King James Version

What Does Mark 13:30 Mean?

Mark 13:30 in the King James Version says “Verily I say unto you, that this generation shall not pass, till all these things be done. — study this verse from Mark chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

Verily I say unto you, that this generation shall not pass, till all these things be done.

Mark 13:30 · KJV


Context

28

Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When her branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is near:

29

So ye in like manner, when ye shall see these things come to pass, know that it is nigh, even at the doors.

30

Verily I say unto you, that this generation shall not pass, till all these things be done.

31

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

32

But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This generation shall not pass, till all these things be done—The Greek hē genea autē (ἡ γενεὰ αὕτη, 'this generation') has sparked interpretive debate. Genea can mean: (1) the people alive when Jesus spoke, (2) the Jewish race/ethnicity, (3) a 'generation' of the wicked opposed to God, or (4) the generation that sees the signs begin.

The most natural reading refers to Jesus's contemporaries witnessing the temple's destruction (AD 70)—tauta panta (ταῦτα πάντα, 'all these things') encompassing verses 5-23, not necessarily verse 26's cosmic coming. Jesus uses amēn legō hymin (ἀμὴν λέγω ὑμῖν, 'truly I say to you'), his solemn oath formula, guaranteeing fulfillment within forty years. The word genētai (γένηται, subjunctive of 'to become/happen') emphasizes completed action. This promise validated Jesus as a true prophet (Deuteronomy 18:21-22); Jerusalem's fall in AD 70 vindicated his words and authenticated his deity.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Jesus spoke circa AD 30-33; Jerusalem fell in AD 70—exactly one biblical generation (40 years). Josephus documented the horrors matching Jesus's predictions: famine, false prophets, internecine violence, and temple destruction. Early Christians escaped to Pella (Eusebius, Church History 3.5), heeding Jesus's warning (vv. 14-16). This literal fulfillment strengthened early Christian confidence in Jesus's remaining promises, including his second coming.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the literal fulfillment of Jesus's prophecy about AD 70 bolster your confidence in unfulfilled prophecies?
  2. What does Jesus's precise prediction reveal about his divine foreknowledge and prophetic authority?
  3. How should we interpret 'this generation' when reading other gospel passages where Jesus uses the same phrase?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 15 words
ἀμὴν1 of 15

Verily

G281

properly, firm, i.e., (figuratively) trustworthy; adverbially, surely (often as interjection, so be it)

λέγω2 of 15

I say

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

ὑμῖν3 of 15

unto you

G5213

to (with or by) you

ὅτι4 of 15

that

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

οὐ5 of 15
G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

μὴ6 of 15
G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

παρέλθῃ7 of 15

pass

G3928

to come near or aside, i.e., to approach (arrive), go by (or away), (figuratively) perish or neglect, (causative) avert

8 of 15
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

γενεὰ9 of 15

generation

G1074

a generation; by implication, an age (the period or the persons)

αὕτη10 of 15

this

G3778

the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)

μέχρις11 of 15

till

G3360

as far as, i.e., up to a certain point (as a preposition, of extent (denoting the terminus, whereas g0891 refers especially to the space of time or pl

οὗ12 of 15
G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

πάντα13 of 15

all

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

ταῦτα14 of 15

these things

G5023

these things

γένηται15 of 15

be done

G1096

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Mark. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Mark 13:30 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Mark 13:30 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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