John's "Generation" Thread

[John Reece]

I wonder if there is enough interest for this to work:

I'd like to take a long slow look at the word “generation” in the Bible, considering what is meant by the word in the context of each individual occurrence.

May I be permitted to make serial posts of an occurrence of the word per day, or something like that?

[GrayPilgrim]

:thumb: That sounds like a profitable study!

[John Reece]

Thanks, GP.

Yours is the opinion that matters most to me re this project, which was inspired by comments you made on another thread. I was intrigued by what you wrote, and I wish to learn more about what you see in the biblical texts.

John.

[John Reece]

My search tool is The Eerdmans Analytical Concordance to the Revised Standard Version of the Bible, compiled by Richard E. Whitaker.

My text is the English Standard Version.

The Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greeks words, which are rendered “generation” or “generations” in the RSV (search tool) and the ESV (text/context), will be copied from the Biblia Hebraica Stuttgartensia (BHS), The Septuagint (LXX), and The Greek New Testament (Nestle-Aland).

My source for textual exegesis by professional scholars is Commentary on the Old Testament by C. F. Keil and F. Delitzsch.

My source for definition of Hebrew and Aramaic words is A Concise Hebrew and Aramaic Lexicon of the Old Testament (Based on the First, Second, and Third Editions of the Koehler-Baumgartner Lexicon in Veteris Testamenti Libros, edited by William L. Holladay.

I invite GP and others to provide input from supplementary sources.

Genesis 2

4 These are the generations of the heavens and the earth when they were created, in the day that the LORD God made the earth and the heavens. (ESV)

In Genesis 2:4, the word rendered “generations” is תולדות.

I invite GP to give contemporary pronunciation and/or transliteration. What I was taught when I learned Hebrew at Duke University in the mid 20th century is not what is currently the norm.

The LXX has γεσεως (a grammatical form of genea).

Holliday gives this: collective plural : -1. (line) of descendants (i.e., genealogical list from ancestor) Gn 5:1 & often ; - 2. (one’s) generation, contempories Gn 6:9 ; - 3. story of development of generations > history Gn 37:2 ; > origin Gn 2:4 ; > order of birth Ex 28:10.

So, in the context of the creation story, the sense of the word תולדות is origin.

[John Reece]

תולדות (introduced in the prior post above) is one of three words in the Hebrew Bible which are rendered “generation” or “generations” in English versions.

The other two words are Hebrew דור and Aramaic דר. We will consider these when we come to them.

A note about the pace of new posts on this thread:

I hope to keep to a schedule of at least one new post per day, but in the near future there may be temporary pauses in that prospective pace, for medical reasons.

Tomorrow I go to see a surgeon to consider the findings of a CT scan. If a need for surgery is indicated, there will be a period of recovery that may affect the rate of new posts.

‘Just don’t want anyone to think I have abandoned this as a long-range project, which I hope to persevere in all the way through to Hebrews 3:10 – or maybe even 1 Maccabees 2:61 :smile: (Whitaker lists references in the Apocrypha after those in the New Testament).

[GrayPilgrim]

:thumb: I am looking forward to this John.

[John Reece]

Thanks, GP.

I'm looking forward to your contributions.

:thumb:

[Lizard]

Well, I know zero Hebrew, and just enough Greek to be dangerous, so I do not plan to contribute. But I look forward to the contributions of abler scholars.

[John Reece]

Genesis 5

Adam's Descendants to Noah

1 This is the book of the generations of Adam. When God created man, he made him in the likeness of God. (ESV)

The word rendered “generations” in Genesis 5:1 is תולדות.

The rendering in the LXX is γεσεως (an inflection of genea).

Per Holladay, in the context of Genesis 5:1, the sense of תולדות is collective plural : -1. (line) of descendants (i.e., genealogical list from ancestor).

[dizzle]

This is gonna be good.

[John Reece]

Today @ 12:52 PM post located here (http://www.theologyweb.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&postid=69257#post69257)
Faramir:

Well, I know zero Hebrew, and just enough Greek to be dangerous, so I do not plan to contribute. But I look forward to the contributions of abler scholars.

Happy to have your here, Faramir!

[John Reece]

Today @ 12:58 PM post located here (http://www.theologyweb.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&postid=69261#post69261)
Dee Dee Warren:

This is gonna be good.

:thumb:

Thanks for the encouragement, Dee Dee!

[GrayPilgrim]

I was wondering if you would be working through the תולדות sectoions, my one question is why not start with 2:4?

"These are the generations of the heavens and the earth when they were created, in the day that the LORD God made the earth and the heavens."

[John Reece]

Today @ 05:31 PM post located here (http://www.theologyweb.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&postid=69539#post69539)
GrayPilgrim:

I was wondering if you would be working through the תולדות sections, my one question is why not start with 2:4?

"These are the generations of the heavens and the earth when they were created, in the day that the LORD God made the earth and the heavens."

:smile:

I did!

See post # 4

:smile:

[GrayPilgrim]

Thanks, I missed it somehow and went straight ot #5.

[John Reece]

GP,

I was wondering if you would be working through the תולדות sections...

The search word is "generation", so the Hebrew and Aramaic words will be not be considered in separate sections.

[AVmetro]

These are precisely the kind of indepth studies I like to see (although I can't participate). :wink:

[John Reece]

Today @ 01:08 AM post located here (http://www.theologyweb.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&postid=70198#post70198)
AVmetro:

These are precisely the kind of indepth studies I like to see (although I can't participate). :wink:

You are certainly welcome to participate. Questions help open things up for everyone.

[John Reece]

Genesis 6

9 These are the generations (תולדות) of Noah. Noah was a righteous man, blameless in his generation (דור). Noah walked with God.

In Genesis 6:9, the first word rendered “generation” (תולדות), like the occurrence of the word in 5:1, means (line) of descendants (i.e., genealogical list from ancestor).

The second word rendered “generation” (דור) occurs in the Hebrew text in the plural form with a prepositional prefix and a possessive suffix: (בדרתיו), which Holladay defines thus: plural : among his contemporaries.

Both Hebrew words in Genesis 6:9 are rendered genea in the LXX.

[John Reece]

Genesis 7

1 Then the LORD said to Noah, "Go into the ark, you and all your household, for I have seen that you are righteous before me in this generation.

The word rendered “generation” in Genesis 7:1 is דור.

Here is Holladay’s definition: – 1. singular : circuit, lifetime, generation (from a man’s birth to the birth of his first son; the totality of (adult) contempories; a time with its noteworthy events and people) : בדור הזה Gn 7:1.

The LXX rendering of the Genesis 7:1 example in Holladay’s definition is τη γενεα ταυτη = this generation.

[John Reece]

Genesis 9

12 And God said, "This is the sign of the covenant that I make between me and you and every living creature that is with you, for all future generations: 13 I have set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between me and the earth.

The word rendered “generations” in Genesis 9:12 is the plural of דור.

The rendering in the LXX is genea.

[John Reece]

Genesis 10

Nations Descended from Noah

1 These are the generations of the sons of Noah, Shem, Ham, and Japheth. Sons were born to them after the flood.

The word rendered “generations” in Genesis 10:1 is תולדות, which means (line) of descendants (i.e., genealogical list from ancestor).

The rendering in the LXX is not γενεα (genea).

The rendering in the LXX is γενεσεις, which is an inflection of γενεσις (genesis) = the second word in the Greek New Testament, where it means genealogy.

[John Reece]

Genesis 15

16 And they shall come back here in the fourth generation, for the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet complete."

The Hebrew word rendered “generation” in Genesis 15:16 is דור.

The LXX rendering is genea.

The context (Genesis 15:12-17) raises questions about the sense of the word דור in Genesis 15:16. Here is an exegetical comment provided by C. F. Keil:

Ver. 12-17. “And when the sun was just about to go down, and deep sleep had fallen upon Abram, behold there fell upon him terror, great darkness.” The vision here passes into a prophetic sleep produced by God. In this sleep there fell upon Abram dread and darkness; this is shown by the interchange of the perfect נפלה and the participle נפלת. The reference to the time is intended to show “the supernatural character of the darkness and sleep, and the distinction between the vision and a dream” (O. v. Gerlach). It also possesses a symbolic meaning. The setting of the sun prefigured to Abram the departure of the sun of grace, which shone upon Israel, and the commencement of a dark and dreadful period of suffering for his posterity, the very anticipation of which involved Abram in darkness. For the words which he heard in the darkness were these (vers. 13 sqq.) : “Know of a surety, that thy seed shall be a stranger in a land that is not theirs, and shall serve them (the lords in the strange land), and they (the foreigners) shall oppress them 400 years.” That these words had reference to the sojourn of the children of Israel in Egypt, is placed beyond all doubt by the fulfillment. The 400 years were, according to prophetic language, a round number for the 430 years that Israel spent in Egypt (Ex. 12:40). “Also that nation whom they shall serve will I judge (see the fulfillment Ex. 6:11); and afterward shall they come out with great substance (the actual fact according to Ex. 12:31-36). And thou shalt go to thy fathers in peace, and be buried in a good old age (cf. chap. 25:7, 8); and in the fourth generation they shall come hither again.” The calculations here are made on the basis of a hundred years to a generation : not too much for those times, when the average duration of life was above 150 years, and Isaac was born in the hundredth year of Abraham’s life." Commentary on the Old Testament

[John Reece]

Genesis 17

7 And I will establish my covenant between me and you and your offspring after you throughout their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and to your offspring after you.

9 And God said to Abraham, "As for you, you shall keep my covenant, you and your offspring after you throughout their generations.

In Genesis 17: 7 and 9, the phrase rendered “throughout their generations” is a compound word consisting of a prepositional prefix, a noun, and a possessive pronoun suffix: לדרתם (The noun is דור).

The Greek rendering is εις τας γενεας αυτων (γενεας is an inflection of γενεα / genea).

The New Jerusalem Bible captures the sense of the phrase with this rendering: “generation after generation”.

[dizzle]

:thumb:

[John Reece]

Genesis 17

12 He who is eight days old among you shall be circumcised. Every male throughout your generations, whether born in your house or bought with your money from any foreigner who is not of your offspring,

The details of the occurrence of דור in Genesis 17:12 are the same as the occurrences in 17:7 and 9 (noted in prior post above), except for the different possessive pronoun suffix – “your” (plural) in place of “their” : לדרתיכם.

[John Reece]

Exodus 1

6 Then Joseph died, and all his brothers and all that generation. (ESV)

The word rendered “generation” in Exodus 1:6 is דור.

Again, here is the definition given by Holladay: “circuit, lifetime, generation (from a man’s birth to the birth of his first son; the totality of (adult) contemporaries; a time with its noteworthy events and people)”.

The rendering in the LXX is γενεα (genea).

[John Reece]

Exodus 3

15 God also said to Moses, "Say this to the people of Israel, 'The LORD, the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has sent me to you.' This is my name forever, and thus I am to be remembered throughout all generations. (ESV)

The phrase “throughout all generations" in Exodus 3:15 is a rendering of this Hebrew phrase: לדר דר, which is דור (generation) duplicated, with a prepositional prefix attached to it in the first occurrence, and the middle letter “ו” elided from both occurrences.

The NIV gives this near-“literal” rendering: “from generation to generation”.

The rendering in the LXX is γενεων γενεαις = inflected forms of γενεα.

Holladay’s definition of דור bears repeating: “circuit, lifetime, generation (from a man’s birth to the birth of his first son; the totality of (adult) contempories; a time with its noteworthy events and people)”.

[John Reece]

Exodus 6

16 These are the names of the sons of Levi according to their generations: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari, the years of the life of Levi being 137 years.

19 The sons of Merari: Mahli and Mushi. These are the clans of the Levites according to their generations.

The Hebrew word rendered “according to their generations” in Exodus 6:16 and 19 is לתלדתם. The word is a compound of a prepositional prefix, a noun, and a possessive pronoun suffix. The noun is תולדות, which Holladay defines as “(line) of descendents (i.e. genealogical list from ancestor)".

The rendering in the LXX is κατα συγγενειας αυτων.

[John Reece]

Exodus 12

14 "This day shall be for you a memorial day, and you shall keep it as a feast to the LORD; throughout your generations, as a statute forever, you shall keep it as a feast.

17 And you shall observe the Feast of Unleavened Bread, for on this very day I brought your hosts out of the land of Egypt. Therefore you shall observe this day, throughout your generations, as a statute forever.

In Exodus 12:14 and 17, the Hebrew word rendered throughout your generations is לדרתיכם, which is a compound word consisting of a prepositional prefix, a noun, and a possessive pronoun suffix. The noun is the plural of דור, which Holladay defines as “circuit, lifetime, generation (from a man’s birth to the birth of his first son; the totality of (adult) contemporaries; a time with its noteworthy events and people)”.

The rendering in the LXX is εις πασας τας γενεας υμων (verse 14) and εις γενεας υμων (verse 17).

[John Reece]

Exodus 12

42 It was a night of watching by the LORD, to bring them out of the land of Egypt; so this same night is a night of watching kept to the LORD by all the people of Israel throughout their generations. (ESV)

In Exodus 12:42, the Hebrew word rendered throughout their generations is לדרתם, which is a compound word consisting of a prepositional prefix, a noun, and a possessive pronoun suffix. The noun is the plural of דור, which Holladay defines as “circuit, lifetime, generation (from a man’s birth to the birth of his first son; the totality of (adult) contempories; a time with its noteworthy events and people)”.

The rendering in the LXX is εις γενεας αυτων.

[John Reece]

While reading the LXX just now, I happened to notice an occurrence (in Exodus 13:18) of γενεα that is not represented in the list of occurrences of “generation” produced by my search tool, The Eerdmans Analytical Concordance to the Revised Standard Version of the Bible, compiled by Richard E. Whitaker.

That made me wonder about the thoroughness and reliability of Whitaker’s Concordance, until I read the Hebrew text, which does not have any reference to any word bearing the sense of “generation”, nor do I find any English version with any word in Exodus 13:18 that corresponds to γενεα.

Here is the English text, which accurately represents the Hebrew text:

Exodus 13

18 But God led the people around by the way of the wilderness toward the Red Sea. And the people of Israel went up out of the land of Egypt equipped for battle. (ESV)

Here is the text of Exodus 13:18 in the LXX:

Και εκυκλωσεν ο Θεος τον λαον οδον την εις την ερημον, εις την ερυθραν θαλασσαν ; πεμπτη δε γενεα (and in the fifth generation) ανεβησαν οι υιοι Ισραηλ εκ γης Αιγυπτου.

I do not find any reference to Exodus 13:18 in Jellicoe’s The Septuagint and Modern Study.

:huh:

[John Reece]

Exodus 16

32 Moses said, "This is what the LORD has commanded: 'Let an omer of it be kept throughout your generations, so that they may see the bread with which I fed you in the wilderness, when I brought you out of the land of Egypt.'"

33 And Moses said to Aaron, "Take a jar, and put an omer of manna in it, and place it before the LORD to be kept throughout your generations."

In Exodus 16:32 and 33, the Hebrew word rendered throughout your generations is לדרתיכם, which is a compound word consisting of a prepositional prefix, a noun, and a possessive pronoun suffix. The noun is the plural of דור, which Holladay defines as “circuit, lifetime, generation (from a man’s birth to the birth of his first son; the totality of (adult) contempories; a time with its noteworthy events and people)”.

The rendering in the LXX is εις τας γενεας υμων.

[John Reece]

Exodus 17

15 And Moses built an altar and called the name of it, The LORD is my banner, 16 saying, "A hand upon the throne of the LORD! The LORD will have war with Amalek from generation to generation." (ESV)

The Hebrew words rendered from generation to generation in Exodus 17:16 are מדר דר, which is a double occurrence of דור with a preposition prefixed to the first.

Holladay’s definition of דור is “circuit, lifetime, generation (from a man’s birth to the birth of his first son; the totality of (adult) contempories; a time with its noteworthy events and people)”.

The rendering in the LXX is απο γενεων εις γενεας.

[John Reece]

Exodus 20

5 You shall not bow down to them or serve them, for I the LORD your God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and the fourth generation of those who hate me, 6 but showing steadfast love to thousands of those who love me and keep my commandments.

No word for “generation” occurs in the Hebrew text of Exodus 20:5.

The LXX has γενεας, an inflection of γενεα.

[John Reece]

Exodus 27

21 In the tent of meeting, outside the veil that is before the testimony, Aaron and his sons shall tend it from evening to morning before the LORD. It shall be a statute forever to be observed throughout their generations by the people of Israel. (ESV)

In Exodus 27:21 the word rendered throughout their generations is לדרתם, which is a compound word consisting of a prefixed preposition, a noun, and a possessive pronoun suffix. The word is the plural of דור.

Holladay’s definition of דור is “circuit, lifetime, generation (from a man’s birth to the birth of his first son; the totality of (adult) contempories; a time with its noteworthy events and people)”.

The LXX rendering is εις τας γενεας υμων.

[John Reece]

Exodus 29

42 It shall be a regular burnt offering throughout your generations at the entrance of the tent of meeting before the LORD, where I will meet with you, to speak to you there.

Exodus 30

8 and when Aaron sets up the lamps at twilight, he shall burn it, a regular incense offering before the LORD throughout your generations.

10 Aaron shall make atonement on its horns once a year. With the blood of the sin offering of atonement he shall make atonement for it once in the year throughout your generations. It is most holy to the LORD."

In Exodus 29:42; 30:8 and 10, the Hebrew word rendered throughout your generations is לדרתיכם, which is a compound word consisting of a prefixed preposition, a noun, and a possessive pronoun suffix. The noun is the plural of דור, which Holladay defines as “circuit, lifetime, generation (from a man’s birth to the birth of his first son; the totality of (adult) contempories; a time with its noteworthy events and people)”.

The LXX rendering for Exodus 29:42 is εις γενεας υμων (throughout your generations).

The LXX rendering for Exodus 30:8 and 10 is εις γενεας αυτων (throughout their generations).

All the pronouns in the above texts and versions are plural.

[John Reece]

Exodus 30

31 And you shall say to the people of Israel, 'This shall be my holy anointing oil throughout your generations'. (ESV)

In Exodus 30:31, the Hebrew word represented by the phrase throughout your generations is לדרתיכם, which is a compound word consisting of a prefixed preposition, a noun, and a possessive pronoun suffix. The noun is the plural of דור, which Holladay defines as “circuit, lifetime, generation (from a man’s birth to the birth of his first son; the totality of (adult) contempories; a time with its noteworthy events and people)”.

The rendering in the LXX is εις τας γενεας υμων.

[John Reece]

Exodus 30

21 They shall wash their hands and their feet, so that they may not die. It shall be a statute forever to them, even to him and to his offspring throughout their generations."

In Exodus 30:21, the Hebrew word rendered throughout their generations is לדרתם, which is a compound word consisting of a prefixed preposition, a noun, and a possessive pronoun suffix. The noun is the plural of דור, which Holladay defines as “circuit, lifetime, generation (from a man’s birth to the birth of his first son; the totality of (adult) contempories; a time with its noteworthy events and people)”.

The LXX rendering is in the singular: αυτω και ταις γενεαις αυτου μετ’ αυτον.

(This post should have preceded the one above.)

[John Reece]

Exodus 31

13 You are to speak to the people of Israel and say, 'Above all you shall keep my Sabbaths, for this is a sign between me and you throughout your generations, that you may know that I, the LORD, sanctify you. (ESV)

In Exodus 31:13, the Hebrew word rendered throughout your generations is לדרתיכם which is a compound word consisting of a prefixed preposition, a noun, and a possessive pronoun suffix. The noun is the plural of דור, which Holladay defines as “circuit, lifetime, generation (from a man’s birth to the birth of his first son; the totality of (adult) contempories; a time with its noteworthy events and people)”.

The rendering in the LXX is εις τας γενεας υμων.

[John Reece]

Exodus 31

16 Therefore the people of Israel shall keep the Sabbath, observing the Sabbath throughout their generations, as a covenant forever. (ESV)

In Exodus 31:16, the Hebrew word rendered throughout their generations is לדרתם, which is a compound word consisting of a prefixed preposition, a noun, and a possessive pronoun suffix. The noun is the plural of דור, which Holladay defines as “circuit, lifetime, generation (from a man’s birth to the birth of his first son; the totality of (adult) contempories; a time with its noteworthy events and people)”.

The rendering in the LXX is εις τας γενεας αυτων.

[John Reece]

Exodus 34

6 The LORD passed before him and proclaimed, "The LORD, the LORD, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness, 7 keeping steadfast love for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, but who will by no means clear the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children and the children's children, to the third and the fourth generation."

There is no word for “generation” in the Hebrew text of Exodus 34:7.

The LXX has γενεαν (an inflection of γενεα).

[John Reece]

Exodus 40

14 You shall bring his sons also and put coats on them, 15 and anoint them, as you anointed their father, that they may serve me as priests. And their anointing shall admit them to a perpetual priesthood throughout their generations."

In Exodus 40:15, the Hebrew word rendered throughout their generations is לדרתם, which is a compound word consisting of a prefixed preposition, a noun, and a possessive pronoun suffix. The noun is the plural of דור, which Holladay defines as “circuit, lifetime, generation (from a man’s birth to the birth of his first son; the totality of (adult) contempories; a time with its noteworthy events and people)”.

The rendering in the LXX is εις τας γενεας αυτων.

[John Reece]

Leviticus 3

17 It shall be a statute forever throughout your generations, in all your dwelling places, that you eat neither fat nor blood." (ESV)

In Leviticus 3:17, the Hebrew word rendered throughout your generations is לדרתיכם which is a compound word consisting of a prefixed preposition, a noun, and a possessive pronoun suffix. The noun is the plural of דור, which Holladay defines as “circuit, lifetime, generation (from a man’s birth to the birth of his first son; the totality of (adult) contempories; a time with its noteworthy events and people)”.

The rendering in the LXX is εις τας γενεας υμων.

[John Reece]

Leviticus 6

18 Every male among the children of Aaron may eat of it, as decreed forever throughout your generations, from the LORD's food offerings. Whatever touches them shall become holy." (ESV)

In Leviticus 6:18, the Hebrew word rendered throughout your generations is לדרתיכם which is a compound word consisting of a prefixed preposition, a noun, and a possessive pronoun suffix. The noun is the plural of דור, which Holladay defines as “circuit, lifetime, generation (from a man’s birth to the birth of his first son; the totality of (adult) contempories; a time with its noteworthy events and people)”.

The rendering in the LXX is εις τας γενεας υμων.

[John Reece]

Leviticus 7

36 The LORD commanded this to be given them by the people of Israel, from the day that he anointed them. It is a perpetual due throughout their generations."

In Leviticus 7:36, the Hebrew word rendered throughout their generations is לדרתם, which is a compound word consisting of a prefixed preposition, a noun, and a possessive pronoun suffix. The noun is the plural of דור, which Holladay defines as “circuit, lifetime, generation (from a man’s birth to the birth of his first son; the totality of (adult) contempories; a time with its noteworthy events and people)”.

The rendering in the LXX is εις τας γενεας αυτων.

[John Reece]

Leviticus 10

9 Drink no wine or strong drink, you or your sons with you, when you go into the tent of meeting, lest you die. It shall be a statute forever throughout your generations. (ESV)

In Leviticus 10:9, the Hebrew word rendered throughout your generations is לדרתיכם which is a compound word consisting of a prefixed preposition, a noun, and a possessive pronoun suffix. The noun is the plural of דור, which Holladay defines as “circuit, lifetime, generation (from a man’s birth to the birth of his first son; the totality of (adult) contempories; a time with its noteworthy events and people)”.

The rendering in the LXX is εις τας γενεας υμων.

[GrayPilgrim]

John,

I just wanted to drop you a note and say I have been appreciating these posts.

GP

[John Reece]

Thanks, GP.

[John Reece]

Leviticus 17

7 So they shall no more sacrifice their sacrifices to goat demons, after whom they whore. This shall be a statute forever for them throughout their generations. (ESV)

In Leviticus 17:7, the Hebrew word rendered throughout their generations is לדרתם, which is a compound word consisting of a prefixed preposition, a noun, and a possessive pronoun suffix. The noun is the plural of דור, which Holladay defines as “circuit, lifetime, generation (from a man’s birth to the birth of his first son; the totality of (adult) contempories; a time with its noteworthy events and people)”.

The rendering in the LXX is εις τας γενεας υμων ("your", rather than "their " [as in the English and Hebrew]).

