What does Mark 13:30 Mean?

Verse Meaning

Jesus probably meant that the fulfillment of "all these things" ( Mark 13:4 b) would begin in the generation of His present disciples, but complete fulfillment would not come until later. ^[1] Another view is that by "generation" Jesus meant the entire Jewish race. ^[2] "All" those things began during that generation if one interprets "all those things" as the signs as a whole ( Mark 13:9-25). The Greek word genetai translated "take place" (NASB) or "have happened" (NIV) means "have come into existence" and permits this interpretation. One could translate this Greek verb "have begun to come into existence."[source]

Context Summary

The fall of Jerusalem, Mark 13:14-23. This abomination had been predicted by Daniel, Daniel 9:27, Josephus says that the Romans brought their standards into the Temple, and offered sacrifices to them, and proclaimed Titus emperor. Probably there is to be a yet further fulfillment of these significant words. Houses in the East are, for the most part, provided with staircases outside the wall, so that the occupants, seeing the approach of danger, could flee without going through their homes, Mark 13:15. The ungodly owe more than they realize to the elect who dwell among them, Mark 13:20. Let us not be deceived by the appearance of false doctrines or teachers; there are also false Christs, Mark 13:22.

The second advent, Mark 13:24-27. These signs may refer to the disorganization of political rule, or to literal convulsions of the elements. The ministry of angels was very real to Jesus, and their function in the future ages is clearly defined. As Enoch was translated before the deluge, so will the saints be gathered before the final sorrows, 1 Thessalonians 4:14-17. It would seem as if Christ's coming is to bring summer to our world. This generation may refer to the fact that the Jewish people would remain as a distinct people. Our Lord had so emptied Himself, that in His human nature He knew not the hour, and was content to know only as the Father told Him. He has now resumed the glory of the knowledge which He had before all worlds. Have we each one found our work? Let us watch! [source]

Chapter Summary: Mark 13

¹  Jesus foretells the destruction of the temple;
⁹  the persecutions for the gospel;
¹⁰  that the gospel must be preached to all nations;
¹⁴  that great calamities shall happen to the Jews;
²⁴  and the manner of his coming to judgment;
³²  the hour whereof being known to none, every man is to watch and pray