications

The practical application of Luke 21:32 may encourage individuals to remain vigilant and faithful, considering that prophecies could come to pass within their lifetime.

It serves as a call to be spiritually prepared at all times and to live responsibly with an eternal perspective, while also engaging with the world around them and seeking to understand the signs of their times.

Cross-References

• Matthew 24:34 - "Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled."
• Mark 13:30 - "Verily I say unto you, that this generation shall not pass, till all these things be done."
• Luke 21:31 - "So likewise ye, when ye see these things come to pass, know ye that the kingdom of God is nigh at hand."

Language Study

A key term in Luke 21:32 is "generation" (Greek: γενεά, genea), which can mean those born at the same time, a group of contemporaries, or it could refer to a race or class of people with shared characteristics.

"Pass away" (Greek: παρέρχομαι, parerchomai) implies the act of passing by or elapsing, indicating the transience of human life.

The phrase "till all be fulfilled" (Greek: πληρόω, plēroō) suggests the act of completing or accomplishing, in this case, referring to the fulfillment of prophetic events.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

This proclamation shares similarities with beliefs from different ancient cultures and religions which also held prophecies and apocalyptic predictions.

For instance, the Jewish tradition is rich with prophetic literature, and apocalyptic themes also appear in Zoroastrianism.

Many cultures and religions recognize an end-of-age scenario, often followed by restoration or a new era.

Scientific Perspectives

The verse in Luke 21:32 presents challenges when paralleling scientific perspectives, as modern science does not typically speak to the concept of prophetic fulfillment.

Rather, scientific inquiries deal with empirical observations and testable theories.

The intersection might be found more in the study of the psychology of belief and expectancy within generations or the study of societal responses to apocalyptic beliefs.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and commentators have offered a variety of interpretations of Luke 21:32.

Some, such as John Calvin, interpreted the "all these things" to be the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD.

Others suggest a dual fulfillment: one in the near term with the fall of Jerusalem and another in the distant future with the second coming of Christ.

More recent scholarship often focuses on understanding the text within its first-century context, looking at what the expectations and understandings of the audience at the time would have been.

Modern theological scholars also attempt to reconcile this verse with the fact that the generation Jesus spoke to has long passed away, yet not all that Jesus prophesied has been fulfilled, sparking debates about the true nature of biblical prophecy.