[John Reece]

Leviticus 21

17 Speak to Aaron, saying, None of your offspring throughout their generations who has a blemish may approach to offer the bread of his God. (ESV)

In Leviticus 21:17, the Hebrew word rendered throughout their generations is לדרתם, which is a compound word consisting of a prefixed preposition, a noun, and a possessive pronoun suffix. The noun is the plural of דור, which Holladay defines as “circuit, lifetime, generation (from a man’s birth to the birth of his first son; the totality of (adult) contempories; a time with its noteworthy events and people)”.

The rendering in the LXX is εις τας γενεας υμων (your).

[John Reece]

Leviticus 22

3 Say to them, 'If any one of all your offspring throughout your generations approaches the holy things that the people of Israel dedicate to the LORD, while he has an uncleanness, that person shall be cut off from my presence: I am the LORD. (ESV)

In Leviticus 22:3, the Hebrew word rendered throughout your generations is לדרתיכם which is a compound word consisting of a prefixed preposition, a noun, and a possessive pronoun suffix. The noun is the plural of דור, which Holladay defines as “circuit, lifetime, generation (from a man’s birth to the birth of his first son; the totality of (adult) contempories; a time with its noteworthy events and people)”.

The rendering in the LXX is εις τας γενεας υμων.

[John Reece]

Leviticus 23

14 And you shall eat neither bread nor grain parched or fresh until this same day, until you have brought the offering of your God: it is a statute forever throughout your generations in all your dwellings.

21 And you shall make proclamation on the same day. You shall hold a holy convocation. You shall not do any ordinary work. It is a statute forever in all your dwelling places throughout your generations.

31 You shall not do any work. It is a statute forever throughout your generations in all your dwelling places. (ESV)

41 You shall celebrate it as a feast to the LORD for seven days in the year. It is a statute forever throughout your generations; you shall celebrate it in the seventh month.

In Leviticus 23:14, 21, 31 and 41, the Hebrew word rendered throughout your generations is לדרתיכם which is a compound word consisting of a prefixed preposition, a noun, and a possessive pronoun suffix. The noun is the plural of דור, which Holladay defines as “circuit, lifetime, generation (from a man’s birth to the birth of his first son; the totality of (adult) contempories; a time with its noteworthy events and people)”.

The rendering in the LXX is εις τας γενεας υμων.

[John Reece]

Leviticus 24

3 Outside the veil of the testimony, in the tent of meeting, Aaron shall arrange it from evening to morning before the LORD regularly. It shall be a statute forever throughout your generations. (ESV)

In Leviticus 24:3, the Hebrew word rendered throughout your generations is לדרתיכם which is a compound word consisting of a prefixed preposition, a noun, and a possessive pronoun suffix. The noun is the plural of דור, which Holladay defines as “circuit, lifetime, generation (from a man’s birth to the birth of his first son; the totality of (adult) contempories; a time with its noteworthy events and people)”.

The rendering in the LXX is εις τας γενεας υμων.

[John Reece]

Leviticus 25

30 If it is not redeemed within a full year, then the house in the walled city shall belong in perpetuity to the buyer, throughout his generations; it shall not be released in the jubilee. (ESV)

In Leviticus 25:30, the Hebrew word rendered throughout his generations is לדרתיו, which is a compound word consisting of a prefixed preposition, a noun, and a possessive pronoun suffix. The noun is the plural of דור, which Holladay defines as “circuit, lifetime, generation (from a man’s birth to the birth of his first son; the totality of (adult) contempories; a time with its noteworthy events and people)”.

The LXX rendering is εις τας γενεας αυτου.

[John Reece]

Numbers 1

20 The people of Reuben, Israel's firstborn, their generations, by their clans, by their fathers' houses, according to the number of names, head by head, every male from twenty years old and upward, all who were able to go to war:

22 Of the people of Simeon, their generations, by their clans, by their fathers' houses, those of them who were listed, according to the number of names, head by head, every male from twenty years old and upward, all who were able to go to war:

24 Of the people of Gad, their generations, by their clans, by their fathers' houses, according to the number of the names, from twenty years old and upward, all who were able to go to war:

26 Of the people of Judah, their generations, by their clans, by their fathers' houses, according to the number of names, from twenty years old and upward, every man able to go to war:

28 Of the people of Issachar, their generations, by their clans, by their fathers' houses, according to the number of names, from twenty years old and upward, every man able to go to war:

30 Of the people of Zebulun, their generations, by their clans, by their fathers' houses, according to the number of names, from twenty years old and upward, every man able to go to war:

32 Of the people of Joseph, namely, of the people of Ephraim, their generations, by their clans, by their fathers' houses, according to the number of names, from twenty years old and upward, every man able to go to war:

34 Of the people of Manasseh, their generations, by their clans, by their fathers' houses, according to the number of names, from twenty years old and upward, every man able to go to war:

36 Of the people of Benjamin, their generations, by their clans, by their fathers' houses, according to the number of names, from twenty years old and upward, every man able to go to war:

38 Of the people of Dan, their generations, by their clans, by their fathers' houses, according to the number of names, from twenty years old and upward, every man able to go to war

40 Of the people of Asher, their generations, by their clans, by their fathers' houses, according to the number of names, from twenty years old and upward, every man able to go to war:

42 Of the people of Naphtali, their generations, by their clans, by their fathers' houses, according to the number of names, from twenty years old and upward, every man able to go to war:

In the dozen verses of Numbers 1 listed above, the Hebrew word rendered their generations is תולדתם, which is a composite word consisting of a noun and a possessive pronoun suffix. The noun is תולדות, which Holladay defines as " -- 1. (line) of descendents (i.e. genealogical list from ancestor)".

The rendering in the LXX is συγγενειας αυτων.

[John Reece]

Numbers 3

The Sons of Aaron

1 These are the generations of Aaron and Moses at the time when the LORD spoke with Moses on Mount Sinai. (ESV)

In Numbers 3:1, the word rendered “generations” is תולדת, which is defined by Holladay as – 1. (line) of descendants (i.e. genealogical list from ancestor).

The rendering in the LXX is γενεσεις (= plural of γενεσις / genesis).

[John Reece]

Numbers 10

8 And the sons of Aaron, the priests, shall blow the trumpets. The trumpets shall be to you for a perpetual statute throughout your generations. (ESV)

In Numbers 10:8, the Hebrew word rendered throughout your generations is לדרתיכם which is a compound word consisting of a prefixed preposition, a noun, and a possessive pronoun suffix. The noun is the plural of דור, which Holladay defines as “circuit, lifetime, generation (from a man’s birth to the birth of his first son; the totality of (adult) contempories; a time with its noteworthy events and people)”.

The rendering in the LXX is εις τας γενεας υμων.

[John Reece]

Numbers 14

18 'The LORD is slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love, forgiving iniquity and transgression, but he will by no means clear the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children, to the third and the fourth generation.' (ESV)

With regard to the word “generation” in the English versions of Numbers 14:18, there is no corresponding word in the Hebrew text.

Where the English has “generation” and the Hebrew has no word, the LXX has γενεας (an inflection of γενεα / genea).

[John Reece]

Numbers 15

14 And if a stranger is sojourning with you, or any one is among you throughout your generations, and he wishes to offer an offering by fire, a pleasing odor to the Lord, he shall do as you do. (RSV)

15 For the assembly, there shall be one statute for you and for the stranger who sojourns with you, a statute forever throughout your generations. You and the sojourner shall be alike before the LORD. (ESV)

21 Some of the first of your dough you shall give to the LORD as a contribution throughout your generations. (ESV)

23 all that the LORD has commanded you by Moses, from the day that the LORD gave commandment, and onward throughout your generations, (ESV)

A curious thing: the ESV does not have “generations” in verse 14, but the Hebrew does have the same word there as it does in the other three verses listed above; likewise the LXX, except only that the LXX has a different pronoun and the rest of the phrase in a different grammatical case. :huh:

The Hebrew word rendered throughout your generations in the verses listed above is לדרתיכם which is a compound word consisting of a prefixed preposition, a noun, and a possessive pronoun suffix. The noun is the plural of דור, which Holladay defines as “circuit, lifetime, generation (from a man’s birth to the birth of his first son; the totality of (adult) contempories; a time with its noteworthy events and people)”.

The rendering in the LXX for verses 15, 21, and 23 is εις τας γενεας υμων. The rendering in verse 14 is εν ταις γενεαις υμων.

[John Reece]

Numbers 15

38 Speak to the people of Israel, and tell them to make tassels on the corners of their garments throughout their generations, and to put a cord of blue on the tassel of each corner.

In Numbers 15:38, the Hebrew word rendered throughout their generations is לדרתם, which is a compound word consisting of a prefixed preposition, a noun, and a possessive pronoun suffix. The noun is the plural of דור, which Holladay defines as “circuit, lifetime, generation (from a man’s birth to the birth of his first son; the totality of (adult) contempories; a time with its noteworthy events and people)”.

The rendering in the LXX is εις τας γενεας αυτων.

[John Reece]

Numbers 18

23 But the Levites shall do the service of the tent of meeting, and they shall bear their iniquity. It shall be a perpetual statute throughout your generations, and among the people of Israel they shall have no inheritance.

In Numbers 18:23, the Hebrew word rendered throughout your generations is לדרתיכם which is a compound word consisting of a prefixed preposition, a noun, and a possessive pronoun suffix. The noun is the plural of דור, which Holladay defines as “circuit, lifetime, generation (from a man’s birth to the birth of his first son; the totality of (adult) contempories; a time with its noteworthy events and people)”.

The LXX rendering is εις τας γενεας αυτων (throughout their generations).

[John Reece]

Numbers 32

13 And the LORD's anger was kindled against Israel, and he made them wander in the wilderness forty years, until all the generation that had done evil in the sight of the LORD was gone.

The Hebrew word rendered “generation” in Numbers 32:13 is דור, which Holladay defines as “circuit, lifetime, generation (from a man’s birth to the birth of his first son; the totality of (adult) contempories; a time with its noteworthy events and people)”.

The LXX rendering is γενεα.

[John Reece]

Numbers 35

29 And these things shall be for a statute and rule for you throughout your generations in all your dwelling places. (ESV)

In Numbers 35:29, the Hebrew word rendered throughout your generations is לדרתיכם which is a compound word consisting of a prefixed preposition, a noun, and a possessive pronoun suffix. The noun is the plural of דור, which Holladay defines as “circuit, lifetime, generation (from a man’s birth to the birth of his first son; the totality of (adult) contempories; a time with its noteworthy events and people)”.

The LXX rendering is εις τας γενεας υμων.

[John Reece]

Deuteronomy 1

35 'Not one of these men of this evil generation shall see the good land that I swore to give to your fathers, 36 except Caleb the son of Jephunneh. He shall see it, and to him and to his children I will give the land on which he has trodden, because he has wholly followed the LORD!' (ESV)

In Deuteronomy 1:35, the Hebrew word rendered “generation” is דור, which Holladay defines as “circuit, lifetime, generation (from a man’s birth to the birth of his first son; the totality of (adult) contempories; a time with its noteworthy events and people)”.

The LXX omits the entire phrase rendered “this evil generation” in the English versions.

[John Reece]

Deuteronomy 2

14 And the time from our leaving Kadesh-barnea until we crossed the brook Zered was thirty-eight years, until the entire generation, that is, the men of war, had perished from the camp, as the LORD had sworn to them. (ESV)

In Deuteronomy 2:14, the Hebrew word rendered “generation” is דור, which Holladay defines as “circuit, lifetime, generation (from a man’s birth to the birth of his first son; the totality of (adult) contempories; a time with its noteworthy events and people)”.

The LXX has γενεα / genea.

[John Reece]

Deuteronomy 5

9 You shall not bow down to them or serve them; for I the LORD your God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, 10 but showing steadfast love to thousands of those who love me and keep my commandments.

In the Hebrew text of Deuteronomy 5:9, there is no word that corresponds to the English word generation.

The LXX has γενεαν, an inflection of γενεα / genea.

[John Reece]

Deuteronomy 7

9 Know therefore that the LORD your God is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, to a thousand generations, 10 and repays to their face those who hate him, by destroying them. He will not be slack with one who hates him. He will repay him to his face.

In Deuteronomy 7:9, the Hebrew word rendered “generations” is the plural of דור, which Holladay defines as “circuit, lifetime, generation (from a man’s birth to the birth of his first son; the totality of (adult) contempories; a time with its noteworthy events and people)”.

The LXX has γενεας = plural of γενεα / genea.

[John Reece]

Deuteronomy 23

2 "No one born of a forbidden union may enter the assembly of the LORD. Even to the tenth generation, none of his descendants may enter the assembly of the LORD. 3 "No Ammonite or Moabite may enter the assembly of the LORD. Even to the tenth generation, none of them may enter the assembly of the LORD forever, 4 because they did not meet you with bread and with water on the way, when you came out of Egypt, and because they hired against you Balaam the son of Beor from Pethor of Mesopotamia, to curse you.

In Deuteronomy 23:2-3 (= 3-4 in the Hebrew text), the Hebrew word rendered generation is דור, which Holladay defines as “circuit, lifetime, generation (from a man’s birth to the birth of his first son; the totality of (adult) contempories; a time with its noteworthy events and people)”.

The LXX has γενεας, an inflection of γενεα / genea.

[John Reece]

Deuteronomy 23

7 You shall not abhor an Edomite, for he is your brother. You shall not abhor an Egyptian, because you were a sojourner in his land. 8 Children born to them in the third generation may enter the assembly of the LORD.

In Deuteronomy 23:8, the Hebrew word rendered “generation” is דור, which Holladay defines as “circuit, lifetime, generation (from a man’s birth to the birth of his first son; the totality of (adult) contempories; a time with its noteworthy events and people)”.

The LXX has γενεα / genea.

[John Reece]

Deuteronomy 29

22 And the next generation, your children who rise up after you, and the foreigner who comes from a far land, will say, when they see the afflictions of that land and the sicknesses with which the LORD has made it sick— (ESV)

In Deuteronomy 29:22 (21 in Hebrew text), the Hebrew word rendered “generation” is דור, which Holladay defines as “circuit, lifetime, generation (from a man’s birth to the birth of his first son; the totality of (adult) contempories; a time with its noteworthy events and people)”.

The LXX has γενεα / genea.

[John Reece]

Deuteronomy 32

5 They have dealt corruptly with him;
they are no longer his children because they are blemished;
they are a crooked and twisted generation.

In Deuteronomy 32:5, the Hebrew word rendered “generation” is דור, which Holladay defines as “circuit, lifetime, generation (from a man’s birth to the birth of his first son; the totality of (adult) contempories; a time with its noteworthy events and people)”.

The LXX has γενεα / genea.

[John Reece]

Deuteronomy 32

7 Remember the days of old;
consider the years of many generations;
ask your father, and he will show you,
your elders, and they will tell you. (ESV)

This is an interesting.

From reading the English version, one would expect to see a plural form of a word for “generation” in the Hebrew text. Instead, we find שנות דור ודור, (“years of generation and generation”)

Here is Keil’s comment:

The days of old (עולם), and years of generation and generation, i.e. years through which one generation after another had lived, are the times of the deliverance of Israel out of Egypt, including the pre-Mosaic times, and also the immediate post-Mosaic, when Israel had entered into the possession of Canaan.

As usual, for the benefit of those just coming in on the current post (and those of us who are memory-challenged :smile: ) Holladay’s definition for דור is “circuit, lifetime, generation (from a man’s birth to the birth of his first son; the totality of (adult) contempories; a time with its noteworthy events and people)”.

The LXX has ετη γενεων γενεαις.

[John Reece]

Deuteronomy 32

20 And he said, 'I will hide my face from them;
I will see what their end will be,
For they are a perverse generation,
children in whom is no faithfulness.

In Deuteronomy 32:20, the Hebrew word rendered “generation” is דור, which Holladay defines as “circuit, lifetime, generation (from a man’s birth to the birth of his first son; the totality of (adult) contempories; a time with its noteworthy events and people)”.

The LXX has γενεα / genea.

[John Reece]

Joshua 22

26 Therefore we said, 'Let us now build an altar, not for burnt offering, nor for sacrifice, 27 but to be a witness between us and you, and between our generations after us, that we do perform the service of the LORD in his presence with our burnt offerings and sacrifices and peace offerings, so your children will not say to our children in time to come, "You have no portion in the LORD."' 28 And we thought, If this should be said to us or to our descendents in time to come, we should say, 'Behold, the copy of the altar of the LORD, which our fathers made, not for burnt offerings, nor for sacrifice, but to be a witness between us and you.'

The Hebrew word rendered “our generations in Joshua 22:27 and our descendents in 22:28 is דרתינו, which is a composite word consisting of a noun and a possessive pronoun suffix. The noun is the plural of דור. Holladay defines the plural as “generations, with “generation defined as “circuit, lifetime, generation (from a man’s birth to the birth of his first son; the totality of (adult) contempories; a time with its noteworthy events and people)”.

The LXX has των γενεων ημων μεθ’ ημας (our generations after us) in verse 27, and ταις γενεαις ημων αυριον (our generations hereafter) in verse 28.

[John Reece]

Judges 2

10 And all that generation also were gathered to their fathers. And there arose another generation after them who did not know the LORD or the work that he had done for Israel.

The Hebrew word rendered “generation” twice in Judges 2:10 is דור, which Holladay defines as “circuit, lifetime, generation (from a man’s birth to the birth of his first son; the totality of (adult) contempories; a time with its noteworthy events and people)”.

The LXX has γενεα / genea.

[John Reece]

Judges 3

1 Now these are the nations that the LORD left, to test Israel by them, that is, all in Israel who had not experienced all the wars in Canaan. 2 It was only in order that the generations of the people of Israel might know war, to teach war to those who had not known it before. (ESV)

In Judges 3:2, the Hebrew word rendered generations is דרות, the plural of דור, which Holladay defines as “circuit, lifetime, generation (from a man’s birth to the birth of his first son; the totality of (adult) contempories; a time with its noteworthy events and people)”.

The LXX has the plural of γενεα.

[John Reece]

1 Chronicles 5

4 The sons of Joel: Shemaiah his son, Gog his son, Shimei his son, 5 Micah his son, Reaiah his son, Baal his son, 6 Beerah his son, whom Tiglath-pileser king of Assyria carried away into exile; he was a chief of the Reubenites. 7 And his kinsmen by their clans, when the genealogy of their generations was recorded: the chief, Jeiel, and Zechariah, 8 and Bela the son of Azaz, son of Shema, son of Joel, who lived in Aroer, as far as Nebo and Baal-meon.

In 1 Chronicles 5:7, the Hebrew word rendered of their generations is לתלדותם, which is a composite word consisting of a prefixed preposition, a noun, and a possessive pronoun suffix. The noun is תולדות, which Holladay defines as “—1. (line) of descendants (i.e. genealogical list from ancestor)”.

The LXX has the plural of γενεσις / genesis.

[John Reece]

1 Chronicles 7

2 The sons of Tola: Uzzi, Rephaiah, Jeriel, Jahmai, Ibsam, and Shemuel, heads of their fathers' houses, namely of Tola, mighty warriors of their generations, their number in the days of David being 22,600.

4 And along with them, by their generations, according to their fathers' houses, were units of the army for war, 36,000, for they had many wives and sons.

9 And their enrollment by genealogies, according to their generations, as heads of their fathers' houses, mighty warriors, was 22,200.

In 1 Chronicles 7:2 , 4, and 9, the Hebrew word rendered "of / by / to their generations" is לתלדותם, which is a composite word consisting of a prefixed preposition, a noun, and a possessive pronoun suffix. The noun is תולדות.

Here is Holladay’s definition of תולדות:

collective plural : - 1. (line) of descendents (i.e. genealogical list from ancestor) Genesis 5 and often ; - 2. (one’s) generation, contempories Genesis 6:9 ; - 3. story of development of generations > history Genesis 37:2 ; > origin Genesis 2:4 ; > order of birth Exodus 28:10.

The LXX has the plural of γενεσις / genesis.

[John Reece]

1 Chronicles 8

28 These were the heads of fathers' houses, according to their generations, chief men. These lived in Jerusalem.

1 Chronicles 9

7 Of the Benjaminites: Sallu the son of Meshullam, son of Hodaviah, son of Hassenuah, 8 Ibneiah the son of Jeroham, Elah the son of Uzzi, son of Michri, and Meshullam the son of Shephatiah, son of Reuel, son of Ibnijah; 9 and their kinsmen according to their generations, 956. All these were heads of fathers' houses according to their fathers' houses.

34 These were heads of fathers' houses of the Levites, according to their generations, leaders. These lived in Jerusalem.

In Chronicles 8:28, 9:9, 9:34, the Hebrew word rendered according to their generations" is לתלדותם, which is a composite word consisting of a prefixed preposition, a noun, and a possessive pronoun suffix. The noun is תולדות.

Here is Holladay’s definition of תולדות:

collective plural : - 1. (line) of descendents (i.e. genealogical list from ancestor) Genesis 5 and often ; - 2. (one’s) generation, contempories Genesis 6:9 ; - 3. story of development of generations > history Genesis 37:2 ; > origin Genesis 2:4 ; > order of birth Exodus 28:10.

The LXX has the plural of γενεσις / genesis

[John Reece]

1 Chronicles 16

15 Remember his covenant forever (לעולם),
the word that he commanded, for a thousand generations (לאלף דור / εις χιλιας γενεας),
16 the covenant that he made with Abraham,
his sworn promise to Isaac,
17 which he confirmed as a statute to Jacob,
as an everlasting covenant to Israel,
18 saying, "To you I will give the land of Canaan,
as your portion for an inheritance."

[John Reece]

Esther 9

26 Therefore they called these days Purim, after the term Pur. Therefore, because of all that was written in this letter, and of what they had faced in this matter, and of what had happened to them, 27 the Jews firmly obligated themselves and their offspring and all who joined them, that without fail they would keep these two days according to what was written and at the time appointed every year, 28 that these days should be remembered and kept throughout every generation, in every clan, province, and city, and that these days of Purim should never fall into disuse among the Jews, nor should the commemoration of these days cease among their descendants.

In Esther 9:28, the Hebrew phrase rendered throughout every generation is בכל דור ודור.

Holladay defines דור as “circuit, lifetime, generation (from a man’s birth to the birth of his first son; the totality of (adult) contempories; a time with its noteworthy events and people)”.

The LXX has εκ των γενεων

[John Reece]

Job 42

16 And after this Job lived 140 years, and saw his sons, and his sons' sons, four generations. 17 And Job died, an old man, and full of days. (ESV)

In Job 42:16, the Hebrew word rendered generations is דרות, which is the plural of דור.

From Holladay’s Concise Lexicon:
דור
- 1. (singular) circuit, lifetime, generation (from a man’s birth to the birth of his first son; the totality of (adult) contempories; a time with its noteworthy events and people)” : הדור הזה Genesis 7:1 ; לאלף דור to the 1000th generation Deuteronomy 7:9 ; דור דור Exodus 3:16, דור לדור generation to generation ; – 2. (plural) generations: דרותינו the generations coming after us Joshua 22:27 ; בדרתיו among his contempories Genesis 6:7.

The LXX has γενεα / genea.

[John Reece]

Psalm 10

6 He says in his heart, "I shall not be moved;
throughout all generations I shall not meet adversity." (ESV)

In Psalm 10:6, the Hebrew phrase rendered throughout all generations is לדר ודר, which consists of a repetition of the word דור, with the middle letter elided and a different prefixed preposition in from of each occurrence.

From Holladay’s Concise Lexicon:
דור
- 1. (singular) circuit, lifetime, generation (from a man’s birth to the birth of his first son; the totality of (adult) contempories; a time with its noteworthy events and people)” : הדור הזה Genesis 7:1 ; לאלף דור to the 1000th generation Deuteronomy 7:9 ; דור דור Exodus 3:16, דור לדור generation to generation ; – 2. (plural) generations: דרותינו the generations coming after us Joshua 22:27 ; בדרתיו among his contempories Genesis 6:7.

The LXX has απο γενεας εις γενεαν.

[John Reece]

Psalm 12

7 You, O LORD, will keep them;
you will guard us from this generation forever. (ESV)

In Psalm 12:7, the Hebrew phrase rendered this generation in the ESV is הדור זו, which consists of a prefixed article (ה / “the”), a noun (דור / “generation”), and a demonstrative pronoun (זו / “this”).

From Holladay’s Concise Lexicon:
דור
- 1. (singular) circuit, lifetime, generation (from a man’s birth to the birth of his first son; the totality of (adult) contempories; a time with its noteworthy events and people)” : הדור הזה Genesis 7:1 ; לאלף דור to the 1000th generation Deuteronomy 7:9 ; דור דור Exodus 3:16, דור לדור generation to generation ; – 2. (plural) generations: דרותינו the generations coming after us Joshua 22:27 ; בדרתיו among his contempories Genesis 6:7.

The LXX has της γενεας ταυτης.

[John Reece]

Psalm 14

5 There they are in great terror,
for God is with the generation of the righteous. (ESV)

In Psalm 14:5, the Hebrew word rendered “generation” in the ESV is דור.

F. Delitzsch, in Commentary on the Old Testament in Ten Volumes, Volume V (Psalms), gave this comment:

Verse 5. When Jahve thus bursts forth in scorn His word, which never fails in its working, smites down these brutish men, who are without knowledge and conscience. The local demonstrative שם is used as temporal in this passage just as in lxvi. 6, Hos. ii. 17, Zeph. i. 14, Job xxiii. 7, xxxv. 12, and is joined with the perfect of certainty, as in xxxvi. 13, where it has not so much a temporal as a local sense. It does not mean “there = at a future time”, as pointing into the indefinite future, but, “there = then”, when God shall thus speak to them in His anger. Intensity is here given to the verb פחד by the addition of a substantival object of the same root, just as is frequently the case in the more elevated style, e. g. Hab. iii. 9; and as is done in other cases by the addition of the adverbial infinitive. Then, when God’s long-suffering changes into wrath, terror at His judgment seizes them and they tremble through and through. This judgment of wrath, however, is on the other hand a revelation of love. Jahve avenges and thus delivers those whom He calls עמי (My people); and who are here called דור צדיק, the generation of the righteous, in opposition to the corrupted humanity of the time (xii. 8), as being conformed to the will of God and held together by a superior spirit to the prevailing spirit of the age. They are so called inasmuch as דור passes over from the signification generation to that of genus hominum here and also elsewhere, when it is not a merely temporal, but a moral notion; cf. xxiv. 6, lxxiii. 15, cxii. 2, where it uniformly denotes the whole of the children of God who are in bondage in the world and longing for deliverance, not Israel collectively in antithesis to the Scythians and the heathen in general (Hitzig).

Compare Holladay’s Concise Lexicon:

דור
- 1. (singular) circuit, lifetime, generation (from a man’s birth to the birth of his first son; the totality of (adult) contempories; a time with its noteworthy events and people)” : הדור הזה Genesis 7:1 ; לאלף דור to the 1000th generation Deuteronomy 7:9 ; דור דור Exodus 3:16, דור לדור generation to generation ; – 2. (plural) generations: דרותינו the generations coming after us Joshua 22:27 ; בדרתיו among his contempories Genesis 6:7.

The LXX has γενεα / genea.

[John Reece]

Psalm 22

30 Posterity shall serve him;
it shall be told of the Lord to the coming generation;
31 they shall come and proclaim his righteousness to a people yet unborn,
that he has done it. (ESV)

In Psalm 22:30 (31 in BHS), the Hebrew word rendered “generation” in the ESV is דור.

From F. Delitzsch (Commentary on the Old Testament):
And the result of this evangel of the mighty act of rescue is not only of boundless universality, but also of unlimited duration: it propagates itself from one generation to another.

From Holladay (Concise Lexicon):
דור
- 1. (singular) circuit, lifetime, generation (from a man’s birth to the birth of his first son; the totality of (adult) contempories; a time with its noteworthy events and people)” : הדור הזה Genesis 7:1 ; לאלף דור to the 1000th generation Deuteronomy 7:9 ; דור דור Exodus 3:16, דור לדור generation to generation ; – 2. (plural) generations: דרותינו the generations coming after us Joshua 22:27 ; בדרתיו among his contempories Genesis 6:7.

The LXX has γενεα.

[John Reece]

Psalm 24

1 The earth is the LORD's and the fullness thereof,
the world and those who dwell therein,
2 for he has founded it upon the seas
and established it upon the rivers.
3 Who shall ascend the hill of the LORD?
And who shall stand in his holy place?
4 He who has clean hands and a pure heart,
who does not lift up his soul to what is false
and does not swear deceitfully.
5 He will receive blessing from the LORD
and righteousness from the God of his salvation.
6 Such is the generation of those who seek him,
who seek the face of the God of Jacob. (ESV)

In Psalm 24:6, the Hebrew word rendered “generation” is דור.

From F. Delitzsch (Commentary on the Old Testament):

With verse 5 the answer to the question of verse 3 is at an end; verse 6 adds that those thus qualified, who may accordingly expect to receive God’s gifts of salvation, are the true church of Jahve, the Israel of God. דור (lit. a revolution, Arabic dahr, root דר, to turn, revolve) is used here, and in xiv. 5, cxii. 2, of a collective whole, whose bond of union is not cotemporaneousness, but similarity of disposition; and it is an alliteration with the דרשיו (Chethib, דרשו, without the Jod plur.) which follows.

The LXX has γενεα / genea.

[John Reece]

Psalm 33

11 The counsel of the LORD stands forever,
the plans of his heart to all generations. (ESV)

In Psalm 33:11, the Hebrew phrase rendered to all generations is לדר ודר, which consists of a repetition of the word דור, with the middle letter elided and a different prefixed preposition in front of each occurrence.

From Holladay’s Concise Lexicon:
דור
- 1. (singular) circuit, lifetime, generation (from a man’s birth to the birth of his first son; the totality of (adult) contempories; a time with its noteworthy events and people)” : הדור הזה Genesis 7:1 ; לאלף דור to the 1000th generation Deuteronomy 7:9 ; דור דור Exodus 3:16, דור לדור generation to generation ; – 2. (plural) generations: דרותינו the generations coming after us Joshua 22:27 ; בדרתיו among his contempories Genesis 6:7.

From F. Delitzsch (Commentary on the Old Testament:
With verse 11 compare Prov. xix. 21. The עצת of God is the unity of the “thoughts of His heart,” i. e. of the ideas, which form the inmost part, the ultimate motives of everything that takes place. The whole history of the world is the uninterrupted carrying out of a divine plan of salvation, the primary object of which is His people, but in and with these are included humanity at large.

The LXX has απο γενεας εις γενεαν.

[John Reece]

Psalm 45

17 [English] / 18 [Hebrew] I will cause your name to be remembered in all generations; therefore nations will praise you forever and ever. (ESV)

In Psalm 45:17, the Hebrew phrase rendered “generations” in the ESV is דר ודר, which has the word דור twice, with the middle letter elided from both words and a preposition prefixed onto the second word.

From Holladay (Concise Lexicon):
דור
- 1. (singular) circuit, lifetime, generation (from a man’s birth to the birth of his first son; the totality of (adult) contempories; a time with its noteworthy events and people)” : הדור הזה Genesis 7:1 ; לאלף דור to the 1000th generation Deuteronomy 7:9 ; דור דור Exodus 3:16, דור לדור generation to generation ; – 2. (plural) generations: דרותינו the generations coming after us Joshua 22:27 ; בדרתיו among his contempories Genesis 6:7.

The LXX has γενεα και γενεα.

[John Reece]

Psalm 48

12 Walk about Zion, go around her,
number her towers,
13 consider well her ramparts,
go through her citadels,
that you may tell the next generation (דור / γενεα)
14 that this is God,
our God forever and ever.
He will guide us forever.

From Holladay (Concise Lexicon):
דור
- 1. (singular) circuit, lifetime, generation (from a man’s birth to the birth of his first son; the totality of (adult) contempories; a time with its noteworthy events and people)” : הדור הזה Genesis 7:1 ; לאלף דור to the 1000th generation Deuteronomy 7:9 ; דור דור Exodus 3:16, דור לדור generation to generation ; – 2. (plural) generations: דרותינו the generations coming after us Joshua 22:27 ; בדרתיו among his contempories Genesis 6:7.

[John Reece]

Psalm 49

10 For he sees that even the wise die;
the fool and the stupid alike must perish
and leave their wealth to others.
11 Their graves are their homes forever,
their dwelling places to all generations,
though they called lands by their own names.

In Psalm 4:11 (English) / 12 (Hebrew), the Hebrew phrase rendered in the ESV "to all generations" is לדר ודת, which is the word דור twice, with the middle letter elided and prepositions prefixed onto the front of each.

From Holladay (Concise Lexicon):
דור
- 1. (singular) circuit, lifetime, generation (from a man’s birth to the birth of his first son; the totality of (adult) contempories; a time with its noteworthy events and people)” : הדור הזה Genesis 7:1 ; לאלף דור to the 1000th generation Deuteronomy 7:9 ; דור דור Exodus 3:16, דור לדור generation to generation ; – 2. (plural) generations: דרותינו the generations coming after us Joshua 22:27 ; בדרתיו among his contempories Genesis 6:7.

The LXX has εις γενεν και γενεαν.

[John Reece]

Psalm 49

15 But God will ransom my soul from the power of Sheol,
for he will receive me. Selah
16 Be not afraid when a man becomes rich,
when the glory of his house increases.
17 For when he dies he will carry nothing away;
his glory will not go down after him.
18 For though, while he lives, he counts himself blessed,
--and though you get praise when you do well for yourself--
19 his soul will go to the generation of his fathers,
who will never again see light. (ESV)

In Psalm 49:19, the Hebrew word rendered “generation” in the ESV is דור.

From Holladay (Concise Lexicon):
דור
- 1. (singular) circuit, lifetime, generation (from a man’s birth to the birth of his first son; the totality of (adult) contempories; a time with its noteworthy events and people)” : הדור הזה Genesis 7:1 ; לאלף דור to the 1000th generation Deuteronomy 7:9 ; דור דור Exodus 3:16, דור לדור generation to generation ; – 2. (plural) generations: דרותינו the generations coming after us Joshua 22:27 ; בדרתיו among his contempories Genesis 6:7.

The LXX has an inflection of γενεα.

[John Reece]

Psalm 61

6 Prolong the life of the king;
may his years endure to all generations! (ESV)

In Psalm 61:6, the Hebrew phrase rendered “generations” in the ESV is דר ודר, which is דור twice, with the middle letter elided and a preposition prefixed onto the second of the two occurrences of the word. A “wooden” “literal” translation would be “generation and generation”.

From Holladay (Concise Lexicon):
דור
- 1. (singular) circuit, lifetime, generation (from a man’s birth to the birth of his first son; the totality of (adult) contempories; a time with its noteworthy events and people)” : הדור הזה Genesis 7:1 ; לאלף דור to the 1000th generation Deuteronomy 7:9 ; דור דור Exodus 3:16, דור לדור generation to generation ; – 2. (plural) generations: דרותינו the generations coming after us Joshua 22:27 ; בדרתיו among his contempories Genesis 6:7.

The LXX has γενεας και γενεας.

[John Reece]

Psalm 71

18 So even to old age and gray hairs,
O God, do not forsake me,
until I proclaim your might to another generation,
your power to all those to come. (ESV)

In Psalm 71:18, the Hebrew word rendered “generation” in the ESV is דור.

From Holladay's Concise Lexicon:
דור
- 1. (singular) circuit, lifetime, generation (from a man’s birth to the birth of his first son; the totality of (adult) contempories; a time with its noteworthy events and people)” : הדור הזה Genesis 7:1 ; לאלף דור to the 1000th generation Deuteronomy 7:9 ; דור דור Exodus 3:16, דור לדור generation to generation ; – 2. (plural) generations: דרותינו the generations coming after us Joshua 22:27 ; בדרתיו among his contempories Genesis 6:7.

The LXX has γενεα.

[John Reece]

Psalm 72

5 May they fear you while the sun endures,
and as long as the moon, throughout all generations! (ESV)

In Psalm 72, the Hebrew phrase rendered throughout all generations in the ESV is דור דורים, of which a wooden literal rendering is “generation generations”.

From Holladay’s Concise Lexicon:
דור
- 1. (singular) circuit, lifetime, generation (from a man’s birth to the birth of his first son; the totality of (adult) contempories; a time with its noteworthy events and people)” : הדור הזה Genesis 7:1 ; לאלף דור to the 1000th generation Deuteronomy 7:9 ; דור דור Exodus 3:16, דור לדור generation to generation ; – 2. (plural) generations: דרותינו the generations coming after us Joshua 22:27 ; בדרתיו among his contempories Genesis 6:7.

The LXX has γενεας γενεων.

[John Reece]

Psalm 73

13 All in vain have I kept my heart clean
and washed my hands in innocence.
14 For all the day long I have been stricken
and rebuked every morning.
15 If I had said, "I will speak thus,"
I would have betrayed the generation of your children.
16 But when I thought how to understand this,
it seemed to me a wearisome task,
17 until I went into the sanctuary of God;
then I discerned their end.
18 Truly you set them in slippery places;
you make them fall to ruin.
19 How they are destroyed in a moment,
swept away utterly by terrors!
20 Like a dream when one awakes,
O Lord, when you rouse yourself, you despise them as phantoms.
21 When my soul was embittered,
when I was pricked in heart,
22 I was brutish and ignorant;
I was like a beast toward you.
23 Nevertheless, I am continually with you;
you hold my right hand.
24 You guide me with your counsel,
and afterward you will receive me to glory.
25 Whom have I in heaven but you?
And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you.
26 My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
27 For behold, those who are far from you shall perish;
you put an end to everyone who is unfaithful to you.
28 But for me it is good to be near God;
I have made the Lord GOD my refuge,
that I may tell of all your works. (ESV)

In Psalm 73:15, the Hebrew word that is rendered generation in the ESV is דור.

From Holladay’s Concise Lexicon:
דור
- 1. (singular) circuit, lifetime, generation (from a man’s birth to the birth of his first son; the totality of (adult) contempories; a time with its noteworthy events and people)” : הדור הזה Genesis 7:1 ; לאלף דור to the 1000th generation Deuteronomy 7:9 ; דור דור Exodus 3:16, דור לדור generation to generation ; – 2. (plural) generations: דרותינו the generations coming after us Joshua 22:27 ; בדרתיו among his contempories Genesis 6:7.

The LXX has γενεα.

[John Reece]

Psalm 78

2 I will open my mouth in a parable;
I will utter dark sayings from of old,
3 things that we have heard and known,
that our fathers have told us.
4 We will not hide them from their children,
but tell to the coming generation
the glorious deeds of the LORD, and his might,
and the wonders that he has done.
5 He established a testimony in Jacob
and appointed a law in Israel,
which he commanded our fathers
to teach to their children,
6 that the next generation might know them,
the children yet unborn,
and arise and tell them to their children,
7 so that they should set their hope in God
and not forget the works of God,
but keep his commandments;
8 and that they should not be like their fathers,
a stubborn and rebellious generation,
a generation whose heart was not steadfast,
whose spirit was not faithful to God.

In Psalm 78:4, 6, and 8, the Hebrew word that is rendered “generation” in the ESV is דור.

From Holladay’s Concise Lexicon:
דור
- 1. (singular) circuit, lifetime, generation (from a man’s birth to the birth of his first son; the totality of (adult) contempories; a time with its noteworthy events and people)” : הדור הזה Genesis 7:1 ; לאלף דור to the 1000th generation Deuteronomy 7:9 ; דור דור Exodus 3:16, דור לדור generation to generation ; – 2. (plural) generations: דרותינו the generations coming after us Joshua 22:27 ; בדרתיו among his contempories Genesis 6:7.

The LXX has γενεα.

[John Reece]

Psalm 79

13 But we your people, the sheep of your pasture,
will give thanks to you forever;
from generation to generation we will recount your praise. (ESV)

In Psalm 79:13, the Hebrew phrase rendered from generation to generation in the ESV is לדר ודר, which consists of a repetition of the word דור, with the middle letter elided and a different prefixed preposition in front of each occurrence.

From Holladay’s Concise Lexicon:
דור
- 1. (singular) circuit, lifetime, generation (from a man’s birth to the birth of his first son; the totality of (adult) contempories; a time with its noteworthy events and people)” : הדור הזה Genesis 7:1 ; לאלף דור to the 1000th generation Deuteronomy 7:9 ; דור דור Exodus 3:16, דור לדור generation to generation ; – 2. (plural) generations: דרותינו the generations coming after us Joshua 22:27 ; בדרתיו among his contempories Genesis 6:7.

The LXX has genea.

[John Reece]

Psalm 85

4 Restore us again, O God of our salvation,
and put away your indignation toward us!
5 Will you be angry with us forever?
Will you prolong your anger to all generations? (ESV)

In Psalm 85:5, the Hebrew phrase rendered to all generations in the ESV is לדר ודר, which consists of a repetition of the word דור, with the middle letter elided and a different prefixed preposition in front of each occurrence.

From Holladay’s Concise Lexicon:
דור
- 1. (singular) circuit, lifetime, generation (from a man’s birth to the birth of his first son; the totality of (adult) contempories; a time with its noteworthy events and people)” : הדור הזה Genesis 7:1 ; לאלף דור to the 1000th generation Deuteronomy 7:9 ; דור דור Exodus 3:16, דור לדור generation to generation ; – 2. (plural) generations: דרותינו the generations coming after us Joshua 22:27 ; בדרתיו among his contempories Genesis 6:7.

The LXX has apo geneaV eiV genean.

[John Reece]

Psalm 89

1 I will sing of the steadfast love of the LORD, forever;
with my mouth I will make known your faithfulness to all generations.
2 For I said, "Steadfast love will be built up forever;
in the heavens you will establish your faithfulness."
3 You have said, "I have made a covenant with my chosen one;
I have sworn to David my servant:
4 'I will establish your offspring forever,
and build your throne for all generations.'" (ESV)

In Psalm 89 in the ESV, the Hebrew phrase rendered to all generations in verse 1, and for all generations in verse 4, is לדר ודר, which consists of a repetition of the word דור, with the middle letter elided and a different prefixed preposition in front of each occurrence.

From Holladay’s Concise Lexicon:
דור
- 1. (singular) circuit, lifetime, generation (from a man’s birth to the birth of his first son; the totality of (adult) contempories; a time with its noteworthy events and people)” : הדור הזה Genesis 7:1 ; לאלף דור to the 1000th generation Deuteronomy 7:9 ; דור דור Exodus 3:16, דור לדור generation to generation ; – 2. (plural) generations: דרותינו the generations coming after us Joshua 22:27 ; בדרתיו among his contempories Genesis 6:7.

The LXX has εις γενεαν και γενεαν.

[John Reece]

Psalm 90

1 Lord, you have been our dwelling place
in all generations. (ESV)

In Psalm 90:1, the Hebrew phrase rendered in all generations in the ESV is בדר ודר, which is דור twice with the middle letter elided from both, and a different prefixed preposition in front of each.

From Holladay’s Concise Lexicon:
דור
- 1. (singular) circuit, lifetime, generation (from a man’s birth to the birth of his first son; the totality of (adult) contempories; a time with its noteworthy events and people)” : הדור הזה Genesis 7:1 ; לאלף דור to the 1000th generation Deuteronomy 7:9 ; דור דור Exodus 3:16, דור לדור generation to generation ; – 2. (plural) generations: דרותינו the generations coming after us Joshua 22:27 ; בדרתיו among his contempories Genesis 6:7.

The LXX has en genea kai genea.

[John Reece]

Psalm 100

5 For the LORD is good;
his steadfast love endures forever,
and his faithfulness to all generations. (ESV)

In Psalm 100:5, the Hebrew phrase rendered to all generations in the ESV is עד דר ודר, which is a preposition and דור twice with the middle letter elided from both, and a preposition prefixed to the second דור.

From Holladay’s Concise Lexicon:
דור
- 1. (singular) circuit, lifetime, generation (from a man’s birth to the birth of his first son; the totality of (adult) contempories; a time with its noteworthy events and people)” : הדור הזה Genesis 7:1 ; לאלף דור to the 1000th generation Deuteronomy 7:9 ; דור דור Exodus 3:16, דור לדור generation to generation ; – 2. (plural) generations: דרותינו the generations coming after us Joshua 22:27 ; בדרתיו among his contempories Genesis 6:7.

The LXX has ewV geneaV kai geneaV

[John Reece]

Psalm 102

12 But you, O LORD, are enthroned forever;
you are remembered throughout all generations. (ESV)

In Psalm 102:12 (13 in Hebrew), the Hebrew phrase rendered throughout all generations in the ESV is לדר ודר, which consists of דור, twice with the middle letter elided and a different prefixed preposition in front of each.

From Holladay’s Concise Lexicon:
דור
- 1. (singular) circuit, lifetime, generation (from a man’s birth to the birth of his first son; the totality of (adult) contempories; a time with its noteworthy events and people)” : הדור הזה Genesis 7:1 ; לאלף דור to the 1000th generation Deuteronomy 7:9 ; דור דור Exodus 3:16, דור לדור generation to generation ; – 2. (plural) generations: דרותינו the generations coming after us Joshua 22:27 ; בדרתיו among his contempories Genesis 6:7.

The LXX has eiV genean kai genean.

[John Reece]

Psalm 102

18 Let this be recorded for a generation to come,
so that a people yet to be created may praise the LORD:
19 that he looked down from his holy height;
from heaven the LORD looked at the earth,
20 to hear the groans of the prisoners,
to set free those who were doomed to die,
21 that they may declare in Zion the name of the LORD,
and in Jerusalem his praise,
22 when peoples gather together,
and kingdoms, to worship the LORD. (ESV)

In Psalm 102:18, the Hebrew phrase rendered “for a generation to come” in the ESV is לדור אחרון. The noun דור is highlighted to distinguish it from the prefixed preposition.

From Holladay’s Concise Lexicon:
דור
- 1. (singular) circuit, lifetime, generation (from a man’s birth to the birth of his first son; the totality of (adult) contempories; a time with its noteworthy events and people)” : הדור הזה Genesis 7:1 ; לאלף דור to the 1000th generation Deuteronomy 7:9 ; דור דור Exodus 3:16, דור לדור generation to generation ; – 2. (plural) generations: דרותינו the generations coming after us Joshua 22:27 ; בדרתיו among his contempories Genesis 6:7.

The LXX has eiV genean eteran.

[John Reece]

Psalm 102

23 He has broken my strength in midcourse;
he has shortened my days.
24 "O my God," I say, "take me not away
in the midst of my days--
you whose years endure
throughout all generations!" (ESV)

In Psalm 102:24, the Hebrew phrase rendered throughout all generations in the ESV is בדור דורים, which is the singular of דור with a prefixed preposition, followed by the plural of דור.

From Holladay’s Concise Lexicon:
דור
- 1. (singular) circuit, lifetime, generation (from a man’s birth to the birth of his first son; the totality of (adult) contempories; a time with its noteworthy events and people)” : הדור הזה Genesis 7:1 ; לאלף דור to the 1000th generation Deuteronomy 7:9 ; דור דור Exodus 3:16, דור לדור generation to generation ; – 2. (plural) generations: דרותינו the generations coming after us Joshua 22:27 ; בדרתיו among his contempories Genesis 6:7.

The LXX has en genea genewn.

[John Reece]

Psalm 105

7 He is the LORD our God;
his judgments are in all the earth.
8 He remembers his covenant forever,
the word that he commanded, for a thousand generations,
9 the covenant that he made with Abraham,
his sworn promise to Isaac,
10 which he confirmed to Jacob as a statute,
to Israel as an everlasting covenant,
11 saying, "To you I will give the land of Canaan
as your portion for an inheritance." (ESV)

In Psalm 105:8, the Hebrew phrase rendered “for a thousand generations” in the ESV is לאלף דור.

From Holladay’s Concise Lexicon:
דור
- 1. (singular) circuit, lifetime, generation (from a man’s birth to the birth of his first son; the totality of (adult) contempories; a time with its noteworthy events and people)” : הדור הזה Genesis 7:1 ; לאלף דור to the 1000th generation Deuteronomy 7:9 ; דור דור Exodus 3:16, דור לדור generation to generation ; – 2. (plural) generations: דרותינו the generations coming after us Joshua 22:27 ; בדרתיו among his contempories Genesis 6:7.

The LXX has eiV ciliaV geneaV.

[John Reece]

Psalm 106

24 Then they despised the pleasant land,
having no faith in his promise.
25 They murmured in their tents,
and did not obey the voice of the LORD.
26 Therefore he raised his hand and swore to them
that he would make them fall in the wilderness,
27 and would make their offspring fall among the nations,
scattering them among the lands.
28 Then they yoked themselves to the Baal of Peor,
and ate sacrifices offered to the dead;
29 they provoked the LORD to anger with their deeds,
and a plague broke out among them.
30 Then Phinehas stood up and intervened,
and the plague was stayed.
31 And that was counted to him as righteousness
from generation to generation forever. (ESV)

In Psalm 106:31, the Hebrew phrase rendered from generation to generation in the ESV is לדר ודר, which is דור twice with the middle letter elided and a different preposition prefixed before each.

