New Testament
Luke 21:32
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I tell you the truth: this generation will not pass away until all of this has taken place.
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Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass away, till all be fulfilled.
What Luke 21:32 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus emphasizes the certainty of His prophetic words regarding the events that will unfold. He assures His listeners that the current generation will witness the fulfillment of these prophecies. This statement highlights the urgency and importance of His teachings, as they are not just abstract ideas but will have real implications in the lives of those present. The phrase 'this generation' can refer to the people alive at that time, indicating that they will see significant events, including the destruction of the Temple and the coming of the Kingdom of God. Jesus is reinforcing the idea that God's plans will come to fruition, and His words carry weight and truth. This assurance serves to encourage believers to remain steadfast in their faith, knowing that God's promises are reliable and will be fulfilled in their lifetime.
How to apply Luke 21:32 to your life
This verse encourages us to trust in God's promises and remain vigilant in our faith. It reminds us that God's plans are unfolding, and we should be prepared for His return. Living with this awareness can inspire us to share our faith and live purposefully, knowing that our actions matter in the light of eternity.
Curated for this public verse page. Luke Summary
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Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: Teaching on the Mount of Olives (Luke 21:5–36)
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Jesus
Photo: zeevveez, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 2.0. Source. Location: Capernaum, on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee. Resized for the web.
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Capernaum
Jesus' home base by the Sea of Galilee, and the town where Peter lived.
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Keep studying Luke 21:32
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Key themes
At a Glance — the Book of Luke
- Author
- Luke the physician
- Written
- Around AD 60-62
- Genre
- Gospel and history
- Original Audience
- Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Luke 21:32 mean?
Luke 21:32 means that Jesus is assuring His listeners that the events He has prophesied will occur within their generation. He emphasizes the certainty of these prophecies being fulfilled, highlighting the importance of His teachings.
What is the significance of 'this generation' in Luke 21:32?
In Luke 21:32, 'this generation' refers to the people alive during Jesus' time, indicating that they will witness significant events, such as the destruction of the Temple and the establishment of God's Kingdom.
How does Luke 21:32 relate to faith?
Luke 21:32 relates to faith by encouraging believers to trust in God's promises and remain vigilant. It reminds them that God's plans are unfolding and they should be prepared for His return.
What themes are present in Luke 21:32?
The themes present in Luke 21:32 include prophecy, fulfillment, faith, urgency, truth, and the Kingdom of God, all of which highlight the significance of Jesus' message and the certainty of God's plans.
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