How long is a generation in the Bible?

Answer

The Bible uses the term “generation” in various ways. Typically, it denotes all individuals living at the same time—this aligns with the modern understanding of Generation X or the Millennial Generation. A generation commonly spans around thirty years, with each generation nurturing the next. However, in certain biblical contexts, “generation” can signify a broader era or a community spanning an extended period.

For instance, in Genesis 2:4, the “generations of the heavens and the earth” (ESV) seem to encompass all of human history—the epoch initiated by the creation of the universe. In Exodus 1:6, the “generation” that passes away includes all those who were alive during Joseph and his brothers’ time. In Numbers 32:13, the term “generation” is restricted to the Israelites—specifically, those aged twenty and above at the time of their refusal to enter the Promised Land. This generation was destined to wander in the wilderness until their demise, except for Joshua and Caleb. When the plural “generations” appears in the Bible, as in Isaiah 51:9 and Acts 14:16, it denotes an unspecified duration—spanning many successive generations.

The original languages of the Bible employ at least three distinct words translated as “generation” in English. The Hebrew term “dor” can signify a typical, physical generation, as seen in Exodus 1:6. However, it can also be used metaphorically to describe individuals of a particular kind. For example, Psalm 78:8 states, “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” (ESV). Here, “dor” is used twice to denote a group of people across an extended period characterized by rebellion and sin. The “generation” in Psalm 78:8 transcends a standard thirty-year cycle but rather extends over a prolonged period.

The study of generations reaches back through the history of Israel to include all who were obstinate against God.

Another Hebrew term we interpret as “generation” is toledot. This does not pertain to the nature of a group or an era but to how that era originated. Therefore, the “generations of the heavens and the earth” in Genesis 2:4 allude to the eras that commenced with creation and progressed naturally from that moment. The “generations of Adam” in Genesis 5:1 signify the society of individuals that started with him. The subsequent “generation” is that of Noah, encompassing the flood and the societies that followed. Shem’s impact is identified as a “generation” since he was the progenitor of the Semites «These are the generations of Shem: Shem was a hundred years old, and begat Arphaxad two years after the flood: », (Genesis 11:10). And Terah’s, as he departed Ur with his son Abram «Now these are the generations of Terah: Terah begat Abram, Nahor, and Haran; and Haran begat Lot. », (Genesis 11:27). Subsequently, Ishmael «Now these are the generations of Ishmael, Abraham’s son, whom Hagar the Egyptian, Sarah’s handmaid, bore unto Abraham: », (Genesis 25:12) and Isaac «And these are the generations of Isaac, Abraham’s son: Abraham begat Isaac: », (Genesis 25:19) were the origin of new generations. In each instance, the men either encountered or instigated a significant event that altered the trajectory of their family lineage. They brought about a culture-shaping event.

In the New Testament, the Greek genea is the origin of generation. It resembles both Hebrew terms. Literally, it denotes “fathered, birthed, nativity,” indicating a genetic lineage. However, it can denote both the timeframe and the characterCharacterized by a specific cultural attitude and the individuals in that culture. In Matthew 1:17, the generations are delineated by significant events and individuals—Abraham, David, Babylonian captivity—similar to the Hebrew toledot. However, when Jesus labels the Pharisees and scribes as a “wicked and perverse generation,” He is addressing the culture in which they resided and promoted (Matthew 12:39; see also Matthew 17:17 and Acts 2:40).

Therefore, when we encounter “generation” in the Bible, we must consider the context. Typically, a generation in the Bible spans approximately thirty years or the individuals existing during that period, akin to our common understanding of a generation. Nevertheless, there are instances when generation is poetically employed to denote a group of people distinguished by factors other than age.