From Holladay’s Concise Lexicon:
דור
- 1. (singular) circuit, lifetime, generation (from a man’s birth to the birth of his first son; the totality of (adult) contempories; a time with its noteworthy events and people)” : הדור הזה Genesis 7:1 ; לאלף דור to the 1000th generation Deuteronomy 7:9 ; דור דור Exodus 3:16, דור לדור generation to generation ; – 2. (plural) generations: דרותינו the generations coming after us Joshua 22:27 ; בדרתיו among his contempories Genesis 6:7.

The LXX has eiV genean kai genean.

[John Reece]

Psalm 109

13 May his posterity be cut off;
may his name be blotted out in the second generation! (ESV)

In Psalm 109:13, the Hebrew phrase rendered in the second generation in the ESV is בדור אחר.

From Holladay’s Concise Lexicon:
דור
- 1. (singular) circuit, lifetime, generation (from a man’s birth to the birth of his first son; the totality of (adult) contempories; a time with its noteworthy events and people)” : הדור הזה Genesis 7:1 ; לאלף דור to the 1000th generation Deuteronomy 7:9 ; דור דור Exodus 3:16, דור לדור generation to generation ; – 2. (plural) generations: דרותינו the generations coming after us Joshua 22:27 ; בדרתיו among his contempories Genesis 6:7.

The LXX has en genea mia.

[John Reece]

Psalm 112

The Righteous Will Never Be Moved

1 Praise the LORD!
Blessed is the man who fears the LORD,
who greatly delights in his commandments!
2 His offspring will be mighty in the land;
the generation (דור) of the upright will be blessed.

From Holladay’s Concise Lexicon:
דור
- 1. (singular) circuit, lifetime, generation (from a man’s birth to the birth of his first son; the totality of (adult) contempories; a time with its noteworthy events and people)” : הדור הזה Genesis 7:1 ; לאלף דור to the 1000th generation Deuteronomy 7:9 ; דור דור Exodus 3:16, דור לדור generation to generation ; – 2. (plural) generations: דרותינו the generations coming after us Joshua 22:27 ; בדרתיו among his contempories Genesis 6:7.

The LXX has genea.

[John Reece]

Psalm 119

89 Forever, O LORD, your word
is firmly fixed in the heavens.
90 Your faithfulness endures to all generations;
you have established the earth, and it stands fast. (ESV)

In Psalm 119:90, the Hebrew phrase rendered to all generations in the ESV is לדר ודר, which consists of דור twice, with the middle letter elided and a different prefixed preposition in front of each.

From Holladay’s Concise Lexicon:
דור
- 1. (singular) circuit, lifetime, generation (from a man’s birth to the birth of his first son; the totality of (adult) contempories; a time with its noteworthy events and people)” : הדור הזה Genesis 7:1 ; לאלף דור to the 1000th generation Deuteronomy 7:9 ; דור דור Exodus 3:16, דור לדור generation to generation ; – 2. (plural) generations: דרותינו the generations coming after us Joshua 22:27 ; בדרתיו among his contempories Genesis 6:7.

The LXX has eiV genean kai genean.

[John Reece]

Psalm 145

4 One generation shall commend your works to another,
and shall declare your mighty acts. (ESV).

In Psalm 145, the Hebrew phrase rendered One generation . . . to another in the ESV is דור לדור.

From Holladay’s Concise Lexicon:
דור
- 1. (singular) circuit, lifetime, generation (from a man’s birth to the birth of his first son; the totality of (adult) contempories; a time with its noteworthy events and people)” : הדור הזה Genesis 7:1 ; לאלף דור to the 1000th generation Deuteronomy 7:9 ; דור דור Exodus 3:16, דור לדור generation to generation ; – 2. (plural) generations: דרותינו the generations coming after us Joshua 22:27 ; בדרתיו among his contempories Genesis 6:7.

The LXX has genea kai genea.

[John Reece]

Psalm 145

10 All your works shall give thanks to you, O LORD,
and all your saints shall bless you!
11 They shall speak of the glory of your kingdom
and tell of your power,
12 to make known to the children of man your mighty deeds,
and the glorious splendor of your kingdom.
13 Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom,
and your dominion endures throughout all generations. (ESV)

In Psalm 145:13,The Hebrew phrase rendered throughout all generations in the ESV is
דור ודור. The black letter (ו) at the beginning of the second דור is a conjunction, the meaning of which is determined by context - in this case the sense is “and”.

From Holladay’s Concise Lexicon:
דור
- 1. (singular) circuit, lifetime, generation (from a man’s birth to the birth of his first son; the totality of (adult) contempories; a time with its noteworthy events and people)” : הדור הזה Genesis 7:1 ; לאלף דור to the 1000th generation Deuteronomy 7:9 ; דור דור Exodus 3:16, דור לדור generation to generation ; – 2. (plural) generations: דרותינו the generations coming after us Joshua 22:27 ; בדרתיו among his contempories Genesis 6:7.

The LXX has genea kai genea.

[John Reece]

Proverbs 27

23 Know well the condition of your flocks,
and give attention to your herds,
24 for riches do not last forever;
and does a crown endure to all generations? (ESV)

In Proverbs 27:24, the Hebrew phrase rendered to all generations is לדור דור. The initial black letter (ל) prefixed onto the first דור is the preposition rendered “to” in the ESV translation above.

From Holladay’s Concise Lexicon:
דור
- 1. (singular) circuit, lifetime, generation (from a man’s birth to the birth of his first son; the totality of (adult) contempories; a time with its noteworthy events and people)” : הדור הזה Genesis 7:1 ; לאלף דור to the 1000th generation Deuteronomy 7:9 ; דור דור Exodus 3:16, דור לדור generation to generation ; – 2. (plural) generations: דרותינו the generations coming after us Joshua 22:27 ; בדרתיו among his contempories Genesis 6:7.

The LXX has eiV genean kai genean.

[John Reece]

Ecclesiastes 1

1 The words of the Preacher, the son of David, king in Jerusalem.
2 Vanity of vanities, says the Preacher,
vanity of vanities! All is vanity.
3 What does man gain by all the toil
at which he toils under the sun?
4 A generation goes, and a generation comes,
but the earth remains forever. (ESV)

In Ecclesiastes 1:4, the Hebrew word rendered generation in the ESV is דור.

From Holladay’s Concise Lexicon:
דור
- 1. (singular) circuit, lifetime, generation (from a man’s birth to the birth of his first son; the totality of (adult) contempories; a time with its noteworthy events and people)” : הדור הזה Genesis 7:1 ; לאלף דור to the 1000th generation Deuteronomy 7:9 ; דור דור Exodus 3:16, דור לדור generation to generation ; – 2. (plural) generations: דרותינו the generations coming after us Joshua 22:27 ; בדרתיו among his contempories Genesis 6:7.

The LXX had genea.

[John Reece]

Isaiah 13

19 And Babylon, the glory of kingdoms,
the splendor and pomp of the Chaldeans,
will be like Sodom and Gomorrah
when God overthrew them.
20 It will never be inhabited
or lived in for all generations;
no Arab will pitch his tent there;
no shepherds will make their flocks lie down there. (ESV)

In Isaiah 13:20, the Hebrew phrase rendered for all generations in the ESV is עד דור ודור, which is דור twice, preceded by a preposition (in blue = “to”, in this context), with another preposition (in black = “and” in this context) prefixed onto the second דור.

From Holladay’s Concise Lexicon:
דור
- 1. (singular) circuit, lifetime, generation (from a man’s birth to the birth of his first son; the totality of (adult) contempories; a time with its noteworthy events and people)” : הדור הזה Genesis 7:1 ; לאלף דור to the 1000th generation Deuteronomy 7:9 ; דור דור Exodus 3:16, דור לדור generation to generation ; – 2. (plural) generations: דרותינו the generations coming after us Joshua 22:27 ; בדרתיו among his contempories Genesis 6:7.

The LXX has dia pollwn genewn.

[John Reece]

Isaiah 34

8 For the LORD has a day of vengeance,
a year of recompense for the cause of Zion.
9 And the streams of Edom shall be turned into pitch,
and her soil into sulfur;
her land shall become burning pitch.
10 Night and day it shall not be quenched;
its smoke shall go up forever.
From generation to generation it shall lie waste;
none shall pass through it forever and ever. (ESV)

In Isaiah 34:10, The Hebrew phrase rendered “from generation to generation” is מדור לדור.

From Holladay’s Concise Lexicon:
דור
- 1. (singular) circuit, lifetime, generation (from a man’s birth to the birth of his first son; the totality of (adult) contempories; a time with its noteworthy events and people)” : הדור הזה Genesis 7:1 ; לאלף דור to the 1000th generation Deuteronomy 7:9 ; דור דור Exodus 3:16, דור לדור generation to generation ; – 2. (plural) generations: דרותינו the generations coming after us Joshua 22:27 ; בדרתיו among his contempories Genesis 6:7.

The LXX has eiV geneaV authV.

[John Reece]

Isaiah 34

15 There the owl nests and lays
and hatches and gathers her young in her shadow;
indeed, there the hawks are gathered,
each one with her mate.
16 Seek and read from the book of the LORD:
Not one of these shall be missing;
none shall be without her mate.
For the mouth of the LORD has commanded,
and his Spirit has gathered them.
17 He has cast the lot for them;
his hand has portioned it out to them with the line;
they shall possess it forever;
from generation to generation they shall dwell in it. (ESV)

In Isaiah 34:17, the Hebrew phrase rendered “from generation to generation” in the ESV is לדור ודור

From Holladay’s Concise Lexicon:
דור
- 1. (singular) circuit, lifetime, generation (from a man’s birth to the birth of his first son; the totality of (adult) contempories; a time with its noteworthy events and people)” : הדור הזה Genesis 7:1 ; לאלף דור to the 1000th generation Deuteronomy 7:9 ; דור דור Exodus 3:16, דור לדור generation to generation ; – 2. (plural) generations: דרותינו the generations coming after us Joshua 22:27 ; בדרתיו among his contempories Genesis 6:7.

The LXX has geneaV genewn.

[dizzle]

This is progressing SOOOO nicely.

[John Reece]

Today @ 12:38 PM post located here (http://www.theologyweb.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&postid=105409#post105409)
Dee Dee Warren:

This is progressing SOOOO nicely.

Biblical words are wonderful :smile: .

[John Reece]

Isaiah 41

2 Who stirred up one from the east
whom victory meets at every step?
He gives up nations before him,
so that he tramples kings underfoot;
he makes them like dust with his sword,
like driven stubble with his bow.
3 He pursues them and passes on safely,
by paths his feet have not trod.
4 Who has performed and done this,
calling the generations from the beginning?
I, the LORD, the first,
and with the last; I am he. (ESV)

In Isaiah 42:4, the Hebrew word rendered the generations in the ESV is הדורות. The letter highlighted in blue is the definite article = “the”. The ending (in black) is the plural ending of דור.

From Holladay’s Concise Lexicon:
דור
- 1. (singular) circuit, lifetime, generation (from a man’s birth to the birth of his first son; the totality of (adult) contempories; a time with its noteworthy events and people)” : הדור הזה Genesis 7:1 ; לאלף דור to the 1000th generation Deuteronomy 7:9 ; דור דור Exodus 3:16, דור לדור generation to generation ; – 2. (plural) generations: דרותינו the generations coming after us Joshua 22:27 ; בדרתיו among his contempories Genesis 6:7.

The LXX has the plural of genea.

[John Reece]

Isaiah 51

7 "Listen to me, you who know righteousness,
the people in whose heart is my law;
fear not the reproach of man,
nor be dismayed at their revilings.
8 For the moth will eat them up like a garment,
and the worm will eat them like wool;
but my righteousness will be forever,
and my salvation to all generations
9 Awake, awake, put on strength,
O arm of the LORD;
awake, as in days of old,
the generations of long ago.
Was it not you who cut Rahab in pieces,
that pierced the dragon?
10 Was it not you who dried up the sea,
the waters of the great deep,
who made the depths of the sea a way
for the redeemed to pass over?
11 And the ransomed of the LORD shall return
and come to Zion with singing;
everlasting joy shall be upon their heads;
they shall obtain gladness and joy,
and sorrow and sighing shall flee away. (ESV)

In Isaiah 51:8, the Hebrew phrase rendered “to all generations” in the ESV is לדור דורים, which is דור twice, with a preposition (ל = “to” in this context) prefixed to the first, and the masculine plural ending (ים) on the second. A “wooden” “literal” rending would be “to generation generations”.

In verse 9, the Hebrew phrase rendered “the generations of long ago” in the ESV is דרות עולםים, the first word (reading right to left) of which is דור with the middle letter elided, and the plural construct ending (= the two blue letters ות), the sense being “the generations of”. The word in all black letters is what the ESV renders “long ago”.

From Holladay’s Concise Lexicon:
דור
- 1. (singular) circuit, lifetime, generation (from a man’s birth to the birth of his first son; the totality of (adult) contempories; a time with its noteworthy events and people)” : הדור הזה Genesis 7:1 ; לאלף דור to the 1000th generation Deuteronomy 7:9 ; דור דור Exodus 3:16, דור לדור generation to generation ; – 2. (plural) generations: דרותינו the generations coming after us Joshua 22:27 ; בדרתיו among his contempories Genesis 6:7.

The LXX has eiV geneaV genewn in verse 8, and genea aiwnoV in verse 9.

[John Reece]

Isaiah 53

7 He was oppressed, and he was afflicted,
yet he opened not his mouth;
like a lamb that is led to the slaughter,
and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent,
so he opened not his mouth.
8 By oppression and judgment he was taken away;
and as for his generation, who considered
that he was cut off out of the land of the living,
stricken for the transgression of my people?
9 And they made his grave with the wicked
and with a rich man in his death,
although he had done no violence,
and there was no deceit in his mouth. (ESV)

In Isaiah 53:8, the Hebrew word rendered “generation” in the ESV is דור.

From Holladay’s Concise Lexicon:
דור
- 1. (singular) circuit, lifetime, generation (from a man’s birth to the birth of his first son; the totality of (adult) contempories; a time with its noteworthy events and people)” : הדור הזה Genesis 7:1 ; לאלף דור to the 1000th generation Deuteronomy 7:9 ; דור דור Exodus 3:16, דור לדור generation to generation ; – 2. (plural) generations: דרותינו the generations coming after us Joshua 22:27 ; בדרתיו among his contempories Genesis 6:7..

The LXX has genea.

Acts 8:32-33 is a verbatim quote of the LXX version of Isaiah 53:7b-8a. That is the link that prompted me (many years ago) to do a comparative study of genea in the NT and דור in the OT. That’s when and how I discovered this footnote in the New Jerusalem Bible:

d. ‘contemporaries’: the Hebrew word means ‘generation’ in the sense of life-span, and by extension those who are alive during this period. It never means birth or origin, and the meaning suggested by Greek and Latin (‘Who can relate to his generation?’) and applied by the Fathers to the eternal generation of the Word or to Jesus’ miraculas conception is not an accurate translation of the Hebrew. Emendation of the text has been proposed, but the present text is supported by all witnesses.

Here is the NJB translation to which the above was a footnote:

Forcibly, after sentence, he was taken.
Which of his contempories was concerned
at his having been cut off from the land of the living, . . . Isaiah 53:8a

[John Reece]

Isaiah 58

6 "Is not this the fast that I choose:
to loose the bonds of wickedness,
to undo the straps of the yoke,
to let the oppressed go free,
and to break every yoke?
7 Is it not to share your bread with the hungry
and bring the homeless poor into your house;
when you see the naked, to cover him,
and not to hide yourself from your own flesh?
8 Then shall your light break forth like the dawn,
and your healing shall spring up speedily;
your righteousness shall go before you;
the glory of the LORD shall be your rear guard.
9 Then you shall call, and the LORD will answer;
you shall cry, and he will say, 'Here I am.'
If you take away the yoke from your midst,
the pointing of the finger, and speaking wickedness,
10 if you pour yourself out for the hungry
and satisfy the desire of the afflicted,
then shall your light rise in the darkness
and your gloom be as the noonday.
11 And the LORD will guide you continually
and satisfy your desire in scorched places
and make your bones strong;
and you shall be like a watered garden,
like a spring of water,
whose waters do not fail.
12 And your ancient ruins shall be rebuilt;
you shall raise up the foundations of many generations;
you shall be called the repairer of the breach,
the restorer of streets to dwell in. (ESV)

In Isaiah 58:12, the Hebrew phrase rendered “many generations” in the ESV is דור ודור, which is דור twice and a conjunction (ו, = “and’ in this context) prefixed onto the front of the second.

From Holladay’s Concise Lexicon:
דור
- 1. (singular) circuit, lifetime, generation (from a man’s birth to the birth of his first son; the totality of (adult) contempories; a time with its noteworthy events and people)” : הדור הזה Genesis 7:1 ; לאלף דור to the 1000th generation Deuteronomy 7:9 ; דור דור Exodus 3:16, דור לדור generation to generation ; – 2. (plural) generations: דרותינו the generations coming after us Joshua 22:27 ; בדרתיו among his contempories Genesis 6:7.

The LXX has genewn geneaiV.

[Pereynol of Sheer Dread]

John,
Although this is a departure from the regular flow of this thread, I want to tell you how much I've been enjoying your work and presense here! It's good to have an elder, a scholar, and a good hearted brother like you among us. I've been your reader, but I just wanted to express my thoughts.

Thanks, and Take Care!

[John Reece]

pereynol,

Many thanks for your comment, which is quite encouraging and very much appreciated.

[John Reece]

Isaiah 61

The Year of the LORD's Favor

1 The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me,
because the LORD has anointed me
to bring good news to the poor;
he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim liberty to the captives,
and the opening of the prison to those who are bound;
2 to proclaim the year of the LORD's favor,
and the day of vengeance of our God;
to comfort all who mourn;
3 to grant to those who mourn in Zion--
to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes,
the oil of gladness instead of mourning,
the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit;
that they may be called oaks of righteousness,
the planting of the LORD, that he may be glorified.
4 They shall build up the ancient ruins;
they shall raise up the former devastations;
they shall repair the ruined cities,
the devastations of many generations. (ESV)

In Isaiah 61:4, the Hebrew phrase rendered “many generations” in the ESV is דור ודור, which is דור twice, with a conjunction (ו, = “and’ in this context) prefixed onto the front of the second.

From Holladay’s Concise Lexicon:
דור
- 1. (singular) circuit, lifetime, generation (from a man’s birth to the birth of his first son; the totality of (adult) contempories; a time with its noteworthy events and people)” : הדור הזה Genesis 7:1 ; לאלף דור to the 1000th generation Deuteronomy 7:9 ; דור דור Exodus 3:16, דור לדור generation to generation ; – 2. (plural) generations: דרותינו the generations coming after us Joshua 22:27 ; בדרתיו among his contempories Genesis 6:7.

The LXX has eiV geneaV (“for generations”).

[John Reece]

Jeremiah 2

26 "As a thief is shamed when caught,
so the house of Israel shall be shamed:
they, their kings, their officials,
their priests, and their prophets,
27 who say to a tree, 'You are my father,'
and to a stone, 'You gave me birth.'
For they have turned their back to me,
and not their face.
But in the time of their trouble they say,
'Arise and save us!'
28 But where are your gods
that you made for yourself?
Let them arise, if they can save you,
in your time of trouble;
for as many as your cities
are your gods, O Judah.
29 "Why do you contend with me?
You have all transgressed against me,
declares the LORD.
30 In vain have I struck your children;
they took no correction;
your own sword devoured your prophets
like a ravening lion.
31 And you, O generation, behold the word of the LORD.
Have I been a wilderness to Israel,
or a land of thick darkness?
Why then do my people say, 'We are free,
we will come no more to you'?
32 Can a virgin forget her ornaments,
or a bride her attire?
Yet my people have forgotten me
days without number. (ESV)

In Jeremiah 2:31, the Hebrew phrase rendered “you, O generation” in the ESV is הדור אתם. The first letter (ה) is the definite article (“the”), which in the context of the sentence in J 2:31 is rendered (“O”) in the ESV. The noun to which the prefixed “ה” is attached is דור. The second word, in blue (אתם) is the second person plural masculine pronoun = “you”.

From Holladay’s Concise Lexicon:
דור
- 1. (singular) circuit, lifetime, generation (from a man’s birth to the birth of his first son; the totality of (adult) contempories; a time with its noteworthy events and people)” : הדור הזה Genesis 7:1 ; לאלף דור to the 1000th generation Deuteronomy 7:9 ; דור דור Exodus 3:16, דור לדור generation to generation ; – 2. (plural) generations: דרותינו the generations coming after us Joshua 22:27 ; בדרתיו among his contempories Genesis 6:7.

It’s interesting to note that in Jeremiah 2:31, the LXX has no counterpart to הדור אתם, or you, O generation. Most English versions, like the ESV, include the phrase. The Revised English Bible opts for the LXX version and omits the phrase.

[John Reece]

Jeremiah 7

27 "So you shall speak all these words to them, but they will not listen to you. You shall call to them, but they will not answer you. 28 And you shall say to them, 'This is the nation that did not obey the voice of the LORD their God, and did not accept discipline; truth has perished; it is cut off from their lips.
29 "'Cut off your hair and cast it away;
raise a lamentation on the bare heights,
for the LORD has rejected and forsaken
the generation of his wrath.' (ESV)

In Jeremiah 7:29, the Hebrew phrase rendered “the generation of his wrath” in the ESV is דור עברתו. The black letter (ו) on the end is (in this context) the masculine singular possessive pronoun (“his”). The word in blue (עברת) is the construct state of a word which bears the sense of “anger”, “rage”, “fury” in this context (in Isaiah 16:6 it bears the sense of “arrogance”).

The NRSV rendering is “the generation that provoked his wrath”.

The LXX has thn genean thn poiousan tauta.

From Holladay’s Concise Lexicon:
דור
- 1. (singular) circuit, lifetime, generation (from a man’s birth to the birth of his first son; the totality of (adult) contempories; a time with its noteworthy events and people)” : הדור הזה Genesis 7:1 ; לאלף דור to the 1000th generation Deuteronomy 7:9 ; דור דור Exodus 3:16, דור לדור generation to generation ; – 2. (plural) generations: דרותינו the generations coming after us Joshua 22:27 ; בדרתיו among his contempories Genesis 6:7.

[John Reece]

Jeremiah 50

39 "Therefore wild beasts shall dwell with hyenas in Babylon, and ostriches shall dwell in her. She shall never again have people, nor be inhabited for all generations. 40 As when God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah and their neighboring cities, declares the LORD, so no man shall dwell there, and no son of man shall sojourn in her. (ESV)

In Jeremiah 50:39, the Hebrew phrase rendered “for all generations” in the ESV is עד דור ודור, which is דור twice, preceded by a preposition (in blue = “to”, in this context), with another preposition (in black = “and” in this context) prefixed onto the second דור.

From Holladay’s Concise Lexicon:
דור
- 1. (singular) circuit, lifetime, generation (from a man’s birth to the birth of his first son; the totality of (adult) contempories; a time with its noteworthy events and people)” : הדור הזה Genesis 7:1 ; לאלף דור to the 1000th generation Deuteronomy 7:9 ; דור דור Exodus 3:16, דור לדור generation to generation ; – 2. (plural) generations: דרותינו the generations coming after us Joshua 22:27 ; בדרתיו among his contempories Genesis 6:7.

The LXX version of עד דור ודור is dia pollwn genewn.

[John Reece]

Lamentations 5

19 But you, O LORD, reign forever;
your throne endures to all generations. (ESV)

In Lamentations 5:19, the Hebrew phrase rendered “to all generations” in the ESV is לדור ודור, which is דור twice, with a preposition (ל = “to” in this context) prefixed onto the first, and a conjunction (ו = “and” in this context) prefixed onto the second.

From Holladay’s Concise Lexicon:
דור
- 1. (singular) circuit, lifetime, generation (from a man’s birth to the birth of his first son; the totality of (adult) contempories; a time with its noteworthy events and people)” : הדור הזה Genesis 7:1 ; לאלף דור to the 1000th generation Deuteronomy 7:9 ; דור דור Exodus 3:16, דור לדור generation to generation ; – 2. (plural) generations: דרותינו the generations coming after us Joshua 22:27 ; בדרתיו among his contempories Genesis 6:7.

The LXX has eiV genean kai genean.

[John Reece]

Daniel 4

Nebuchadnezzar Praises God

1 King Nebuchadnezzar to all peoples, nations, and languages, that dwell in all the earth: Peace be multiplied to you! 2 It has seemed good to me to show the signs and wonders that the Most High God has done for me.
3 How great are his signs,
how mighty his wonders!
His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom,
and his dominion endures from generation to generation.

Daniel 4

Nebuchadnezzar Restored

34 At the end of the days I, Nebuchadnezzar, lifted my eyes to heaven, and my reason returned to me, and I blessed the Most High, and praised and honored him who lives forever, for his dominion is an everlasting dominion,
and his kingdom endures from generation to generation;
35 all the inhabitants of the earth are accounted as nothing,
and he does according to his will among the host of heaven
and among the inhabitants of the earth;
and none can stay his hand
or say to him, "What have you done?" (ESV)

In Daniel 4: 3 and 34, the Aramaic phrase rendered from generation to generation in the ESV is עם דר ודר. The initial word (on the far right, in black) is a preposition, which is rendered “from” in the ESV. The black letter prefixed to the second דר (reading right to left) is rendered “to” in the ESV.

Here is the definition for the Aramaic word דר in Holladay’s Concise Lexicon:

דר : Hebrew דור : generation : עם דר ודר from generation to generation.

In other words, in the context of Daniel 4, the Aramaic word bears the same sense as the Hebrew word.

[John Reece]

Joel 1

2 Hear this, you elders;
give ear, all inhabitants of the land!
Has such a thing happened in your days,
or in the days of your fathers?
3Tell your children of it,
and let your children tell their children,
and their children to another generation. (ESV)

In Joel 1:3, the Hebrew phrase rendered “to another generation” in the ESV is לדור אחר, which is דור with a prefixed preposition (in black) rendered “to” in the ESV, and the word in blue which the ESV, KJV, NKJV, NRSV, and REB render “another”, and the NASB, NIV, and NJB render “the next”.

From Holladay’s Concise Lexicon:
דור
- 1. (singular) circuit, lifetime, generation (from a man’s birth to the birth of his first son; the totality of (adult) contempories; a time with its noteworthy events and people)” : הדור הזה Genesis 7:1 ; לאלף דור to the 1000th generation Deuteronomy 7:9 ; דור דור Exodus 3:16, דור לדור generation to generation ; – 2. (plural) generations: דרותינו the generations coming after us Joshua 22:27 ; בדרתיו among his contempories Genesis 6:7.

The LXX has eiV genean eteran.

[John Reece]

Joel 2

The Day of the LORD

1 Blow a trumpet in Zion;
sound an alarm on my holy mountain!
Let all the inhabitants of the land tremble,
for the day of the LORD is coming; it is near,
2 a day of darkness and gloom,
a day of clouds and thick darkness!
Like blackness there is spread upon the mountains
a great and powerful people;
their like has never been before,
nor will be again after them
through the years of all generations. (ESV)

In Joel 2:2, the Hebrew phrase rendered “through the years of all generations” in the ESV is עד שני דור ודור, which is (reading right to left) דור twice, preceded by a preposition (in black) rendered “through” in the ESV, and the plural construct of the Hebrew word for “year” (in blue). The second דור has the prefixed conjunction, which has the sense of “and” in this context.

From Holladay’s Concise Lexicon:
דור
- 1. (singular) circuit, lifetime, generation (from a man’s birth to the birth of his first son; the totality of (adult) contempories; a time with its noteworthy events and people)” : הדור הזה Genesis 7:1 ; לאלף דור to the 1000th generation Deuteronomy 7:9 ; דור דור Exodus 3:16, דור לדור generation to generation ; – 2. (plural) generations: דרותינו the generations coming after us Joshua 22:27 ; בדרתיו among his contempories Genesis 6:7.

The LXX has ewV etwn eiV geneaV genewn.

[John Reece]

Joel 3

19 "Egypt shall become a desolation
and Edom a desolate wilderness,
for the violence done to the people of Judah,
because they have shed innocent blood in their land.
20 But Judah shall be inhabited forever,
and Jerusalem to all generations.
21 I will avenge their blood,
blood I have not avenged,
for the LORD dwells in Zion." (ESV)

In Joel 3:20, the Hebrew phrase rendered “to all generations” in the ESV is לדור ודור, which is דור twice, with a preposition (ל = “to” in this context) prefixed onto the first (reading right to left), and a conjunction (ו = “and” in this context) prefixed onto the second.

From Holladay’s Concise Lexicon:
דור
- 1. (singular) circuit, lifetime, generation (from a man’s birth to the birth of his first son; the totality of (adult) contempories; a time with its noteworthy events and people)” : הדור הזה Genesis 7:1 ; לאלף דור to the 1000th generation Deuteronomy 7:9 ; דור דור Exodus 3:16, דור לדור generation to generation ; – 2. (plural) generations: דרותינו the generations coming after us Joshua 22:27 ; בדרתיו among his contempories Genesis 6:7.

The LXX has eiV geneaV genewn.

This is the last occurrence of “generation” / דור in the Hebrew Bible.

[John Reece]

I have the following Greek-English lexica: LSJ, Thayer, BAGD, Louw-Nida, and Newman. However, for the study of genea in the New Testament, I have found the most accurate lexicon to be the first I ever bought, the one recommended by my first professor of Greek at Duke University in 1956: A Manual Greek Lexicon of the New Testament, by G. Abbott-Smith. Unlike Thayer and BAGD, the lexical range in Abbott-Smith is succinctly limited to the lexical range represented by the contexts within the Greek New Testament. This is a very pithy lexicon that also serves as a concordance. That’s why I have picked the Abbott-Smith definition to post in the same way that I used Holladay for דור in the Hebrew Bible.

From Abbott-Smith’s Manual Greek Lexicon of the New Testament:

genea - in LXX chiefly for דר , דור
1. race, stock, family ([Nota Bene –JR]: in NT, gennhma, q.v.).
2. generation ; (a) of the contemporary members of a family : pl., Mt. 1:17 (cf. Ge 31:3, מולדת) ; metaphor, of those alike in character, in bad sense, Mt 17:17, Mk 9:19, Lk 9:41 16:8, Ac 2:40 ; (b) of all the people of a given period : Mt 24:34, Mk 13:30, Lk 21:32, Phl 2:15 ; pl., Lk 1:48 ; esp. of the Jewish people, Mt 11:16 12:39, 41, 42, 45, 16:4 23:36, Mk 8:12, 38, Lk 7:31 11:29, 30-32, 50, 51 17:25, Ac 13:36, He 3:10 (LXX) ; thn genean autou tiV dihghsetai, Ac 8:33 (LXX) ; (c) the period covered by the life-time of a generation, used loosely in pl. of successive ages : Ac 14:16 15:21, Eph 3:5, Col 1:26 ; eiV geneaV kai geneaV (= לדור ודור , Is 34:17, al.), Lk 1:50 ; eiV pasaV taV geneaV tou aiwnoV twn aiwnwn, Eph 3:21.

The above definition contains a reference to every occurrence of genea in the Greek NT. We will look at each individually beginning with the next post.

[John Reece]

Matthew 1

17 So all the generations from Abraham to David were fourteen generations, and from David to the deportation to Babylon fourteen generations, and from the deportation to Babylon to the Christ fourteen generations. (ESV)

In Matthew 1:17, the Greek word rendered “generations” is the plural of genea.

From Abbott-Smith’s Manual Greek Lexicon of the New Testament:

genea - in LXX chiefly for דר , דור
1. race, stock, family ([Nota Bene –JR]: in NT, gennhma, q.v.).
2. generation ; (a) of the contemporary members of a family : pl., Mt. 1:17 (cf. Ge 31:3, מולדת) ; metaphor, of those alike in character, in bad sense, Mt 17:17, Mk 9:19, Lk 9:41 16:8, Ac 2:40 ; (b) of all the people of a given period : Mt 24:34, Mk 13:30, Lk 21:32, Phl 2:15 ; pl., Lk 1:48 ; esp. of the Jewish people, Mt 11:16 12:39, 41, 42, 45, 16:4 23:36, Mk 8:12, 38, Lk 7:31 11:29, 30-32, 50, 51 17:25, Ac 13:36, He 3:10 (LXX) ; thn genean autou tiV dihghsetai, Ac 8:33 (LXX) ; (c) the period covered by the life-time of a generation, used loosely in pl. of successive ages : Ac 14:16 15:21, Eph 3:5, Col 1:26 ; eiV geneaV kai geneaV (= לדור ודור , Is 34:17, al.), Lk 1:50 ; eiV pasaV taV geneaV tou aiwnoV twn aiwnwn, Eph 3:21.

Note the highlighting (in bold red) of the section of the definition relevant to Matthew 1:17.

[John Reece]

Matthew 11

11 Truly, I say to you, among those born of women there has arisen no one greater than John the Baptist. Yet the one who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. 12 From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven has suffered violence, and the violent take it by force. 13 For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John, 14 and if you are willing to accept it, he is Elijah who is to come. 15 He who has ears to hear, let him hear.
16 "But to what shall I compare this generation (thn genean tauthn)? It is like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling to their playmates,
17 "'We played the flute for you, and you did not dance;
we sang a dirge, and you did not mourn.'
18 For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, 'He has a demon.' 19 The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, 'Look at him! A glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!' Yet wisdom is justified by her deeds." (ESV)

From Abbott-Smith’s Manual Greek Lexicon of the New Testament:

genea - in LXX chiefly for דר , דור
1. race, stock, family ([Nota Bene –JR]: in NT, gennhma, q.v.).
2. generation ; (a) of the contemporary members of a family : pl., Mt. 1:17 (cf. Ge 31:3, מולדת) ; metaphor, of those alike in character, in bad sense, Mt 17:17 [/b], Mk 9:19, Lk 9:41 16:8, Ac 2:40 ; (b) of all the people of a given period : Mt 24:34, Mk 13:30, Lk 21:32, Phl 2:15 ; pl., Lk 1:48 ; esp. of the Jewish people, Mt 11:16 12:39, 41, 42, 45, 16:4 23:36, Mk 8:12, 38, Lk 7:31 11:29, 30-32, 50, 51 17:25, Ac 13:36, He 3:10 (LXX) ; thn genean autou tiV dihghsetai, Ac 8:33 (LXX) ; (c) the period covered by the life-time of a generation, used loosely in pl. of successive ages : Ac 14:16 15:21, Eph 3:5, Col 1:26 ; eiV geneaV kai geneaV (= לדור ודור , Is 34:17, al.), Lk 1:50 ; eiV pasaV taV geneaV tou aiwnoV twn aiwnwn, Eph 3:21.

Note the highlighting (in bold red) of the section of the definition relevant to Matthew 11:16.

[John Reece]

Matthew 12

The Sign of Jonah

38 Then some of the scribes and Pharisees answered him, saying, "Teacher, we wish to see a sign from you." 39 But he answered them, "An evil and adulterous generation (genea) seeks for a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. 40 For just as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. 41 The men of Nineveh will rise up at the judgment with this generation (thV geneaV tauthV) and condemn it, for they repented at the preaching of Jonah, and behold, something greater than Jonah is here. 42 The queen of the South will rise up at the judgment with this generation (thV geneaV tauthV) and condemn it, for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and behold, something greater than Solomon is here. 43 "When the unclean spirit has gone out of a person, it passes through waterless places seeking rest, but finds none. 44 Then it says, 'I will return to my house from which I came.' And when it comes, it finds the house empty, swept, and put in order. 45 Then it goes and brings with it seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they enter and dwell there, and the last state of that person is worse than the first. So also will it be with this evil generation (th genea tauth th ponhra)." (ESV)

From Abbott-Smith’s Manual Greek Lexicon of the New Testament:

genea - in LXX chiefly for דר , דור
1. race, stock, family ([Nota Bene –JR]: in NT, gennhma, q.v.).
2. generation ; (a) of the contemporary members of a family : pl., Mt. 1:17 (cf. Ge 31:3, מולדת) ; metaphor, of those alike in character, in bad sense, Mt 17:17 [/b], Mk 9:19, Lk 9:41 16:8, Ac 2:40 ; (b) of all the people of a given period : Mt 24:34, Mk 13:30, Lk 21:32, Phl 2:15 ; pl., Lk 1:48 ; esp. of the Jewish people, Mt 11:16 12:39, 41, 42, 45, 16:4 23:36, Mk 8:12, 38, Lk 7:31 11:29, 30-32, 50, 51 17:25, Ac 13:36, He 3:10 (LXX) ; thn genean autou tiV dihghsetai, Ac 8:33 (LXX) ; (c) the period covered by the life-time of a generation, used loosely in pl. of successive ages : Ac 14:16 15:21, Eph 3:5, Col 1:26 ; eiV geneaV kai geneaV (= לדור ודור , Is 34:17, al.), Lk 1:50 ; eiV pasaV taV geneaV tou aiwnoV twn aiwnwn, Eph 3:21.

Note the highlighting (in bold red) of the section of the definition relevant to Matthew 12:39, 41, 42, 45.

[John Reece]

Matthew 16

The Pharisees and Sadducees Demand Signs

1 And the Pharisees and Sadducees came, and to test him they asked him to show them a sign from heaven. 2 He answered them, "When it is evening, you say, 'It will be fair weather, for the sky is red.' 3 And in the morning, 'It will be stormy today, for the sky is red and threatening.' You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times. 4 An evil and adulterous generation (genea) seeks for a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of Jonah." So he left them and departed. (ESV)

From Abbott-Smith’s Manual Greek Lexicon of the New Testament:

genea - in LXX chiefly for דר , דור
1. race, stock, family ([Nota Bene –JR]: in NT, gennhma, q.v.).
2. generation ; (a) of the contemporary members of a family : pl., Mt. 1:17 (cf. Ge 31:3, מולדת) ; metaphor, of those alike in character, in bad sense, Mt 17:17 [/b], Mk 9:19, Lk 9:41 16:8, Ac 2:40 ; (b) of all the people of a given period : Mt 24:34, Mk 13:30, Lk 21:32, Phl 2:15 ; pl., Lk 1:48 ; esp. of the Jewish people, Mt 11:16 12:39, 41, 42, 45, 16:4 23:36, Mk 8:12, 38, Lk 7:31 11:29, 30-32, 50, 51 17:25, Ac 13:36, He 3:10 (LXX) ; thn genean autou tiV dihghsetai, Ac 8:33 (LXX) ; (c) the period covered by the life-time of a generation, used loosely in pl. of successive ages : Ac 14:16 15:21, Eph 3:5, Col 1:26 ; eiV geneaV kai geneaV (= לדור ודור , Is 34:17, al.), Lk 1:50 ; eiV pasaV taV geneaV tou aiwnoV twn aiwnwn, Eph 3:21.

Note the highlighting (in bold red) of the section of the definition relevant to Matthew 16:4.

[John Reece]

Matthew 17

Jesus Heals a Demon-Possessed Boy

14 And when they came to the crowd, a man came up to him and, kneeling before him, 15 said, "Lord, have mercy on my son, for he is an epileptic and he suffers terribly. For often he falls into the fire, and often into the water. 16 And I brought him to your disciples, and they could not heal him." 17 And Jesus answered, "O faithless and twisted generation (genea), how long am I to be with you? How long am I to bear with you? Bring him here to me." 18 And Jesus rebuked him, and the demon came out of him, and the boy was healed instantly. 19 Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, "Why could we not cast it out?" 20 He said to them, "Because of your little faith. For truly, I say to you, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you."

From Abbott-Smith’s Manual Greek Lexicon of the New Testament:
[list]
genea - in LXX chiefly for דר , דור
1. race, stock, family ([Nota Bene –JR]: in NT, gennhma, q.v.).
2. generation ; (a) of the contemporary members of a family : pl., Mt. 1:17 (cf. Ge 31:3, מולדת) ; metaphor, of those alike in character, in bad sense, Mt 17:17, Mk 9:19, Lk 9:41 16:8, Ac 2:40 ; (b) of all the people of a given period : Mt 24:34, Mk 13:30, Lk 21:32, Phl 2:15 ; pl., Lk 1:48 ; esp. of the Jewish people, Mt 11:16 12:39, 41, 42, 45, 16:4 23:36, Mk 8:12, 38, Lk 7:31 11:29, 30-32, 50, 51 17:25, Ac 13:36, He 3:10 (LXX) ; thn genean autou tiV dihghsetai, Ac 8:33 (LXX) ; (c) the period covered by the life-time of a generation, used loosely in pl. of successive ages : Ac 14:16 15:21, Eph 3:5, Col 1:26 ; eiV geneaV kai geneaV (= לדור ודור , Is 34:17, al.), Lk 1:50 ; eiV pasaV taV geneaV tou aiwnoV twn aiwnwn, Eph 3:21.

Note the highlighting (in bold red) of the section of the definition relevant to Matthew 17:17.

[John Reece]

Matthew 23

Seven Woes to the Scribes and Pharisees

13 "But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you shut the kingdom of heaven in people's faces. For you neither enter yourselves nor allow those who would enter to go in. 15 Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you travel across sea and land to make a single proselyte, and when he becomes a proselyte, you make him twice as much a child of hell as yourselves.
16 "Woe to you, blind guides, who say, 'If anyone swears by the temple, it is nothing, but if anyone swears by the gold of the temple, he is bound by his oath.' 17 You blind fools! For which is greater, the gold or the temple that has made the gold sacred? 18 And you say, 'If anyone swears by the altar, it is nothing, but if anyone swears by the gift that is on the altar, he is bound by his oath.' 19 You blind men! For which is greater, the gift or the altar that makes the gift sacred? 20 So whoever swears by the altar swears by it and by everything on it. 21 And whoever swears by the temple swears by it and by him who dwells in it. 22 And whoever swears by heaven swears by the throne of God and by him who sits upon it.
23 "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint and dill and cumin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faithfulness. These you ought to have done, without neglecting the others. 24 You blind guides, straining out a gnat and swallowing a camel!
25 "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you clean the outside of the cup and the plate, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. You blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and the plate, that the outside also may be clean.
27 "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs, which outwardly appear beautiful, but within are full of dead people's bones and all uncleanness. 28 So you also outwardly appear righteous to others, but within you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.
29 "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you build the tombs of the prophets and decorate the monuments of the righteous, 30 saying, 'If we had lived in the days of our fathers, we would not have taken part with them in shedding the blood of the prophets.' 31] Thus you witness against yourselves that you are sons of those who murdered the prophets. 32 Fill up, then, the measure of your fathers. 33 You serpents, you brood of vipers, how are you to escape being sentenced to hell? 34 Therefore I send you prophets and wise men and scribes, some of whom you will kill and crucify, and some you will flog in your synagogues and persecute from town to town, 35 so that on you may come all the righteous blood shed on earth, from the blood of innocent Abel to the blood of Zechariah the son of Barachiah, whom you murdered between the sanctuary and the altar. 36 Truly, I say to you, all these things will come upon this generation (thn genean tauthn). (ESV)

From Abbott-Smith’s Manual Greek Lexicon of the New Testament:

genea - in LXX chiefly for דר , דור
1. race, stock, family ([Nota Bene –JR]: in NT, gennhma, q.v.).
2. generation ; (a) of the contemporary members of a family : pl., Mt. 1:17 (cf. Ge 31:3, מולדת) ; metaphor, of those alike in character, in bad sense, Mt 17:17 [/b], Mk 9:19, Lk 9:41 16:8, Ac 2:40 ; (b) of all the people of a given period : Mt 24:34, Mk 13:30, Lk 21:32, Phl 2:15 ; pl., Lk 1:48 ; esp. of the Jewish people, Mt 11:16 12:39, 41, 42, 45, 16:4 23:36, Mk 8:12, 38, Lk 7:31 11:29, 30-32, 50, 51 17:25, Ac 13:36, He 3:10 (LXX) ; thn genean autou tiV dihghsetai, Ac 8:33 (LXX) ; (c) the period covered by the life-time of a generation, used loosely in pl. of successive ages : Ac 14:16 15:21, Eph 3:5, Col 1:26 ; eiV geneaV kai geneaV (= לדור ודור , Is 34:17, al.), Lk 1:50 ; eiV pasaV taV geneaV tou aiwnoV twn aiwnwn, Eph 3:21.

Note the highlighting (in bold red) of the section of the definition relevant to Matthew 23:36.

From Matthew (TNTC), by R. T. France:

36. The decisive situation of this generation has already been noticed (11:16-19; 12:38-45; 17:17; cf Jeremias, NTT, p. 135) and the theme will come to its climax in the next chapter, leading up to 24:34. The coming of Jesus, and his rejection by his own people, has brought Israel’s rebellion to the point where judgment can no longer be delayed. Verses 37-39 will spell this out more fully.

Matthew 23

Lament over Jerusalem

37 "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you would not! 38 See, your house is left to you desolate. 39 For I tell you, you will not see me again, until you say, 'Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.'" (ESV)

From Matthew (TNTC), by R. T. France:

The Passage forms a bridge between the denunciation of official Judaism in chapter 23 and the more explicit prediction of a consequent judgment on the nation in the destruction of its temple, which is the basis of chapter 24. It thus forms an appropriate, if solemn, climax to Jesus’ public teaching. These are, in Matthew, his last words to his people.

[John Reece]

Matthew 24

The Lesson of the Fig Tree

32 "From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts out its leaves, you know that summer is near (egguV). 33 So also, when you see all these things, you know that he is near (egguV), at the very gates. 34 Truly, I say to you, this generation (h genea auth) will not pass away until all these things take place. 35 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. (ESV)

From Abbott-Smith’s Manual Greek Lexicon of the New Testament:

genea - in LXX chiefly for דר , דור
1. race, stock, family ([Nota Bene –JR]: in NT, gennhma, q.v.).
2. generation ; (a) of the contemporary members of a family : pl., Mt. 1:17 (cf. Ge 31:3, מולדת) ; metaphor, of those alike in character, in bad sense, Mt 17:17 [/b], Mk 9:19, Lk 9:41 16:8, Ac 2:40 ; (b) of all the people of a given period : Mt 24:34, Mk 13:30, Lk 21:32, Phl 2:15 ; pl., Lk 1:48 ; esp. of the Jewish people, Mt 11:16 12:39, 41, 42, 45, 16:4 23:36, Mk 8:12, 38, Lk 7:31 11:29, 30-32, 50, 51 17:25, Ac 13:36, He 3:10 (LXX) ; thn genean autou tiV dihghsetai, Ac 8:33 (LXX) ; (c) the period covered by the life-time of a generation, used loosely in pl. of successive ages : Ac 14:16 15:21, Eph 3:5, Col 1:26 ; eiV geneaV kai geneaV (= לדור ודור , Is 34:17, al.), Lk 1:50 ; eiV pasaV taV geneaV tou aiwnoV twn aiwnwn, Eph 3:21.

Note the highlighting (in bold red) of the section of the definition relevant to Matthew 24:34.

From Matthew (TNTC), by R. T. France:

32-33. Most common trees in Palestine are evergreen, so that the bareness of the fig tree in winter is conspicuous. Its large leaves do not appear until late in the spring, a sure sign of the approach of summer. All these things (i.e. probably the conspicuous events of vv. 15ff.) are similarly a sure sign that it is near* As Jesus’ discourse was prompted by the question when the temple would be destroyed, it is natural to see that reference here; the ‘abomination of desolation’ and the events which accompany it will surely mark the end of the temple and all it stood for.

* RSV [& ESV –JR] ‘he is near’ is quite gratuitous. The Greek adverb egguV, ‘near’, gives no indication of gender, and the subject of the verb is not specified.

34. The time of this catastrophic event is now even more closely specified, and the solemn Truly, I say to you marks this out as a pronouncement to be noted. Those who interpret this passage as referring to the parousia must therefore either conclude that it proved to be untrue, or that this generation does not here carry its normal meaning. It has, for instance, been taken to mean ‘the Jewish race’, or ‘unbelieving Judaism’. It is unlikely that such an improbable meaning for the noun would have been suggested at all without the constraint of apologetic embarrassment! Nor can all these things easily be taken to exclude the events described in the immediately preceding verses. On the natural understanding of this verse either Jesus was wrong (of Matthew has misunderstood him), or the discourse has not yet taken up directly the question of v. 3b, the ‘sign of your parousia and of the close of the age’, but has rather concentrated entirely so far on the first part of the disciples’ question, ‘When will these things (the destruction of the temple) be.

