What does 'this generation' mean in Matthew 24:34?
In Matthew 24:34, 'this generation' means the stock, breed, or nation of Israel. The Greek word genea is more aptly rendered genealogy, so it refers to the nation of Israel not passing off the scene until all things are fulfilled.
Les explains that the fig tree in Scripture is always symbolic of the nation of Israel. Just as a good Jew knew summer was near when the fig branch put forth leaves, so when we see all these things coming to pass, God's summer is nigh and His return is at hand. In verse 34, Jesus says 'this generation shall not pass, or be destroyed, or disappear, till all things be fulfilled.' Les points out that the word generation comes from the Greek word genea, from which we get generation, but more aptly genealogy. So Jesus is really saying that this stock, this generation, this breed, or this nation of people, Israel, shall never pass off the scene until everything is fulfilled. Les concludes that God can never fulfill His overall program until He can come back and deal once again with the nation of Israel. So whenever you hear that God is all through with Israel, don't believe it.
Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled.