What Is a Generation?
Generally, a generation refers to all people born and living in the same time period, regarded collectively. It is also defined as "the average period, generally considered to be about 20–30 years, during which children are born and grow up, become adults, and begin to have children."
In modern social science, Generation is also often used synonymously with cohort meaning "people within a delineated population who experience the same significant events within a given period of time." Generations in this sense of a birth cohort, also known as "social generations," are widely used in popular culture and have been the basis for sociological research.
The word generate comes from the Latin generāre, meaning "to beget". The word generation as a group indicates the entire collection of individuals generated from the previous generation.
Generations in the Bible
In the Bible, a generation is typically about thirty years, as one generation will be parents to the next. Although, in some biblical contexts, a “generation” can refer to a more extended age or a group of people spanning a longer period of time.
Genesis 2:4 - These are the generations of the heavens and the earth when they were created, in the day that the LORD God made the earth and the heavens.
In this Bible verse, “generations of the heavens and the earth” (ESV) appears to include all of human history—the era started by the creation of the universe.
Exodus 1:6 - Then Joseph died, and all his brothers and all that generation.
For this Exodus verse, the “generation” who dies means everyone who had been alive during the time that Joseph and his brothers lived.
Matthew 24:34 - Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place.
This generation refers to all believers at all times, the generation of the Church, and not merely to those alive at the time of Christ.
Joel 1:3 - Tell your children of it, and let your children tell their children, and their children to another generation.
Here generation is used synonymously with children, the next generation after their parents.
Psalm 145:4 - One generation shall commend your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts.
In this Psalm, generation refers to parents informing their children of the greatness of God, commending His works of glory.
How Long Is a Biblical Generation?
The original text of the Bible employed at least three different words that are translated into English as “generation.” The Hebrew dor can refer to a typical, physical generation, as in Exodus 1:6. Though it can also be used symbolically to recognize people of a particular type or character.
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For instance, Psalm 78:8 ESV says, “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.”
Another Hebrew word now translated in English as “generation” is toledot. This doesn’t refer to the qualities of a group or an age but to how that age was developed or came into being.
The “generations of the heavens and the earth” in Genesis 2:4 refers to the era that started with the creation of the earth and continued organically from that point.
The “generations of Adam” in Genesis 5:1 means the civilization or group of people descended from Adam and Eve.
The following “generation” is that of Noah, including the flood and the civilizations of his descendants.
What Generations Are Alive Now?
Presently, six generations constitute our society. More generations are present simultaneously as the average lifespan has relatively increased in the modern era. Here are the birth years for each generation:
- Generation Alpha: Born 2012 – 2024
- Gen Z, iGen, or Centennials: Born 1996 – 2011
- Millennials or Gen Y: Born 1977 – 1995
- Generation X: Born 1965 – 1976
- Baby Boomers: Born 1946 – 1964
- Silent Generation: Born 1928 – 1945
Sources:
How long is a generation? - Gotquestions.org
Generational Breakdown - Genhq.com
Photo credit: ©GettyImages/nd3000
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