[John Reece]

Mark 8

The Pharisees Demand a Sign

11 The Pharisees came and began to argue with him, seeking from him a sign from heaven to test him. 12 And he sighed deeply in his spirit and said, "Why does this generation (h genea auth) seek a sign? Truly, I say to you, no sign will be given to this generation (th genea tauth)." 13 And he left them, got into the boat again, and went to the other side. (ESV)

From Abbott-Smith’s Manual Greek Lexicon of the New Testament:

genea - in LXX chiefly for דר , דור
1. race, stock, family ([Nota Bene –JR]: in NT, gennhma, q.v.).
2. generation ; (a) of the contemporary members of a family : pl., Mt. 1:17 (cf. Ge 31:3, מולדת) ; metaphor, of those alike in character, in bad sense, Mt 17:17 [/b], Mk 9:19, Lk 9:41 16:8, Ac 2:40 ; (b) of all the people of a given period : Mt 24:34, Mk 13:30, Lk 21:32, Phl 2:15 ; pl., Lk 1:48 ; esp. of the Jewish people, Mt 11:16 12:39, 41, 42, 45, 16:4 23:36, Mk 8:12, 38, Lk 7:31 11:29, 30-32, 50, 51 17:25, Ac 13:36, He 3:10 (LXX) ; thn genean autou tiV dihghsetai, Ac 8:33 (LXX) ; (c) the period covered by the life-time of a generation, used loosely in pl. of successive ages : Ac 14:16 15:21, Eph 3:5, Col 1:26 ; eiV geneaV kai geneaV (= לדור ודור , Is 34:17, al.), Lk 1:50 ; eiV pasaV taV geneaV tou aiwnoV twn aiwnwn, Eph 3:21.

Note the highlighting (in bold red) of the section of the definition relevant to Mark 8:12.

[John Reece]

Mark 8

34 And he called to him the crowd with his disciples and said to them, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. 35 For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel's will save it. 36 For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his life? 37 For what can a man give in return for his life? 38 For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation (th genea tauth th moicalidi kai amartwlw), of him will the Son of Man also be ashamed when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels."

Mark 9

1,And he said to them, "Truly, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the kingdom of God after it has come with power." (ESV)

From Abbott-Smith’s Manual Greek Lexicon of the New Testament:

genea - in LXX chiefly for דר , דור
1. race, stock, family ([Nota Bene –JR]: in NT, gennhma, q.v.).
2. generation ; (a) of the contemporary members of a family : pl., Mt. 1:17 (cf. Ge 31:3, מולדת) ; metaphor, of those alike in character, in bad sense, Mt 17:17 [/b], Mk 9:19, Lk 9:41 16:8, Ac 2:40 ; (b) of all the people of a given period : Mt 24:34, Mk 13:30, Lk 21:32, Phl 2:15 ; pl., Lk 1:48 ; esp. of the Jewish people, Mt 11:16 12:39, 41, 42, 45, 16:4 23:36, Mk 8:12, 38, Lk 7:31 11:29, 30-32, 50, 51 17:25, Ac 13:36, He 3:10 (LXX) ; thn genean autou tiV dihghsetai, Ac 8:33 (LXX) ; (c) the period covered by the life-time of a generation, used loosely in pl. of successive ages : Ac 14:16 15:21, Eph 3:5, Col 1:26 ; eiV geneaV kai geneaV (= לדור ודור , Is 34:17, al.), Lk 1:50 ; eiV pasaV taV geneaV tou aiwnoV twn aiwnwn, Eph 3:21.

Note the highlighting (in bold red) of the section of the definition relevant to Mark 8:38.

[John Reece]

Mark 9

Healing of a Boy with an Unclean Spirit

14 And when they came to the disciples, they saw a great crowd around them, and scribes arguing with them. 15 And immediately all the crowd, when they saw him, were greatly amazed and ran up to him and greeted him. 16 And he asked them, "What are you arguing about with them?" 17 And someone from the crowd answered him, "Teacher, I brought my son to you, for he has a spirit that makes him mute. 18 And whenever it seizes him, it throws him down, and he foams and grinds his teeth and becomes rigid. So I asked your disciples to cast it out, and they were not able." 19 And he answered them, "O faithless generation (genea), how long am I to be with you? How long am I to bear with you? Bring him to me." 20 And they brought the boy to him. And when the spirit saw him, immediately it convulsed the boy, and he fell on the ground and rolled about, foaming at the mouth. 21 And Jesus asked his father, "How long has this been happening to him?" And he said, "From childhood. 22 And it has often cast him into fire and into water, to destroy him. But if you can do anything, have compassion on us and help us." 23 And Jesus said to him, "If you can! All things are possible for one who believes." 24 Immediately the father of the child cried out and said, "I believe; help my unbelief!" 25 And when Jesus saw that a crowd came running together, he rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to it, "You mute and deaf spirit, I command you, come out of him and never enter him again." 26 And after crying out and convulsing him terribly, it came out, and the boy was like a corpse, so that most of them said, "He is dead." 27 But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him up, and he arose. 28 And when he had entered the house, his disciples asked him privately, "Why could we not cast it out?" 29 And he said to them, "This kind cannot be driven out by anything but prayer." (ESV)

From Abbott-Smith’s Manual Greek Lexicon of the New Testament:

genea - in LXX chiefly for דר , דור
1. race, stock, family ([Nota Bene –JR]: in NT, gennhma, q.v.).
2. generation ; (a) of the contemporary members of a family : pl., Mt. 1:17 (cf. Ge 31:3, מולדת) ; metaphor, of those alike in character, in bad sense, Mt 17:17, Mk 9:19, Lk 9:41 16:8, Ac 2:40 ; (b) of all the people of a given period : Mt 24:34, Mk 13:30, Lk 21:32, Phl 2:15 ; pl., Lk 1:48 ; esp. of the Jewish people, Mt 11:16 12:39, 41, 42, 45, 16:4 23:36, Mk 8:12, 38, Lk 7:31 11:29, 30-32, 50, 51 17:25, Ac 13:36, He 3:10 (LXX) ; thn genean autou tiV dihghsetai, Ac 8:33 (LXX) ; (c) the period covered by the life-time of a generation, used loosely in pl. of successive ages : Ac 14:16 15:21, Eph 3:5, Col 1:26 ; eiV geneaV kai geneaV (= לדור ודור , Is 34:17, al.), Lk 1:50 ; eiV pasaV taV geneaV tou aiwnoV twn aiwnwn, Eph 3:21.

Note the highlighting (in bold red) of the section of the definition relevant to Mark 9:19.

[John Reece]

Mark 13

The Lesson of the Fig Tree

28 "From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts out its leaves, you know that summer is near. 29 So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that he is near, at the very gates. 30 Truly, I say to you, this generation (h genea auth) will not pass away until all these things take place. 31 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. (ESV)

From Abbott-Smith’s Manual Greek Lexicon of the New Testament:

genea - in LXX chiefly for דר , דור
1. race, stock, family ([Nota Bene –JR]: in NT, gennhma, q.v.).
2. generation ; (a) of the contemporary members of a family : pl., Mt. 1:17 (cf. Ge 31:3, מולדת) ; metaphor, of those alike in character, in bad sense, Mt 17:17 [/b], Mk 9:19, Lk 9:41 16:8, Ac 2:40 ; (b) of all the people of a given period : Mt 24:34, Mk 13:30, Lk 21:32, Phl 2:15 ; pl., Lk 1:48 ; esp. of the Jewish people, Mt 11:16 12:39, 41, 42, 45, 16:4 23:36, Mk 8:12, 38, Lk 7:31 11:29, 30-32, 50, 51 17:25, Ac 13:36, He 3:10 (LXX) ; thn genean autou tiV dihghsetai, Ac 8:33 (LXX) ; (c) the period covered by the life-time of a generation, used loosely in pl. of successive ages : Ac 14:16 15:21, Eph 3:5, Col 1:26 ; eiV geneaV kai geneaV (= לדור ודור , Is 34:17, al.), Lk 1:50 ; eiV pasaV taV geneaV tou aiwnoV twn aiwnwn, Eph 3:21.

Note the highlighting (in bold red) of the section of the definition relevant to Mark 13:30.

From The Gospel of Mark (NIGTC), by R. T. France:


28-29 The disciples’ question about a shmeion has still not been forgotten. The fig tree provides a parabolh, this word being used now in a sense closer to the common conception of an illustrative example. Verses 28-29 are in effect an extended simile: just as you learn the approach of summer by observing the behavior of the fig tree, so you may learn of the coming of ‘it’ by seeing tauta ginomena. In each case the appearance of the one is an infallible shmeion of the arrival of the other.

In Palestine the fig tree comes into leaf in March/April. The early harvest (the ‘first-ripe’ figs) can be expected in May/June. While to qeroV can mean simply the season of summer, summer is the time of fruit and other crops, and qeroV may have a particular connotation of harvest-time (o qerismoV). The leaves give sure promise that fruit will follow (and if that promise is not fulfilled, woe betide the tree, 11:12-14).

The choice of the fig tree for this simile is probably due merely to the fact that, as one of the few deciduous trees in Palestine, it is an obvious example. But we should not forget that in chapter 11 we have seen the fig tree used as a symbol of the temple and its failure. Here the imagery is of normal growth and fruiting, not of barrenness, but in this context of the destruction of the temple the reader may well recollect that other fig tree which failed and which symbolized not the time of the temple’s fall but the completeness of its destruction.

In the second part of the simile the counterpart of the budding leaves is tauta ginomena, that of the summer is the fact that egguV estin quraiV. Neither expression is as specific as we might wish. The latter is made even less clear by the quite unjustified tendency of some to translate it as ‘he is near’ (RV, RSV, NRSV, JB, NJB). egguV is an adverb, not a masculine adjective, so that the phrase means ‘he/she/it is near’, leaving the identification of ‘he/she/it’ to be determined by the context. And here the context leaves little room for doubt. The disciples had asked when the temple would be destroyed and how they would know the time. Jesus’ reply, with the focus shifting emphatically back to the disciples again (kai umeiV . . . ginwskete), now homes in directly on the latter part of their question: this is how you will know that it (the destruction of the temple, the subject of your question and the whole discourse so far) is near; this is the shmeion you asked for.

If, as the context demands, egguV estin refers to the destruction of the temple, what are the tauta which will point to its coming as clearly as the fig leaves point to summer? Again the context must decide and the context gives a suitable antecedent. The sign that it was time to escape was the bdelugma thV erhmwsewV, and the events which are described in vv. 14-22 are a description of the period of distress which will lead up to the fall of the city; the repetition of otan idhte here from v. 14 also points to that as the antecedent. tauta must therefore refer to the matters set forth in vv. 14-22, after which the destruction of the temple will follow quickly and inevitably; there will be little time to get away. It is therefore quite inappropriate to the flow of the discourse to understand v. 29 as referring to anything subsequent to the destruction of the temple. That would make it useless as a sign in response to the disciples’ question, as well as introducing a quite unnecessary tension with the clear temporal limit set in v. 30. Verse 29 thus sums up all that Jesus has just spelled out in vv. 14-27, the preliminaries in vv. 14-22 (tauta genomena) and the climax itself in vv. 24-27 (egguV estin epi quraiV).

30 If it were not for the embarrassment which it causes to those who think Jesus is here talking about the parousia (and so got it wrong), this verse would have posed no great problems. Its language is clear and definite, not now in symbols but in a straightforward statement of a time limit. It is, moreover, emphatic and authoritative; it is not to be sidelined.

The time limit is the passing away of this generation (cf. 9:1, ou mh geuswtai qanatou ewV . . .) While Mark’s other uses of genea are not temporally marked, simply referring to Jesus’ contemporaries as a genea apistoV etc. (8:12, 38; 9:19), here the whole construction of the sentence, as well as the disciples’ question ‘When?’ in v. 4, demands the regular temporal sense: people alive as Jesus is speaking will still be there to see the fulfillment of his words.

Attempts to evade this obvious sense (on the part of those who care about Jesus’ reliability – not all commentators do) have followed one (or both) of two lines, the reinterpretation of h genea auth to mean something other than people then living, or the identification of tauta panta as something other than the events Jesus has been describing. While this commentary is in the happy position of having no embarrassment to avoid because it takes Jesus’ words at their face value as a prediction of the destruction of the temple within that generation, a few comments on each of these tactics may be appropriate.

The proposal to read h genea auth as the Jewish race goes back at least as far as Jerome, but has little to be said for it lexically or contextually. While BAGD, 154a, 1 offers the meaning ‘clan’, ‘race’, ‘kind’ in a single instance (Lk. 16:8), and regards it as ‘possible’, for instance, in Mt. 23:36’, the vast majority of uses relate to time, and in particular to ‘contemporaries’. Mt. 23:36 (also introduced by amhn legw umin) is in fact quite close in wording to the present saying: hxei tauta panta epi thn genean tauthn. Far from supporting Jerome’s interpretation, it strengthens the case against it, since it follows Jesus’ words about the murder of the prophets and the challenge to his contempories to ‘fill up the measure of your ancestors’, and leads immediately into his prediction of the devastation of Jerusalem and the destruction of the temple. Of course the genea there referred to are Jewish, but the focus is on the contemporary generation of Jews, and the fact that it is they, not some future generation, who will bear the divine judgment through the destruction of the temple. And even if the lexicon might allow it, in the present context in Mark to predict the continued existence of the Jewish race until some future unspecified tauta panta genhtai would be a curious irrelevance when the disciples want to know when the temple will be destroyed.

Another suggestion is that h genea auth does not mean ‘this generation’ but ‘that generation’, namely the people who will be alive at the time when the tauta of v. 29 (interpreted of some future age unconnected with the fall of Jerusalem) begin to happen. Even if our interpretation of v. 29 is wrong, and it is talking about the age of the parousia, this would be an odd interpretation of h genea auth: ought it not to be h genea ekeinh? Given our understanding of v. 29, of course, the attempt to find in the phrase any generation other than that of Jesus has no reference point to the text. Still less plausible is the suggestion that h genea auth could mean the human race in general, a sense for which there is no relevant parallel, and which would surely have needed to be expressed in a less misleading way.

As for the identification of tauta panta as something other than the events described in the preceding verses up to v. 27, this depends also on a whole interpretative approach to the discourse which we have seen reason to reject. It betrays its weakness at this point in that insofar as there is in the text any clear antecedent by which tauta panta may be identified it is the use of those same words in the disciples’ question in v. 4. There is a clear continuity between the question when mellh tauta sunteleisqai panta and the answer that this generation will not pass away until tauta panta genhtai. If the former phrase referred to the destruction of the temple (and, as we have seen, nothing in its context suggests any other reference), then so must the latter. tauta panta in this context must therefore refer to the whole complex of events Jesus has just been predicting in vv. 14-27.* The answer to the disciples’ question is thus comprehensively rounded off by as plain and definite a time scale as they could have wished for.

* It is of course possible to claim that Jesus has temporarily forgotten about vv. 24-27, and has now reverted only to the events of vv. 14-22, despite the very emphatic temporal link which has been made between those events and vv. 24b-27 by the connecting formulae in v. 24a. This interpretation, which I have elsewhere called the ‘leapfrog’ exegesis (the discourse leaping from temple to parousia to temple and back to parousia), is probably the most common in popular attempts to escape the embarrassment of an unfulfilled prophecy in v. 30, but is not often in a clear-cut form in academic studies. One of the clearest is Lane, 478. See further in my Jesus and the Old Testament, 228, and mention of some older commentaries there in n. 5.

Here is the list France referred to in the last sentence above:

A.Carr, The Gospel according to St. Matthew (Cambridge, 1894), pp. 265-272; A. Plummer, An Exegetical Commentary on the Gospel according to S. Matthew (London, 1909), p. 338; P. A. Micklem, St. Matthew (London, 1917), p. 235.

[John Reece]

Luke 1

The Magnificat

46 And Mary said, "My soul magnifies the Lord,
47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
48 for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant.
For behold, from now on all generations (geneai) will call me blessed;
49 for he who is mighty has done great things for me,
and holy is his name.
50 And his mercy (eleoV = דור*) is for those who fear him
from generation to generation (eiV geneaV kai geneaV).
51 He has shown strength with his arm;
he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts;
52 he has brought down the mighty from their thrones
and exalted those of humble estate;
53 he has filled the hungry with good things,
and the rich he has sent empty away.
54 He has helped his servant Israel,
in remembrance of his mercy,
55 as he spoke to our fathers,
to Abraham and to his offspring forever." (ESV)

* The cross references in Nestle-Aland are Psalm 103:11, 13, 17.

From Abbott-Smith’s Manual Greek Lexicon of the New Testament:

genea - in LXX chiefly for דר , דור
1. race, stock, family ([Nota Bene –JR]: in NT, gennhma, q.v.).
2. generation ; (a) of the contemporary members of a family : pl., Mt. 1:17 (cf. Ge 31:3, מולדת) ; metaphor, of those alike in character, in bad sense, Mt 17:17 [/b], Mk 9:19, Lk 9:41 16:8, Ac 2:40 ; (b) of all the people of a given period : Mt 24:34, Mk 13:30, Lk 21:32, Phl 2:15 ; pl., Lk 1:48 ; esp. of the Jewish people, Mt 11:16 12:39, 41, 42, 45, 16:4 23:36, Mk 8:12, 38, Lk 7:31 11:29, 30-32, 50, 51 17:25, Ac 13:36, He 3:10 (LXX) ; thn genean autou tiV dihghsetai, Ac 8:33 (LXX) ; (c) the period covered by the life-time of a generation, used loosely in pl. of successive ages : Ac 14:16 15:21, Eph 3:5, Col 1:26 ; eiV geneaV kai geneaV (= לדור ודור , Is 34:17, al.), Lk 1:50 ; eiV pasaV taV geneaV tou aiwnoV twn aiwnwn, Eph 3:21.

Note the highlighting (in bold red) of the section of the definition relevant to Luke 1:48, 50.

[John Reece]

Luke 7

31 "To what then shall I compare the people of this generation (thV geneaV tauthV), and what are they like? 32 They are like children sitting in the marketplace and calling to one another, "'We played the flute for you, and you did not dance;
we sang a dirge, and you did not weep.'
33 For John the Baptist has come eating no bread and drinking no wine, and you say, 'He has a demon.' 34 The Son of Man has come eating and drinking, and you say, 'Look at him! A glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!' 35 Yet wisdom is justified by all her children." (ESV)

From Abbott-Smith’s Manual Greek Lexicon of the New Testament:

genea - in LXX chiefly for דר , דור
1. race, stock, family ([Nota Bene –JR]: in NT, gennhma, q.v.).
2. generation ; (a) of the contemporary members of a family : pl., Mt. 1:17 (cf. Ge 31:3, מולדת) ; metaphor, of those alike in character, in bad sense, Mt 17:17 [/b], Mk 9:19, Lk 9:41 16:8, Ac 2:40 ; (b) of all the people of a given period : Mt 24:34, Mk 13:30, Lk 21:32, Phl 2:15 ; pl., Lk 1:48 ; esp. of the Jewish people, Mt 11:16 12:39, 41, 42, 45, 16:4 23:36, Mk 8:12, 38, Lk 7:31 11:29, 30-32, 50, 51 17:25, Ac 13:36, He 3:10 (LXX) ; thn genean autou tiV dihghsetai, Ac 8:33 (LXX) ; (c) the period covered by the life-time of a generation, used loosely in pl. of successive ages : Ac 14:16 15:21, Eph 3:5, Col 1:26 ; eiV geneaV kai geneaV (= לדור ודור , Is 34:17, al.), Lk 1:50 ; eiV pasaV taV geneaV tou aiwnoV twn aiwnwn, Eph 3:21.

Note the highlighting (in bold red) of the section of the definition relevant to Luke 7:31.

[John Reece]

Luke 9

Healing of a Boy with an Unclean Spirit

37 On the next day, when they had come down from the mountain, a great crowd met him. 38 And behold, a man from the crowd cried out, "Teacher, I beg you to look at my son, for he is my only child. 39 And behold, a spirit seizes him, and he suddenly cries out. It convulses him so that he foams at the mouth; and shatters him, and will hardly leave him. 40 And I begged your disciples to cast it out, but they could not." 41 Jesus answered, "O faithless and twisted generation (genea), how long am I to be with you and bear with you? Bring your son here." 42 While he was coming, the demon threw him to the ground and convulsed him. But Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit and healed the boy, and gave him back to his father. (ESV)

From Abbott-Smith’s Manual Greek Lexicon of the New Testament:

genea - in LXX chiefly for דר , דור
1. race, stock, family ([Nota Bene –JR]: in NT, gennhma, q.v.).
2. generation ; (a) of the contemporary members of a family : pl., Mt. 1:17 (cf. Ge 31:3, מולדת) ; metaphor, of those alike in character, in bad sense, Mt 17:17 [/b], Mk 9:19, Lk 9:41 16:8, Ac 2:40 ; (b) of all the people of a given period : Mt 24:34, Mk 13:30, Lk 21:32, Phl 2:15 ; pl., Lk 1:48 ; esp. of the Jewish people, Mt 11:16 12:39, 41, 42, 45, 16:4 23:36, Mk 8:12, 38, Lk 7:31 11:29, 30-32, 50, 51 17:25, Ac 13:36, He 3:10 (LXX) ; thn genean autou tiV dihghsetai, Ac 8:33 (LXX) ; (c) the period covered by the life-time of a generation, used loosely in pl. of successive ages : Ac 14:16 15:21, Eph 3:5, Col 1:26 ; eiV geneaV kai geneaV (= לדור ודור , Is 34:17, al.), Lk 1:50 ; eiV pasaV taV geneaV tou aiwnoV twn aiwnwn, Eph 3:21.

Note the highlighting (in bold red) of the section of the definition relevant to Luke 9:41.

[John Reece]

Luke 11

The Sign of Jonah

29 When the crowds were increasing, he began to say, "This generation (h genea auth) is an evil generation (genea). It seeks for a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of Jonah. 30 For as Jonah became a sign to the people of Nineveh, so will the Son of Man be to this generation (th genea tauth). 31 The queen of the South will rise up at the judgment with the men of this generation (thV geneaV tauthV) and condemn them, for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and behold, something greater than Solomon is here. 32 The men of Nineveh will rise up at the judgment with this generation (thV geneaV tauthV) and condemn it, for they repented at the preaching of Jonah, and behold, something greater than Jonah is here. (ESV)

From Abbott-Smith’s Manual Greek Lexicon of the New Testament:

genea - in LXX chiefly for דר , דור
1. race, stock, family ([Nota Bene –JR]: in NT, gennhma, q.v.).
2. generation ; (a) of the contemporary members of a family : pl., Mt. 1:17 (cf. Ge 31:3, מולדת) ; metaphor, of those alike in character, in bad sense, Mt 17:17 [/b], Mk 9:19, Lk 9:41 16:8, Ac 2:40 ; (b) of all the people of a given period : Mt 24:34, Mk 13:30, Lk 21:32, Phl 2:15 ; pl., Lk 1:48 ; esp. of the Jewish people, Mt 11:16 12:39, 41, 42, 45, 16:4 23:36, Mk 8:12, 38, Lk 7:31 11:29, 30-32, 50, 51 17:25, Ac 13:36, He 3:10 (LXX) ; thn genean autou tiV dihghsetai, Ac 8:33 (LXX) ; (c) the period covered by the life-time of a generation, used loosely in pl. of successive ages : Ac 14:16 15:21, Eph 3:5, Col 1:26 ; eiV geneaV kai geneaV (= לדור ודור , Is 34:17, al.), Lk 1:50 ; eiV pasaV taV geneaV tou aiwnoV twn aiwnwn, Eph 3:21.

Note the highlighting (in bold red) of the section of the definition relevant to Luke 11:29, 30-32.

