Could somebody explain this passage?

[Nelka]

Matthew 23:36

In truth I tell you, it will all recoil on this generation.

There’s that word again ‘generation’, does it mean more than what we have become to know it as?

Recoil?

 

[NotWorthy]

How was it used in the Old Testament? Moses said that God’s Judgment would come on “this generation” for not trusting God and refusing to cross into the Promised Land. “This Generation” died out in the remaining 38 years of Israel’s wandering in the desert, except for Joshua and Caleb, the two who trusted in God and wished to cross over into Canaan.

“This Generation” of Jews who refuse to accept the Messiah would receive their judgment as well. This took place in 70AD, 40 years (give or take 3 years) after Jesus’ pronouncement when the Temple and Jerusalem was destroyed by the Romans.

Its interesting to note that across the Roman empire, numerous Gentile cities rose up against the Jews and attacked them. Many Jews fled to Jerusalem, only to be locked up in a deadly siege by Titus and his Roman legions.

 

[Fidelis]

Recoil?

Here are some alternate translations of this verse:

RSV - Truly, I say to you, all this will come upon this generation.
NAB - Amen, I say to you, all these things will come upon this generation.
DRV - Amen I say to you, all these things shall come upon this generation.

 

[Nita]

Matthew 23:36

In truth I tell you, it will all recoil on this generation.

There’s that word again ‘generation’, does it mean more than what we have become to know it as?

Recoil?

A quote I found particularly helpful in regards to understanding the meaning of the word “generation” in Scripture comes from St. Jerome, as cited by St. Thomas Aquinas in his Catena Aurea commentary on this passage in Matthew:
*The rule of the Scriptures is only to know two generations, one of good the other of bad. Of the generation of the good it is said, “The generation of the righteous shall be blessed”. And of the bad it is said in the present passage, “Generation of vipers”. These then, because they did against the Apostles like things as Cain and Joas, are described as of one generation.*Once realizing that “generation” can also be understood with this meaning (good/evil rather than length of time), there are other passages as well in Scripture that make more sense or acquire an added and deeper meaning. (Eg. Mt. 24:34; Mk 8:12; Luke 7:31; …)

 

[thistle]

Matthew 23:36

In truth I tell you, it will all recoil on this generation.

There’s that word again ‘generation’, does it mean more than what we have become to know it as?

Recoil?

D-R Bible, Haydock Commentary:

Ver. 36. Amen, I say to you. More severe punishments were inflicted on these Jews, on account of their more grievous and heinous transgressions; for nothing had been able to recall them from their wickedness. They had the example of their ancestors before their eyes, continually irritating the wrath of God; yet all they had suffered for their crimes, could not incite them to leave their sinful ways; but they proceeded further than their ancestors in impiety, and ought therefore to receive a more severe condemnation. Thus though Lamech had not killed a brother, but had neglected to be more prudent after the exemplary punishment of Cain, he still cried out: Seven-fold punishment is taken of Cain, but of Lamech seventy times seven. (Genesis iv.) (St. Chrysostom, hom. lxxiii.)

 

[Hope3]

A quote I found particularly helpful in regards to understanding the meaning of the word “generation” in Scripture comes from St. Jerome, as cited by St. Thomas Aquinas in his Catena Aurea commentary on this passage in Matthew:
The rule of the Scriptures is only to know two generations, one of good the other of bad. Of the generation of the good it is said, “The generation of the righteous shall be blessed”. And of the bad it is said in the present passage, “Generation of vipers”. These then, because they did against the Apostles like things as Cain and Joas, are described as of one generation.Once realizing that “generation” can also be understood with this meaning (good/evil rather than length of time), there are other passages as well in Scripture that make more sense or acquire an added and deeper meaning. (Eg. Mt. 24:34; Mk 8:12; Luke 7:31; …)

Interestiing.

Each person on earth can “generate” either good deeds or evil deeds. Also, his generation of evil deeds cancels out all the good deeds that he has previously done. Ezekiel 33:12-20

This is why Jesus states in Matthew 7:20-23: “Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them. 21"Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’ 23Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’”

Definition:

Generate: a. To bring into being; give rise to: