Description

This monograph investigates the meaning of the phrase ἡ γενεά αὔτη (“this generation”) in Matthew 24:34 and argues that rather than interpreting it solely as a temporal generation contemporaneous with Jesus’s earthly ministry, a qualitative sense of the phrase is intended. By way of a comprehensive grammatical-historical analysis of the Olivet Discourse within its literary context, along with a detailed lexical examination of γενεά in ancient Jewish and Greco-Roman literature, Meyer demonstrates that Matthew evokes a “new exodus” theme as the necessary background for understanding γενεά qualitatively as referring to the Jewish nation in a state of unbelief.

Providing an interpretation rooted in Matthew’s use of a new exodus motif, supported by robust lexical data,” This Generation” in Matthew 24:34 and the New Exodus advances the conversation over the meaning of γενεά by offering a reading that is the most natural fit within the Evangelist’s historical-cultural and literary contexts. As the study concludes, “this generation” in the Olivet Discourse refers to Israel collectively in their condition of unbelief or apostasy, highlighting an eschatological new exodus pattern pervasive in Matthew’s Gospel with hope for the Jewish nation and for the world.

Table of Contents

• Ch 1 Introduction and State of the Question
• Ch 2 The Meaning of ΓΕΝΕΑ
• Ch 3 The New Exodus in the Old Testament and Matthew
• Ch 4 The New Exodus in Matthew 22–24
• Ch 5 Exegetical Analysis of Matthew 24:32-35
• Ch 6 Conclusion

About the Author

Ryan E. Meyer (PhD, Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary) is Assistant Professor of Biblical Languages at Detroit Baptist Theological Seminary in Allen Park, Michigan.

Product Details

• Publisher: SCS Press
• Series: Studies in Judeo-Christian Thought Monograph Series 
• Volume: 2
• Published: June 27, 2025
• Pages: 281
• Paperback: $27.95
• ISBN: 979-8-9882376-4-8