[John Reece]

Luke 11

45 One of the lawyers answered him, "Teacher, in saying these things you insult us also." 46 And he said, "Woe to you lawyers also! For you load people with burdens hard to bear, and you yourselves do not touch the burdens with one of your fingers. 47 Woe to you! For you build the tombs of the prophets whom your fathers killed. 48 So you are witnesses and you consent to the deeds of your fathers, for they killed them, and you build their tombs. 49 Therefore also the Wisdom of God said, 'I will send them prophets and apostles, some of whom they will kill and persecute,' 50 so that the blood of all the prophets, shed from the foundation of the world, may be charged against this generation (thV geneaV tauthV), 51 from the blood of Abel to the blood of Zechariah, who perished between the altar and the sanctuary. Yes, I tell you, it will be required of this generation (thV geneaV tauthV). 52 Woe to you lawyers! For you have taken away the key of knowledge. You did not enter yourselves, and you hindered those who were entering." (ESV)

From Abbott-Smith’s Manual Greek Lexicon of the New Testament:

genea - in LXX chiefly for דר , דור
1. race, stock, family ([Nota Bene –JR]: in NT, gennhma, q.v.).
2. generation ; (a) of the contemporary members of a family : pl., Mt. 1:17 (cf. Ge 31:3, מולדת) ; metaphor, of those alike in character, in bad sense, Mt 17:17, Mk 9:19, Lk 9:41 16:8, Ac 2:40 ; (b) of all the people of a given period : Mt 24:34, Mk 13:30, Lk 21:32, Phl 2:15 ; pl., Lk 1:48 ; esp. of the Jewish people, Mt 11:16 12:39, 41, 42, 45, 16:4 23:36, Mk 8:12, 38, Lk 7:31 11:29, 30-32, 50, 51 17:25, Ac 13:36, He 3:10 (LXX) ; thn genean autou tiV dihghsetai, Ac 8:33 (LXX) ; (c) the period covered by the life-time of a generation, used loosely in pl. of successive ages : Ac 14:16 15:21, Eph 3:5, Col 1:26 ; eiV geneaV kai geneaV לדור ודור , Is 34:17, al.), Lk 1:50 ; eiV pasaV taV geneaV tou aiwnoV twn aiwnwn, Eph 3:21.

Note the highlighting (in bold red) of the section of the definition relevant to Luke 11:50, 51.

[John Reece]

Luke 16

The Parable of the Dishonest Manager

1 He also said to the disciples, "There was a rich man who had a manager, and charges were brought to him that this man was wasting his possessions. 2 And he called him and said to him, 'What is this that I hear about you? Turn in the account of your management, for you can no longer be manager.' 3 And the manager said to himself, 'What shall I do, since my master is taking the management away from me? I am not strong enough to dig, and I am ashamed to beg. 4 I have decided what to do, so that when I am removed from management, people may receive me into their houses.' 5 So, summoning his master's debtors one by one, he said to the first, 'How much do you owe my master?' 6 He said, 'A hundred measures of oil.' He said to him, 'Take your bill, and sit down quickly and write fifty.' 7 Then he said to another, 'And how much do you owe?' He said, 'A hundred measures of wheat.' He said to him, 'Take your bill, and write eighty.' 8 The master commended the dishonest manager for his shrewdness. For the sons of this world are more shrewd in dealing with their own generation (genea) than the sons of light. (ESV)

From Abbott-Smith’s Manual Greek Lexicon of the New Testament:

genea - in LXX chiefly for דר , דור
1. race, stock, family ([Nota Bene –JR]: in NT, gennhma, q.v.).
2. generation ; (a) of the contemporary members of a family : pl., Mt. 1:17 (cf. Ge 31:3, מולדת) ; metaphor, of those alike in character, in bad sense, Mt 17:17 [/b], Mk 9:19, Lk 9:41 16:8, Ac 2:40 ; (b) of all the people of a given period : Mt 24:34, Mk 13:30, Lk 21:32, Phl 2:15 ; pl., Lk 1:48 ; esp. of the Jewish people, Mt 11:16 12:39, 41, 42, 45, 16:4 23:36, Mk 8:12, 38, Lk 7:31 11:29, 30-32, 50, 51 17:25, Ac 13:36, He 3:10 (LXX) ; thn genean autou tiV dihghsetai, Ac 8:33 (LXX) ; (c) the period covered by the life-time of a generation, used loosely in pl. of successive ages : Ac 14:16 15:21, Eph 3:5, Col 1:26 ; eiV geneaV kai geneaV (= לדור ודור , Is 34:17, al.), Lk 1:50 ; eiV pasaV taV geneaV tou aiwnoV twn aiwnwn, Eph 3:21.

Note the highlighting (in bold red) of the section of the definition relevant to Luke 16:8.

[John Reece]

Luke 17

The Coming of the Kingdom

20 Being asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, he answered them, "The kingdom of God is not coming with signs to be observed, 21 nor will they say, 'Look, here it is!' or 'There!' for behold, the kingdom of God is in the midst of you."
22 And he said to the disciples, "The days are coming when you will desire to see one of the days of the Son of Man, and you will not see it. 23 And they will say to you, 'Look, there!' or 'Look, here!' Do not go out or follow them. 24 For as the lightning flashes and lights up the sky from one side to the other, so will the Son of Man be in his day. 25 But first he must suffer many things and be rejected by this generation (thV geneaV tauthV). 26 Just as it was in the days of Noah, so will it be in the days of the Son of Man. 27 They were eating and drinking and marrying and being given in marriage, until the day when Noah entered the ark, and the flood came and destroyed them all. 28 Likewise, just as it was in the days of Lot--they were eating and drinking, buying and selling, planting and building, 29 but on the day when Lot went out from Sodom, fire and sulfur rained from heaven and destroyed them all—30 so will it be on the day when the Son of Man is revealed. 31 On that day, let the one who is on the housetop, with his goods in the house, not come down to take them away, and likewise let the one who is in the field not turn back. 32 Remember Lot's wife. 33 Whoever seeks to preserve his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life will keep it. 34 I tell you, in that night there will be two in one bed. One will be taken and the other left. 35 There will be two women grinding together. One will be taken and the other left." 37 And they said to him, "Where, Lord?" He said to them, "Where the corpse is, there the vultures will gather." (ESV)

From Abbott-Smith’s Manual Greek Lexicon of the New Testament:

genea - in LXX chiefly for דר , דור
1. race, stock, family ([Nota Bene –JR]: in NT, gennhma, q.v.).
2. generation ; (a) of the contemporary members of a family : pl., Mt. 1:17 (cf. Ge 31:3, מולדת) ; metaphor, of those alike in character, in bad sense, Mt 17:17 [/b], Mk 9:19, Lk 9:41 16:8, Ac 2:40 ; (b) of all the people of a given period : Mt 24:34, Mk 13:30, Lk 21:32, Phl 2:15 ; pl., Lk 1:48 ; esp. of the Jewish people, Mt 11:16 12:39, 41, 42, 45, 16:4 23:36, Mk 8:12, 38, Lk 7:31 11:29, 30-32, 50, 51 17:25, Ac 13:36, He 3:10 (LXX) ; thn genean autou tiV dihghsetai, Ac 8:33 (LXX) ; (c) the period covered by the life-time of a generation, used loosely in pl. of successive ages : Ac 14:16 15:21, Eph 3:5, Col 1:26 ; eiV geneaV kai geneaV (= לדור ודור , Is 34:17, al.), Lk 1:50 ; eiV pasaV taV geneaV tou aiwnoV twn aiwnwn, Eph 3:21.

Note the highlighting (in bold red) of the section of the definition relevant to Luke 17:25.

[John Reece]

Luke 21

The Lesson of the Fig Tree

29 And he told them a parable: "Look at the fig tree, and all the trees. 30 As soon as they come out in leaf, you see for yourselves and know that the summer is already near. 31 So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near. 32 Truly, I say to you, this generation (h genea auth) will not pass away until all has taken place. (ESV)

From Abbott-Smith’s Manual Greek Lexicon of the New Testament:

genea - in LXX chiefly for דר , דור
1. race, stock, family ([Nota Bene –JR]: in NT, gennhma, q.v.).
2. generation ; (a) of the contemporary members of a family : pl., Mt. 1:17 (cf. Ge 31:3, מולדת) ; metaphor, of those alike in character, in bad sense, Mt 17:17 [/b], Mk 9:19, Lk 9:41 16:8, Ac 2:40 ; (b) of all the people of a given period : Mt 24:34, Mk 13:30, Lk 21:32, Phl 2:15 ; pl., Lk 1:48 ; esp. of the Jewish people, Mt 11:16 12:39, 41, 42, 45, 16:4 23:36, Mk 8:12, 38, Lk 7:31 11:29, 30-32, 50, 51 17:25, Ac 13:36, He 3:10 (LXX) ; thn genean autou tiV dihghsetai, Ac 8:33 (LXX) ; (c) the period covered by the life-time of a generation, used loosely in pl. of successive ages : Ac 14:16 15:21, Eph 3:5, Col 1:26 ; eiV geneaV kai geneaV (= לדור ודור , Is 34:17, al.), Lk 1:50 ; eiV pasaV taV geneaV tou aiwnoV twn aiwnwn, Eph 3:21.

Note the highlighting (in bold red) of the section of the definition relevant to Luke 21:32.

From Commentary on the Gospel of Luke, by Frederick Louis Godet:

Can verse 32 refer still to the Parousia? But in that case, how are we to explain the expression : this generation? Jerome understood by it the human species, Origen and Chrysostom the Christian Church. These explanations are now regarded as forced. That of Dorner and Riggenbach, who take it to mean the Jewish people (applying to their conversion the image of the fig-tree flourishing again, verses 29, 30), is not much more natural. In this context, where we have to do with a chronological determination (“is nigh,” verse 31), the meaning of genea must be temporal. Besides, we have the authentic commentary on this saying in Luke 11:50, 51, where Jesus declares that it is the very generation which is to shed his blood and that of His messengers, which must suffer, besides, the punishment of all the innocent blood shed since that of Abel down to his last. It is not less false to give to this expression, with the Tubingen School, such an extension that it embraces a period of 70 years (Hilgenfeld), or even of a century (Volkmar) : the duration of a man’s life. It has not this meaning among the ancients. In Herod. (2. 142, 7. 171), Heraclitus, and Thuc. (1. 14), it denotes a space of from 30 to 40 years. A century counts three generations. The saying of Irenaeus respecting the composition of the Apocalypse, wherein he declares “that this vision was seen not long before his epoch, almost within the time of our generation, towards the end of Domitian’s reign,” does not at all prove the contrary, as Volkmar alleges ; for Irenaeus says expressly : scedon, almost, well aware that he is extending the reach of the term generation beyond its ordinary application. An impartial exegesis, therefore, leaves no doubt that this saying fixes the date of the near destruction of Jerusalem at least the third of a century after the ministry of Jesus. The meaning is : “The generation which shall shed this blood shall not pass away till God require it” (in opposition to all the blood of the ancients which has remained so long unavenged).

[John Reece]

Acts 2

29 "Brothers, I may say to you with confidence about the patriarch David that he both died and was buried, and his tomb is with us to this day. 30 Being therefore a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him that he would set one of his descendants on his throne, 31 he foresaw and spoke about the resurrection of the Christ, that he was not abandoned to Hades, nor did his flesh see corruption. 32 This Jesus God raised up, and of that we all are witnesses. 33 Being therefore exalted at the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, he has poured out this that you yourselves are seeing and hearing. 34 For David did not ascend into the heavens, but he himself says, "'The Lord said to my Lord,
Sit at my right hand,
35 until I make your enemies your footstool.'
36 Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified."
37 Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, "Brothers, what shall we do?" 38 And Peter said to them, "Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself." 40 And with many other words he bore witness and continued to exhort them, saying, "Save yourselves from this crooked generation (genea)." 41 So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls. (ESV)

From Abbott-Smith’s Manual Greek Lexicon of the New Testament:

genea - in LXX chiefly for דר , דור
1. race, stock, family ([Nota Bene –JR]: in NT, gennhma, q.v.).
2. generation ; (a) of the contemporary members of a family : pl., Mt. 1:17 (cf. Ge 31:3, מולדת) ; metaphor, of those alike in character, in bad sense, Mt 17:17 [/b], Mk 9:19, Lk 9:41 16:8, Ac 2:40 ; (b) of all the people of a given period : Mt 24:34, Mk 13:30, Lk 21:32, Phl 2:15 ; pl., Lk 1:48 ; esp. of the Jewish people, Mt 11:16 12:39, 41, 42, 45, 16:4 23:36, Mk 8:12, 38, Lk 7:31 11:29, 30-32, 50, 51 17:25, Ac 13:36, He 3:10 (LXX) ; thn genean autou tiV dihghsetai, Ac 8:33 (LXX) ; (c) the period covered by the life-time of a generation, used loosely in pl. of successive ages : Ac 14:16 15:21, Eph 3:5, Col 1:26 ; eiV geneaV kai geneaV (= לדור ודור , Is 34:17, al.), Lk 1:50 ; eiV pasaV taV geneaV tou aiwnoV twn aiwnwn, Eph 3:21.

Note the highlighting (in bold red) of the section of the definition relevant to Acts 2:40.

[John Reece]

Acts 8

Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch

26 Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, "Rise and go toward the south to the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza." This is a desert place. 27 And he rose and went. And there was an Ethiopian, a eunuch, a court official of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, who was in charge of all her treasure. He had come to Jerusalem to worship 28 and was returning, seated in his chariot, and he was reading the prophet Isaiah. 29 And the Spirit said to Philip, "Go over and join this chariot." 30 So Philip ran to him and heard him reading Isaiah the prophet and asked, "Do you understand what you are reading?" 31 And he said, "How can I, unless someone guides me?" And he invited Philip to come up and sit with him. 32 Now the passage of the Scripture that he was reading was this: "Like a sheep he was led to the slaughter
and like a lamb before its shearer is silent,
so he opens not his mouth.
33 In his humiliation justice was denied him.
Who can describe his generation (genea in LXX / דור in Hebrew)?
For his life is taken away from the earth."
34 And the eunuch said to Philip, "About whom, I ask you, does the prophet say this, about himself or about someone else?" 35 Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning with this Scripture he told him the good news about Jesus. 36 And as they were going along the road they came to some water, and the eunuch said, "See, here is water! What prevents me from being baptized?" 38 And he commanded the chariot to stop, and they both went down into the water, Philip and the eunuch, and he baptized him. (ESV)

From Abbott-Smith’s Manual Greek Lexicon of the New Testament:

genea - in LXX chiefly for דר , דור
1. race, stock, family ([Nota Bene –JR]: in NT, gennhma, q.v.).
2. generation ; (a) of the contemporary members of a family : pl., Mt. 1:17 (cf. Ge 31:3, מולדת) ; metaphor, of those alike in character, in bad sense, Mt 17:17 [/b], Mk 9:19, Lk 9:41 16:8, Ac 2:40 ; (b) of all the people of a given period : Mt 24:34, Mk 13:30, Lk 21:32, Phl 2:15 ; pl., Lk 1:48 ; esp. of the Jewish people, Mt 11:16 12:39, 41, 42, 45, 16:4 23:36, Mk 8:12, 38, Lk 7:31 11:29, 30-32, 50, 51 17:25, Ac 13:36, He 3:10 (LXX) ; thn genean autou tiV dihghsetai, Ac 8:33 (LXX) ; (c) the period covered by the life-time of a generation, used loosely in pl. of successive ages : Ac 14:16 15:21, Eph 3:5, Col 1:26 ; eiV geneaV kai geneaV (= לדור ודור , Is 34:17, al.), Lk 1:50 ; eiV pasaV taV geneaV tou aiwnoV twn aiwnwn, Eph 3:21.

Note the highlighting (in bold red) of the section of the definition relevant to Acts 8:33.

Acts 8:33 is a quote of Isaiah 53:8. So genea in both the LXX of Isaiah 53:8 and the Greek of Acts 8:33 are renderings for דור:

From Holladay’s Concise Lexicon:
דור
- 1. (singular) circuit, lifetime, generation (from a man’s birth to the birth of his first son; the totality of (adult) contempories; a time with its noteworthy events and people)” : הדור הזה Genesis 7:1 ; לאלף דור to the 1000th generation Deuteronomy 7:9 ; דור דור Exodus 3:16, דור לדור generation to generation ; – 2. (plural) generations: דרותינו the generations coming after us Joshua 22:27 ; בדרתיו among his contempories Genesis 6:7.

Here is the New Jerusalem Bible rendering for Isaiah 53:8 :

Forcibly, after sentence, he was taken.
Which of his contempories was concerned
at his having been cut off from the land of the living, . . . Isaiah 53:8a

[John Reece]

Acts 13

26 "Brothers, sons of the family of Abraham, and those among you who fear God, to us has been sent the message of this salvation. 27 For those who live in Jerusalem and their rulers, because they did not recognize him nor understand the utterances of the prophets, which are read every Sabbath, fulfilled them by condemning him. 28 And though they found in him no guilt worthy of death, they asked Pilate to have him executed. 29 And when they had carried out all that was written of him, they took him down from the tree and laid him in a tomb. 30 But God raised him from the dead, 31 and for many days he appeared to those who had come up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are now his witnesses to the people. 32 And we bring you the good news that what God promised to the fathers, 33 this he has fulfilled to us their children by raising Jesus, as also it is written in the second Psalm, "'You are my Son,
today I have begotten you.'
34 And as for the fact that he raised him from the dead, no more to return to corruption, he has spoken in this way, "'I will give you the holy and sure blessings of David.'
35 Therefore he says also in another psalm, "'You will not let your Holy One see corruption.'
36 For David, after he had served the purpose of God in his own generation (idia genea), fell asleep and was laid with his fathers and saw corruption, 37 but he whom God raised up did not see corruption. 38 Let it be known to you therefore, brothers, that through this man forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you, and by him everyone who believes is freed from everything 39 from which you could not be freed by the law of Moses. 40 Beware, therefore, lest what is said in the Prophets should come about:
41 "'Look, you scoffers,
be astounded and perish;
for I am doing a work in your days,
a work that you will not believe, even if one tells it to you.'" (ESV)

From Abbott-Smith’s Manual Greek Lexicon of the New Testament:

genea - in LXX chiefly for דר , דור
1. race, stock, family ([Nota Bene –JR]: in NT, gennhma, q.v.).
2. generation ; (a) of the contemporary members of a family : pl., Mt. 1:17 (cf. Ge 31:3, מולדת) ; metaphor, of those alike in character, in bad sense, Mt 17:17 [/b], Mk 9:19, Lk 9:41 16:8, Ac 2:40 ; (b) of all the people of a given period : Mt 24:34, Mk 13:30, Lk 21:32, Phl 2:15 ; pl., Lk 1:48 ; esp. of the Jewish people, Mt 11:16 12:39, 41, 42, 45, 16:4 23:36, Mk 8:12, 38, Lk 7:31 11:29, 30-32, 50, 51 17:25, Ac 13:36, He 3:10 (LXX) ; thn genean autou tiV dihghsetai, Ac 8:33 (LXX) ; (c) the period covered by the life-time of a generation, used loosely in pl. of successive ages : Ac 14:16 15:21, Eph 3:5, Col 1:26 ; eiV geneaV kai geneaV (= לדור ודור , Is 34:17, al.), Lk 1:50 ; eiV pasaV taV geneaV tou aiwnoV twn aiwnwn, Eph 3:21.

Note the highlighting (in bold red) of the section of the definition relevant to Acts 13:36.

[John Reece]

Acts 14

Paul and Barnabas at Lystra

8 Now at Lystra there was a man sitting who could not use his feet. He was crippled from birth and had never walked. 9 He listened to Paul speaking. And Paul, looking intently at him and seeing that he had faith to be made well, 10 said in a loud voice, "Stand upright on your feet." And he sprang up and began walking. 11 And when the crowds saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices, saying in Lycaonian, "The gods have come down to us in the likeness of men!" 12 Barnabas they called Zeus, and Paul, Hermes, because he was the chief speaker. 13 And the priest of Zeus, whose temple was at the entrance to the city, brought oxen and garlands to the gates and wanted to offer sacrifice with the crowds. 14 But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard of it, they tore their garments and rushed out into the crowd, crying out, 15 "Men, why are you doing these things? We also are men, of like nature with you, and we bring you good news, that you should turn from these vain things to a living God, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and all that is in them. 16 In past generations (en taiV parwchmenaiV geneaiV) he allowed all the nations to walk in their own ways. 17 Yet he did not leave himself without witness, for he did good by giving you rains from heaven and fruitful seasons, satisfying your hearts with food and gladness." (ESV)

From Abbott-Smith’s Manual Greek Lexicon of the New Testament:

genea - in LXX chiefly for דר , דור
1. race, stock, family ([Nota Bene –JR]: in NT, gennhma, q.v.).
2. generation ; (a) of the contemporary members of a family : pl., Mt. 1:17 (cf. Ge 31:3, מולדת) ; metaphor, of those alike in character, in bad sense, Mt 17:17 [/b], Mk 9:19, Lk 9:41 16:8, Ac 2:40 ; (b) of all the people of a given period : Mt 24:34, Mk 13:30, Lk 21:32, Phl 2:15 ; pl., Lk 1:48 ; esp. of the Jewish people, Mt 11:16 12:39, 41, 42, 45, 16:4 23:36, Mk 8:12, 38, Lk 7:31 11:29, 30-32, 50, 51 17:25, Ac 13:36, He 3:10 (LXX) ; thn genean autou tiV dihghsetai, Ac 8:33 (LXX) ; (c) the period covered by the life-time of a generation, used loosely in pl. of successive ages : Ac 14:16 15:21, Eph 3:5, Col 1:26 ; eiV geneaV kai geneaV (= לדור ודור , Is 34:17, al.), Lk 1:50 ; eiV pasaV taV geneaV tou aiwnoV twn aiwnwn, Eph 3:21.

Note the highlighting (in bold red) of the section of the definition relevant to Acts 14.16.

[John Reece]

Acts 15

12 And all the assembly fell silent, and they listened to Barnabas and Paul as they related what signs and wonders God had done through them among the Gentiles. 13 After they finished speaking, James replied, "Brothers, listen to me. 14 Simeon has related how God first visited the Gentiles, to take from them a people for his name. 15 And with this the words of the prophets agree, just as it is written, 16 "'After this I will return,
and I will rebuild the tent of David that has fallen;
I will rebuild its ruins,
and I will restore it, 17 that the remnant of mankind may seek the Lord,
and all the Gentiles who are called by my name,
says the Lord, who makes these things 18 known from of old.'
19 Therefore my judgment is that we should not trouble those of the Gentiles who turn to God, 20 but should write to them to abstain from the things polluted by idols, and from sexual immorality, and from what has been strangled, and from blood. 21 For from ancient generations (ek genewn arcaiwn) Moses has had in every city those who proclaim him, for he is read every Sabbath in the synagogues." (ESV)

From Abbott-Smith’s Manual Greek Lexicon of the New Testament:

genea - in LXX chiefly for דר , דור
1. race, stock, family ([Nota Bene –JR]: in NT[/b], gennhma, q.v.).
2. generation ; (a) of the contemporary members of a family : pl., Mt. 1:17 (cf. Ge 31:3, מולדת) ; metaphor, of those alike in character, in bad sense, Mt 17:17 [/b], Mk 9:19, Lk 9:41 16:8, Ac 2:40 ; (b) of all the people of a given period : Mt 24:34, Mk 13:30, Lk 21:32, Phl 2:15 ; pl., Lk 1:48 ; esp. of the Jewish people, Mt 11:16 12:39, 41, 42, 45, 16:4 23:36, Mk 8:12, 38, Lk 7:31 11:29, 30-32, 50, 51 17:25, Ac 13:36, He 3:10 (LXX) ; thn genean autou tiV dihghsetai, Ac 8:33 (LXX) ; (c) the period covered by the life-time of a generation, used loosely in pl. of successive ages : Ac 14:16 [b]15:21[b], Eph 3:5, Col 1:26 ; eiV geneaV kai geneaV (= לדור ודור , Is 34:17, al.), Lk 1:50 ; eiV pasaV taV geneaV tou aiwnoV twn aiwnwn, Eph 3:21.

Note the highlighting (in bold red) of the section of the definition relevant to Acts 15:21.

[John Reece]

Ephesians 3

The Mystery of the Gospel Revealed

1 For this reason I, Paul, a prisoner for Christ Jesus on behalf of you Gentiles—2 assuming that you have heard of the stewardship of God's grace that was given to me for you, 3 how the mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I have written briefly. 4 When you read this, you can perceive my insight into the mystery of Christ, 5 which was not made known to the sons of men in other generations (eteraiV geneaiV) as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit. 6 This mystery is that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel. (ESV)

From Abbott-Smith’s Manual Greek Lexicon of the New Testament:

genea - in LXX chiefly for דר , דור
1. race, stock, family ([Nota Bene –JR]: in NT, gennhma, q.v.).
2. generation ; (a) of the contemporary members of a family : pl., Mt. 1:17 (cf. Ge 31:3, מולדת) ; metaphor, of those alike in character, in bad sense, Mt 17:17 [/b], Mk 9:19, Lk 9:41 16:8, Ac 2:40 ; (b) of all the people of a given period : Mt 24:34, Mk 13:30, Lk 21:32, Phl 2:15 ; pl., Lk 1:48 ; esp. of the Jewish people, Mt 11:16 12:39, 41, 42, 45, 16:4 23:36, Mk 8:12, 38, Lk 7:31 11:29, 30-32, 50, 51 17:25, Ac 13:36, He 3:10 (LXX) ; thn genean autou tiV dihghsetai, Ac 8:33 (LXX) ; (c) the period covered by the life-time of a generation, used loosely in pl. of successive ages : Ac 14:16 15:21, Eph 3:5, Col 1:26 ; eiV geneaV kai geneaV (= לדור ודור , Is 34:17, al.), Lk 1:50 ; eiV pasaV taV geneaV tou aiwnoV twn aiwnwn, Eph 3:21.

