Question 179: What is a “generation”?

Answer:

"Generation" is used in a variety of senses in the Scriptures. In some cases, it means a period of limitless duration; in others it means the past (Isaiah 51:8) and still others the future (Psalm 100:5) again, it means both the past and future (Psalm 102:24). In Genesis 6:9 it means all men living at any given time. In Proverbs 30:11, 14 it refers to a class of men with some special characteristics and in Psalm 49:19 it may be interpreted to mean the "dwelling-place." A generation, in modern phraseology, means thirty to thirty-five years, but there is no instance of the word being used in this particular sense in the Bible. Thus, "the book of the generation of Yeshua Moshiach" is a genealogical record extending back to Abraham. In 1 Peter 2:9 it means an elect race.