Simone Lawson
The Bible does not provide a definitive answer to how many years constitute a generation, but it is generally believed to be around 20 to 30 years, which is the time it takes for children to grow up and have children of their own. In the Bible, a generation is also used to refer to a group of people with shared characteristics or experiences, rather than a specific timeframe. For instance, in the Old Testament, a generation can refer to all the people who lived during a specific period, such as the lifetime of Joseph and his brothers in Exodus 1:6. The term generation is used 119 times in the Bible, with various translations and interpretations.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of years that constitute a generation in the Bible | 20-30 years, 38 years, 40 years, or 100 years |
| Other meanings of "generation" in the Bible | A group of people characterized by certain moral or spiritual qualities; Continuity of a people or nation; A genetic line; A birth cohort |
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What You'll Learn
- The length of a generation in the Bible is typically 30 years
- In some cases, a generation is used to describe a group of people with shared moral or spiritual qualities
- The Bible uses generation to emphasise the continuity of a people or nation
- Blessings and curses are said to extend to multiple generations
- The original text of the Bible used three different words that are translated to generation in English
The length of a generation in the Bible is typically 30 years
The length of a generation in the Bible is typically understood to be around 30 years, with this interpretation based on the idea that a generation constitutes the period in which "children are born and grow up, become adults, and begin to have children". This understanding of a generation is also reflected in the original Hebrew word 'dor', which can refer to a typical physical generation.
However, the Bible's understanding of a generation is not always so straightforward. The term "generations" occurs 119 times in the Bible, and the singular form, "generation", occurs 93 times. The first use of "generation" in the Bible is in Genesis 2:4, where it refers to the history of the heavens and the earth after their creation. Here, the term "generation" appears to encompass all of human history.
In some instances, the Bible uses "generation" to refer to a group of people characterised by certain moral or spiritual qualities. For example, in Matthew 12:39, Jesus refers to the people of his time as an "evil and adulterous generation". Similarly, in Psalm 78:8, the psalmist refers to "a stubborn and rebellious generation, a generation whose heart was not steadfast, whose spirit was not faithful to God".
The Bible also uses "generation" to emphasise the continuity of a people or nation, as seen in phrases like "from generation to generation", which highlights the enduring nature of God's covenant with His people. Furthermore, the Bible often speaks about the impact of the actions of one generation on future generations, with blessings and curses sometimes said to extend to multiple generations.
It is worth noting that the length of a generation can vary depending on the context. For example, in the time of Abraham, a generation was considered to be 100 years, as seen in Genesis 15:16, where "in the fourth generation" is understood to mean in four hundred years. Additionally, in Deuteronomy 1:35 and 2:14, a generation is considered to be a period of 38 years.
Some sources also suggest that a generation can be understood as a period of 20 years, while others propose a length of 40 years. This variation in the understanding of a generation highlights the importance of considering the specific context in which the term is used in the Bible.
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In some cases, a generation is used to describe a group of people with shared moral or spiritual qualities
The Bible does not provide a definitive answer to how many years constitute a generation, and the interpretation of this concept has evolved over time. The term "generation" in the Bible is often used to refer to a group of people with shared characteristics, specifically moral or spiritual qualities. This usage goes beyond simply referring to a period of time or a cohort of people living within a certain timeframe.
In the original text of the Bible, at least three different words were translated into English as "generation". One of these is the Hebrew word "dor", which can refer to a physical generation, such as in Exodus 1:6, but can also be used metaphorically to describe people of a particular character or type. For example, in Psalm 78:8, "dor" is used to describe a "stubborn and rebellious generation, a generation whose heart was not steadfast, whose spirit was not faithful to God".
Another Hebrew word translated as "generation" is "toledot", which refers not to the qualities of a group but to how that age or era came into being. For instance, in Genesis 2:4, "toledot" is used in the phrase "generations of the heavens and the earth", referring to the era that began with the creation of the earth.
In the New Testament, the Greek word "genea" is the source of "generation". It is similar in meaning to the Hebrew words, referring to a genetic line or a timeframe characterised by a specific cultural attitude. For example, in Matthew 12:39, Jesus refers to the people of his time as an "evil and adulterous generation", criticising the culture they lived in and encouraged.
The length of a generation in the Bible is typically estimated to be around thirty years, based on the idea that one generation will be parents to the next. However, this length is not absolute and can vary depending on the context. For instance, in Deuteronomy 1:35 and 2:14, a generation is given as a period of thirty-eight years, while in Genesis 15:16, a generation is said to be a hundred years.
In summary, while the length of a generation in the Bible is generally estimated to be around thirty years, the term "generation" is also used to describe groups of people with shared moral or spiritual qualities. This usage is seen in both the Old Testament, with words like "dor" and "toledot", and the New Testament, with the word "genea". These words allow for a more nuanced understanding of "generation" beyond a simple timeframe, capturing the cultural and spiritual characteristics of a group of people.
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The Bible uses generation to emphasise the continuity of a people or nation
The Bible uses the word "generation" to refer to different lengths of time, typically understood to be around thirty years, as this is the period during which "one generation will be parents to the next". However, the term can also refer to a longer period of time, such as in the case of the "generations of the heavens and the earth", which appears to include all of human history.
The Bible also uses the word "generation" to emphasise the continuity of a people or nation. This can be seen in phrases like "from generation to generation", which highlights the enduring nature of God's covenant with His people. For example, in Genesis 4:26, it is said that "at that time, people began calling upon the name of the Lord", indicating a continuity of religious practice across generations.
The Bible also speaks about the impact of the actions of one generation on future generations. Blessings and curses are sometimes said to extend to multiple generations, emphasising the importance of righteous living and obedience to God's commandments. For instance, in Numbers 14:29-43, the Lord says, "For forty years I was disgusted with [that] generation". This idea of a prophetic generation of 40 years is also seen in Psalm 95:10.
The concept of a generation can also be used to mark off significant events and people, such as in Matthew 1:17, where the generations are marked off by Abraham, David, and the Babylonian captivity. These events and people help to provide a sense of continuity and connection between different generations.
The early Christians, for example, had the Old Testament as their Scriptures, and the Gospels and epistles added to their knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ. The first generations of Christians learned how to be followers of Christ and passed down their knowledge to future generations. Thus, the concept of generation in the Bible helps to emphasise the continuity of a people and their shared history, beliefs, and values.
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Blessings and curses are said to extend to multiple generations
The Bible uses the word "generation" in various ways. In some instances, it refers to a group of people characterised by certain moral or spiritual qualities. For example, in Matthew 12:39, Jesus refers to the people of his time as an "evil and adulterous generation". In other cases, "generation" is used to emphasise the continuity of a people or nation, as in the phrase "from generation to generation", which underscores the enduring nature of God's covenant with His people.
The Bible also speaks about the impact of one generation's actions on future generations. Blessings and curses are said to extend to multiple generations, highlighting the significance of righteous living and obedience to God's commandments. For instance, the Ten Commandments state that those who worship idols will face God's punishment, and this consequence will extend to their families for up to four generations. In contrast, those who choose to love and obey God will receive His blessing for a thousand generations.
The Bible also provides examples of generational curses, such as the curse on the serpent in Genesis 3, which has affected all humans since. Another example is the curse on Cain, who murdered his brother, causing him to become a restless wanderer. These curses can be seen as generational as they have had long-lasting impacts.
The concept of generational blessings and curses is further illustrated by the story of two American families: the descendants of Max Jukes, an atheist, faced various issues such as poverty, criminal behaviour, and alcoholism. In contrast, the descendants of Jonathan Edwards, a committed Christian, did not face similar problems.
While the Bible mentions both blessings and curses, it emphasises blessings more prominently, especially in the New Testament. However, it acknowledges the reality of curses and encourages believers to respond to them with blessings. By following God's commandments and placing Him first, individuals can establish a tradition of blessing for their present and future generations.
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The original text of the Bible used three different words that are translated to generation in English
The original text of the Bible used three different words that are translated to "generation" in English. These are "dor" or "dôr" in Hebrew, "genea" in Greek, and "sharbtha" in Aramaic.
The Hebrew word "dor" or "dôr" (דּוֹר) appears in the Bible at least 132 times out of 137 occurrences and is the most common word translated as "generation". It refers to a typical physical generation, such as in Exodus 1:6, where it describes the death of Joseph and all his brothers "of that generation". However, "dor" can also be used symbolically to refer to people of a particular type or character, such as in Psalm 78:8, where it describes a "stubborn and rebellious generation".
Another Hebrew word translated as "generation" is "toledot" or "tôledâh". This word refers to how an age or generation came into being rather than the qualities of a group or an age. For example, in Genesis 2:4, "the generations of the heavens and the earth" refer to the era that started with the creation of the earth.
In the New Testament, the Greek word "genea" is the source of the translation "generation". It is similar to both Hebrew words and literally means "fathered, birthed, or nativity", referring to a genetic line. "Genea" can refer to a timeframe characterized by a specific cultural attitude, such as when Jesus calls the Pharisees and scribes a "wicked and perverse generation" in Matthew 12:39.
Additionally, the Aramaic word "sharbtha", which means "race, tribe, family, or nation", is also translated as "generation" in some Bible versions.
The Bible also uses the word "generation" in a broader sense, referring to a group of people spanning a longer period or emphasizing the continuity of a people or nation. In some cases, it describes a group of people characterized by certain moral or spiritual qualities.
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Frequently asked questions
A generation in the Bible is typically considered to be around thirty years, as one generation will be parents to the next.
Yes, some believe a generation can be anywhere between 20 to 40 years, while others believe it could be much longer.
If we consider a generation to be 20 years, there have been around 116 generations since Jesus walked the earth.
Yes, in Deuteronomy 1:35 and 2:14, a generation is a period of thirty-eight years. Another example is the prophecy in Matthew 24, where Jesus foretold the destruction of the Temple, which occurred 70 years later in 70 AD, exactly one generation later if a generation is considered to be 40 years.