Note the highlighting (in bold red) of the section of the definition relevant to Ephesians 3:5.

[John Reece]

Ephesians 3

14 For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, 15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, 16 that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith--that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, 19 and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
20 Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, [21[/b] to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations (eiV pasaV taV geneaV tou aiwnoV twn aiwnwn), forever and ever. Amen. (ESV)

From Abbott-Smith’s Manual Greek Lexicon of the New Testament:

genea - in LXX chiefly for דר , דור
1. race, stock, family ([Nota Bene –JR]: in NT, gennhma, q.v.).
2. generation ; (a) of the contemporary members of a family : pl., Mt. 1:17 (cf. Ge 31:3, מולדת) ; metaphor, of those alike in character, in bad sense, Mt 17:17 [/b], Mk 9:19, Lk 9:41 16:8, Ac 2:40 ; (b) of all the people of a given period : Mt 24:34, Mk 13:30, Lk 21:32, Phl 2:15 ; pl., Lk 1:48 ; esp. of the Jewish people, Mt 11:16 12:39, 41, 42, 45, 16:4 23:36, Mk 8:12, 38, Lk 7:31 11:29, 30-32, 50, 51 17:25, Ac 13:36, He 3:10 (LXX) ; thn genean autou tiV dihghsetai, Ac 8:33 (LXX) ; (c) the period covered by the life-time of a generation, used loosely in pl. of successive ages : Ac 14:16 15:21, Eph 3:5, Col 1:26 ; eiV geneaV kai geneaV (= לדור ודור , Is 34:17, al.), Lk 1:50 ; eiV pasaV taV geneaV tou aiwnoV twn aiwnwn, Eph 3:21.

Note the highlighting (in bold red) of the section of the definition relevant to Ephesians 3:21.

[John Reece]

Philippians 2

Lights in the World

12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.
14 Do all things without grumbling or questioning, 15 that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation (genea), among whom you shine as lights in the world, 16 holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain. 17 Even if I am to be poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrificial offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all. 18 Likewise you also should be glad and rejoice with me. (ESV)

From Abbott-Smith’s Manual Greek Lexicon of the New Testament:

genea - in LXX chiefly for דר , דור
1. race, stock, family ([Nota Bene –JR]: in NT, gennhma, q.v.).
2. generation ; (a) of the contemporary members of a family : pl., Mt. 1:17 (cf. Ge 31:3, מולדת) ; metaphor, of those alike in character, in bad sense, Mt 17:17 [/b], Mk 9:19, Lk 9:41 16:8, Ac 2:40 ; (b) of all the people of a given period : Mt 24:34, Mk 13:30, Lk 21:32, Phl 2:15 ; pl., Lk 1:48 ; esp. of the Jewish people, Mt 11:16 12:39, 41, 42, 45, 16:4 23:36, Mk 8:12, 38, Lk 7:31 11:29, 30-32, 50, 51 17:25, Ac 13:36, He 3:10 (LXX) ; thn genean autou tiV dihghsetai, Ac 8:33 (LXX) ; (c) the period covered by the life-time of a generation, used loosely in pl. of successive ages : Ac 14:16 15:21, Eph 3:5, Col 1:26 ; eiV geneaV kai geneaV (= לדור ודור , Is 34:17, al.), Lk 1:50 ; eiV pasaV taV geneaV tou aiwnoV twn aiwnwn, Eph 3:21.

Note the highlighting (in bold red) of the section of the definition relevant to Philippians 2:15.

[John Reece]

Colossians 1

Paul's Ministry to the Church

24 Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in Christ's afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church, 25 of which I became a minister according to the stewardship from God that was given to me for you, to make the word of God fully known, 26 the mystery hidden for ages and generations (apo twn aiwnwn kai apo twn genewn) but now revealed to his saints. 27 To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. 28 Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ. 29 For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me. (ESV)

From Abbott-Smith’s Manual Greek Lexicon of the New Testament:

genea - in LXX chiefly for דר , דור
1. race, stock, family ([Nota Bene –JR]: in NT, gennhma, q.v.).
2. generation ; (a) of the contemporary members of a family : pl., Mt. 1:17 (cf. Ge 31:3, מולדת) ; metaphor, of those alike in character, in bad sense, Mt 17:17 [/b], Mk 9:19, Lk 9:41 16:8, Ac 2:40 ; (b) of all the people of a given period : Mt 24:34, Mk 13:30, Lk 21:32, Phl 2:15 ; pl., Lk 1:48 ; esp. of the Jewish people, Mt 11:16 12:39, 41, 42, 45, 16:4 23:36, Mk 8:12, 38, Lk 7:31 11:29, 30-32, 50, 51 17:25, Ac 13:36, He 3:10 (LXX) ; thn genean autou tiV dihghsetai, Ac 8:33 (LXX) ; (c) the period covered by the life-time of a generation, used loosely in pl. of successive ages : Ac 14:16 15:21, Eph 3:5, Col 1:26 ; eiV geneaV kai geneaV (= לדור ודור , Is 34:17, al.), Lk 1:50 ; eiV pasaV taV geneaV tou aiwnoV twn aiwnwn, Eph 3:21.

Note the highlighting (in bold red) of the section of the definition relevant to Colossians 1:26.

[John Reece]

Hebrews 3

A Rest for the People of God

7 Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says, "Today, if you hear his voice,
8 do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion,
on the day of testing in the wilderness,
9 where your fathers put me to the test
and saw my works 10 for forty years.
Therefore I was provoked with that generation (LXX: th genea ekeinh)
and said, 'They always go astray in their heart;
they have not known my ways.'
11 As I swore in my wrath,
'They shall not enter my rest.'" (ESV)

From Abbott-Smith’s Manual Greek Lexicon of the New Testament:

genea - in LXX chiefly for דר , דור
1. race, stock, family ([Nota Bene –JR]: in NT, gennhma, q.v.).
2. generation ; (a) of the contemporary members of a family : pl., Mt. 1:17 (cf. Ge 31:3, מולדת) ; metaphor, of those alike in character, in bad sense, Mt 17:17 [/b], Mk 9:19, Lk 9:41 16:8, Ac 2:40 ; (b) of all the people of a given period : Mt 24:34, Mk 13:30, Lk 21:32, Phl 2:15 ; pl., Lk 1:48 ; esp. of the Jewish people, Mt 11:16 12:39, 41, 42, 45, 16:4 23:36, Mk 8:12, 38, Lk 7:31 11:29, 30-32, 50, 51 17:25, Ac 13:36, He 3:10 (LXX) ; thn genean autou tiV dihghsetai, Ac 8:33 (LXX) ; (c) the period covered by the life-time of a generation, used loosely in pl. of successive ages : Ac 14:16 15:21, Eph 3:5, Col 1:26 ; eiV geneaV kai geneaV (= לדור ודור , Is 34:17, al.), Lk 1:50 ; eiV pasaV taV geneaV tou aiwnoV twn aiwnwn, Eph 3:21.

Note the highlighting (in bold red) of the section of the definition relevant to Hebrews 3:10.

There is a textual variant not noted in Metzger’s Commentary. Anyone interested can see the manuscript references in the apparatus of Nestle-Aland.

Hebrews 3:7-11 is a quote of the LXX version of Psalm 95:7-11. The Hebrew text of Psalm 95:10 (corresponding to Hebrews 3:9-10) is somewhat different from the LXX and the English versions: ארבצים שנה אקוט בדור : “For forty years I was disgusted with generation” (Note: no “this” or “that” modifier).

[John Reece]

Our long slow look at the word “generation” in the Bible is now completed.

[John Reece]

Bump for Leanne

[John Reece]

Bump for Neal

[dizzle]

WOW!!!!!!! Thank you JOhn!

[John Reece]

Bump for Dee Dee.

[John Reece]

Bump for Charles.

[Etcetera]

John:

Greetings in the glory.

I just read (well, skimmed some parts) this whole thread from start to finish, and I love it! This is what Bible study ought to be about. Take one word, phrase, or concept and follow it all the way through.

You mentioned perhaps going through the Apocrypha as well. Any plans in that direction?

Thanks for all the work.

Etcetera.

[John Reece]

Today @ 03:12 AM post located here (http://www.theologyweb.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&postid=328372#post328372)
Etcetera:

John:

Greetings in the glory.

I just read (well, skimmed some parts) this whole thread from start to finish, and I love it! This is what Bible study ought to be about. Take one word, phrase, or concept and follow it all the way through.

You mentioned perhaps going through the Apocrypha as well. Any plans in that direction?

Thanks for all the work.

Etcetera.

Etcetera,

Hmm. I had forgotten that I "mentioned perhaps going through the Apocrypha as well". If there is an interest in seeing that done, I'd be happy to do it.

Blessings,

John

[Etcetera]

John:

If I get a vote, then yes.

In him.

Etcetera.

[John Reece]

Today @ 04:54 AM post located here (http://www.theologyweb.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&postid=329429#post329429)
Etcetera:

John:

If I get a vote, then yes.

In him.

Etcetera.

O.K. :thumb:

[John Reece]

The ESV does not contain the books of the Apocrypha, and I find the NRSV’s total capitulation to feminist ideology annoying, so I’m using the New Jerusalem Bible version of the Apocrypha for a survey of the use of genea (genea/generation) therein.

Tobit 1:1-4 (NJB)

I, Tobit, have walked in paths of truth and in good works all the days of my life. I have given much in alms to my brothers and fellow country folk, exiled like me to Nineveh in the country of Assyria. In my young days, when I was still at home in the land of Israel, the whole tribe of Naphtali my ancestor broke away from the House of David and from Jerusalem, though this was the city chosen out of all the tribes of Israel for their sacrifices; here, the Temple – God’s dwelling place – had been built and hallowed for all generations to come (eiV pasaV taV geneaV tou aiwnoV).

geneaV is the accusative plural of genea (genea/generation). The sense of genea in the above context is the same as that of the Hebrew word דור, the definition of which is has been given throughout the first section of this thread.

Generation in this context is defined as the period of time “from a man’s birth to the birth of his first son; the totality of (adult) contemporaries; a time with its noteworthy events and people.” (A Concise Hebrew and Aramaic Lexicon of the Old Testament, William L. Holladay, Editor)

[John Reece]

In the text below, I am using the NRSV, because the NJB follows the text of the pre-Vulgate Old Latin, which differs from the LXX.

Tobit 13:9-11

O Jerusalem, the holy city,
he afflicted you for the deed of
your hands,
but will again have mercy on the
children of the righteous.
Acknowledge the Lord, for he is good,
and bless the King of the ages,
so that his tent may be rebuilt in
you in joy.
May he cheer all those within you who
are captives,
and love all those within you who
are distressed,
to all generations forever (eiV pasaV taV geneaV tou aiwnoV).

A bright light will shine to all the
ends of the earth;
many nations will come to you
from far away,
the inhabitants of the remotest parts of
the earth to your holy name,
bearing gifts in their hands for the
King of heaven.
Generation after generation (geneai genewn) will give
joyful praise to you;
the name of the chosen city will
endure forever. (NRSV)

All the words in red above are the Greek word for “generation” (genea / genea); the different endings represent the different grammatical inflections of the word depending on how the word is used in the sentences:

geneaV = accusative plural
geneai = nominative plural
genewn = genitive plural

I trust the sense of the word is clear by virtue of its usage in the context above.

[Etcetera]

John:

Many thanks for humoring me.

Five pearls for you.

Etcetera.

:thumb:

[John Reece]

Today @ 02:10 AM post located here (http://www.theologyweb.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&postid=332515#post332515)
Etcetera:

John:

Many thanks for humoring me.

Five pearls for you.



:thumb:

Etcetera,

I really enjoy doing this kind of study.

Many thanks to you for your interest.

Blessings,

John

[John Reece]

Judith 8:18:9-18

Judith and the Elders

When Judith heard the harsh words spoken against the ruler, because they were faint for lack of water, and when she heard all that Uzziah said to them, and how he promised them under oath to surrender the town to the Assyrians after five days, she sent her maid, who was in charge of all she possessed, to summon Uzziah and Chabris and Charmis, the elders of her town. They came to her and she said to them:

Listen to me, rulers of the people of Bethulia! What you have said to the people today is not right; you have even sworn and pronounced this oath between God and you, promising to surrender the town to our enemies unless the Lord turns and helps us within so many days. Who are you to put God to the test today, and to set yourselves up in the place of God in human affairs? You are putting the Lord Almighty to the test, but you will never learn anything! You cannot plumb the depths of the human heart or understand the workings of the human mind; how do you expect to search out God, who made all these things, and find out his mind or comprehend his thoughts? No, my brothers, do not anger the Lord our God. For if he does not choose to help us within these five days, he has power to protect us within any time he pleases, or even to destroy us in the presence of our enemies. Do not try to bind the purposes of the Lord our God; for God is not like a human being, to be threatened, or like a mere mortal to be won over by pleading. Therefore, while we wait for his deliverance, let us call upon him to help us, and he will hear our voice, if it pleases him.

For never in our generation (en taiV geneaiV hmwn – note: the form of genea is plural in the LXX), nor in these present days, has there been any tribe or family or people or town of ours that worship gods made with hands, as done in days gone by. (NRSV)

[John Reece]

Wisdom 3:13-19

For blessed is the barren woman who
is undefiled,
who has not entered into a sinful
union;
she will have fruit when God
examines souls.
Blessed also is the eunuch whose hands
have done no lawless deed,
and who has not devised wicked
things against the Lord;
for special favor will be shown him for
his faithfulness,
and a place of great delight in the
temple of the Lord.
For the fruit of good labors is
renowned,
and the root of understanding does
not fail.
But children of adulterers will not
come to maturity,
and the offspring of an unlawful union
will perish.
Even if they live long they will be
held of no account,
and finally their old age will have no hope
and no consolation on the day of
judgment.
For the end of an unrighteous generation (genea / genea) is grievous. (NRSV)

[John Reece]

Wisdom 7:22-8:1

The Nature of Wisdom

There is in her a spirit that is intelligent,
holy, unique, manifold, subtle, mobile,
clear, unpolluted, distinct, invulnerable,
loving the good, keen, irresistible,
beneficent, humane, steadfast, sure,
free from anxiety, all-powerful, overseeing all,
and penetrating through all spirits
that are intelligent, pure,
and altogether subtle.
For wisdom is more mobile
than any motion;
because of her pureness she pervades
and penetrates all things.
For she is a breath
of the power of God,
and a pure emanation
of the glory of the Almighty;
therefore nothing defiled
gains entrance into her.
For she is a reflection of eternal light,
a spotless mirror of the working of God,
and an image of her goodness.
Although she is but one,
she can do all things,
and while remaining in herself,
she renews all things;
in every generation (genea / genea)
she passes into holy souls
and makes them friends of God,
and prophets;
for God loves nothing so much
as the person who lives with wisdom.
She is more beautiful than the sun,
and excels every constellation
of the stars.
Compared with the light
she is found to be superior,
for it is succeeded by the night,
but against wisdom
evil does not prevail.
She reaches mightily
from one end of the earth
to the other,
and she orders all things well. (NRSV)

[John Reece]

Wisdom 14:1-6

Folly of a Navigator Praying to an Idol

Again, one preparing to sail
and about to voyage over raging waves
calls upon a piece of wood more fragile
than the ship that carries him.
For it was desire for gain
that planned that vessel,
and wisdom was the artisan
who built it;
but it is your providence, O Father,
that steers its course,
because you have given it a path
in the sea,
and a safe way through the waves,
showing that you can save from every danger,
so that even a person who lacks skill
may put to sea.
It is your will that works of your wisdom
should not be without effect;
therefore people trust their lives
even to the smallest pieces of wood,
and passing through the billows
on a raft they come safely to land.
For even in the beginning,
when giants were perishing,
the hope of the world
took refuge on a raft,
and guided by your hand
left to the world the seed of a new generation (apelipen aiwni sperma genesewV -- NB: the word rendered “a new generation” in this verse is NOT genea / genea; it is genesiV / genesis, in the form of its genitive singular inflection).
For blessed is the wood by which righteousness comes.

But the idol
made with hands
is accursed,
and so is the one who made it –
he for having made it,
and the perishable thing
because it was named a god.
For equally hateful to God
are the ungodly and their ungodliness,
for what was done will be punished
together with the one who did it.
Therefore there will be a visitation also
upon the heathen idols,
because, though part of
what God created
they became an abomination,
snares for human souls and a trap
for the feet of the foolish. (NRSV)

[John Reece]

Sirach 2:7-14

You who fear the Lord,
wait for his mercy;
do not stray, or else you may fall.
You who fear the Lord,
trust in him,
and your reward will not be lost.
You who fear the Lord,
hope for good things,
for lasting joy and mercy.
Consider the generations (geneaV – accusative plural of genea / genea)
of old and see:
has anyone trusted in the Lord
and been disappointed?
Or has anyone persevered in the fear of the Lord
and been forsaken?
Or has anyone called upon him
and been neglected?
For the Lord is compassionate
and merciful;
he forgives sins and saves
in time of distress.
Woe to timid hearts and slack hands,
and to the sinner who walks a double path!
Woe to the fainthearted
who have no trust!
Therefore they will have no shelter.
Woe to you who have lost your nerve!
What will you do
when the Lord’s reckoning comes? (NRSV)

[John Reece]

Sirach 14:11-19

My child, treat yourself well,
according to your means,
and present worthy offerings
to the Lord.
Remember that death does not tarry,
and the decree of Hades
has not been shown to you.
Do good to friends before you die,
and reach out and give to them
as much as you can.
Do not deprive yourself
of a day’s enjoyment;
do not let your share
of desired good pass by you.
Will you not leave
the fruit of your labors to another,
and what you acquired by toil
to be divided by lot?
Give, and take, and indulge yourself,
because in Hades
one cannot look for luxury.
All living beings
become old like a garment,
for the decree from of old is,
“You must die!”
Like abundant leaves
on a spreading tree that sheds
and puts forth others,
so are the generations (Note: In the LXX, the number is singular: outwV genea / genea)
of flesh and blood:
one dies and another is born.
Every work decays and ceases to exist,
and the one who made it
will pass away with it. (NRSV)

[John Reece]

Sirach 16:26-27

When the Lord created his works
from the beginning,
and, in making them,
determined their boundaries,
he arranged his works
in an eternal order,
and their dominions
for all generations (geneaV – accusative plural of genea / genea). (NRSV)

[John Reece]

Sirach 24:23-34

Wisdom and the Law

All this is the book of the covenant
of the Most High God,
the law that Moses commanded us
as an inheritance
for the congregation of Jacob.
It overflows, like the Pishon,
with wisdom,
and like the Tigris
at the time of the first fruits.
It runs over, like the Euphrates,
with understanding,
and like the Jordan at harvest time.
It pours forth instruction like the Nile.
The first man did not know wisdom fully,
nor will the last man fathom her.
For her thoughts
are more abundant than the sea,
and her counsel deeper than the great abyss.
As for me, I was like a canal from a river,
I said, “I will water my garden
and drench my flower-beds.”
And lo, my canal became a river,
and my river a sea.
I will again make
instruction shine forth like the dawn,
and I make it clear from far away.
I will again
pour out teaching like prophecy,
and leave it to all future
generations (geneaV – accusative plural of genea / genea).
Observe that I have not labored
for myself alone,
but for all who seek wisdom.” (NRSV)

[John Reece]

Sirach 44:1-16

Hymn in Honor of Our Ancestor

Let us now sing
the praises of famous men,
our ancestors in their
generations (genesei – dative singular of genesiV, NOT genea / genea)
The Lord apportioned to them
great glory,
his majesty from the beginning.
There were those who ruled
in their kingdoms,
and made a name for themselves
by their valor;
those who gave counsel
because they were intelligent;
those who spoke in prophetic oracles;
those who led the people
by their counsels
and by their knowledge
of the people’s lore;
they were wise
in their words of instruction;
those who composed musical tunes,
or put verses in writing;
rich men endowed with resources,
living peacefully in their homes –
all these were honored
in their generations (geneaiV -- dative plural of genea / genea),
and were the pride of their times.
Some of them have left behind a name,
so that others may declare their praise.
But these also were godly men,
whose righteous deeds
have not been forgotten;
their wealth will remain
with their descendents,
and their inheritance
with their children’s children.
Their descendents
stand by the covenants;
their children also,
for their sake.
Their offspring will continue forever,
and their glory will never be blotted out.
Their bodies are buried in peace,
But their name lives on
generation after generation (eiV geneaV – “for generations – accusative plural of genea / genea).
The assembly declares their wisdom,
and the congregation
proclaims their praise.
Enoch pleased the Lord
and was taken up,
an example of repentance
to all generations (geneaiV -- dative plural of genea / genea). (NRSV)

[John Reece]

Sirach 45:26

And now bless the Lord
who has crowned you with glory.
May the Lord grant you wisdom of mind
to judge his people with justice,
so that their prosperity may not vanish,
and that their glory may endure
through all their
generations (geneaV – accusative plural of genea / genea). (NRSV)

[John Reece]

Letter of Jeremiah 6:1-3

A copy of the letter that Jeremiah sent to those who were to be taken to Babylon as exiles by the king of the Babylonians, to give them the message that God had commanded him.

The People Face a Long Captivity

Because of the sins that you have committed before God, you will be taken to Babylon as exiles by Nebuchadnezzar, king of the Babylonians. Therefore when you have come to Babylon you will remain there for many years, for a long time, up to seven generations (genewn – genitive plural of genea / genea); after that I will bring you away from there in peace. (NRSV)

The following is a footnote in the NRSV regarding the chapter heading to the above text, which in the NRSV is chapter 6 rather than chapter 1 (the Letter of Jeremiah consists of only one chapter):

The King James Version (like the Latin Vulgate) prints The Letter of Jeremiah as Chapter 6 of the Book of Baruch, and the chapter and verse numbers are here retained. In the Greek Septuagint, the Letter is separated from Baruch by the Book of Lamentations.

[John Reece]

1 Maccabees 2:49-64

The Last Words of Mattathias

Now the days drew near for Mattathias to die, and he said to his sons: “Arrogance and scorn have now become strong; it is a time of ruin and furious anger. Now, my children, show zeal for the law, and give your lives for the covenant of our ancestors.

“Remember the deeds of the ancestors, which they did in their generations (geneaiV – dative plural of genea / genea); and you will receive great honor and everlasting name. Was not Abraham found faithful when tested, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness? Joseph in the time of his distress kept the commandment, and became lord of Egypt. Phinehas our ancestor, because he was deeply zealous, received the covenant of everlasting priesthood. Joshua, because he fulfilled the command, became a judge in Israel. Caleb, because he testified in the assembly, received an inheritance in the land. David, because he was merciful, inherited the throne of the kingdom forever. Elijah, because of great zeal for the law, was taken up into heaven. Hananiah, Azariah, and Mishael believed and were saved from the flame. Daniel, because of his innocence, was delivered from the mouth of the lions.

“And observe, from generation to generation (kata genean kai genean – the two occurrences of genean = the accusative singular of genea / genea), that none of those who put their trust in him will lack strength. . . “ (NRSV)

finis

Thanks again, Etcetera, for reminding me to include the references to generation in the Apocrypha.

[John Reece]

:blush:

My poor memory!

I just this week apologized to Etcetera for not having noticed his participation as a member of TWeb until the past few weeks, thinking he was a rank new-comer to this site.

Now a link to this thread in a currently active thread in the Eschatology forum has led to my finding that Etcetera did me the favor of reminding me to include occurrences in the Apocrypha in the last pages above - way back in December, 2003.

:doh:

[dizzle]

Yes Etc has been here quite a while. He and I have been friends since way before TWeb.

[John Reece]

:bump: for Lili.