How long is a generation?

Yes, indeed. How long is a generation? We shall look at 4 verses taken from the Word of God, which is the truth and light in a world of darkness.


40 years - Numbers 32:13 "So the LORD'S anger burned against Israel, and He made them wander in the wilderness forty years, until the entire generation of those who had done evil in the sight of the LORD was destroyed.

70 years - Psalm 90:10 As for the days of our life, they contain seventy years, or if due to strength, eighty years, yet their pride is but labor and sorrow; for soon it is gone and we fly away.

120 years - Genesis 6:3 Then the Lord said, "My spirit shall not strive with man forever, because he is also flesh; nevertheless his days shall be one hundred and twenty years.

100 years - Genesis 15:12-16 "Know for certain that your descendants will be strangers in a country not their own, and they will be enslaved and mistreated four hundred years. But I will punish the nation they serve as slaves, and afterward they will come out with great possessions. You, however, will go to your fathers in peace and be buried at a good old age. In the fourth generation your descendants will come back here, for the sin of the Amorites has not yet reached its full measure."

Considering the above passage, a generation is 100 years as it writes the 301th year as the starting of the fourth generation. If this is not the case, the word 'fourth' would not be used...

In my previous post, I mentioned that the generation that saw Israel returned to their homeland will not pass away until everything is fulfilled. Israel came back in 1948, but they officially became a nation in 1967. From this, we can take either 1948 or 1967 and add the years to it. Either case, 1948 plus 100 is 2048. 1967 plus 100 is 2067. I am not saying that Christ would return exactly in one of these years. Nowadays, people are living longer. More men and women are living into their 90s. So we can never be certain how long a generation is. But we can be sure of one thing: Our generation has more reason to believe He could return during our lifetime than any generation preceding us. Hope you understand me. =)

We are the Generation!

Let's take a look at this excerpt from Matt 24.

"Now learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its twigs get tender and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near. Even so, when you see all these things, you know that it is near, right at the door. I tell you the truth, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.

A fig tree is a picture of Israel. Since Israel's independence in 1948, the Jews have been gradually gathered in the Holy Land. This fulfills what Jesus said, 'its leaves come out'. Jesus prophesied that when this happens, we are in the season of the bodily redemption, the Rapture. He weighed down this promise with an even unmistakable statement. "This generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened." Was He referring to our generation? Absolutely! The generation that saw the Jews make a comeback will not pass away until the Tribulation and the Glorious Appearing(2nd coming of Christ) come to pass. In my next post, we shall discuss how long a generation is biblically, defined by the Word of God. I'm looking forward to that! =)

"It is near, even at the doors."

Let's take a look at Matt 24:32-34

Now learn this parable from the fig tree: When its branch has already become tender and puts forth leaves, you know that summer is near. So you also when you see all these things, know that it is near, at the doors. Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all these things are fulfilled.

Whenever the Bible mentions fig tree, it usually refers to the nation Israel.(If you want evidence on this, email avadakedav@hotmail.com). When Israel officially became a nation in 1948, it meant that the 'end of the age' is 'near'. The fig tree has put forth leaves, and summer is near. The end is nigh!

From this, we know that we are 'in the season' of our Lord's coming. For He said:" So you also, when you see all these things, know that it is near, at the doors". In other words, when all the signs mentioned appear - WWI, famines, pestilence, earthquakes, and Israel becoming a nation - you know that Jesus' return is close at hand.

Just something interesting to share here: Have you noticed that the recent hike in rice prices and disasters a fulfillment of Bible prophecy?"There will be earthquakes, famines.." So keep a lookout for recent news. Since we're in the season, we should all the more keep an eye on what's happening and raise your head in awe that God is a God that doesn't write nonsense in His Book. Just a point of interest to keep you reading the news =) God loves you!