24. They will fall by the mouth and the edge of the sword and will be led away as captives to and among all nations; and Jerusalem will be trodden down by the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled (completed). [Isa. 63:18; Dan. 8:13.]
25. And there will be signs in the sun and moon and stars; and upon the earth [there will be] distress (trouble and anguish) of nations in bewilderment and perplexity [without resources, left wanting, embarrassed, in doubt, not knowing which way to turn] at the roaring (the echo) of the tossing of the sea, [Isa. 13:10; Joel 2:10; Zeph. 1:15.]
26. Men swooning away or expiring with fear and dread and apprehension and expectation of the things that are coming on the world; for the [very] powers of the heavens will be shaken and caused to totter.
27. And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with great (transcendent and overwhelming) power and [all His kingly] glory (majesty and splendor). [Dan. 7:13, 14.]
28. Now when these things begin to occur, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption (deliverance) is drawing near.
29. And He told them a parable: Look at the fig tree and all the trees;
30. When they put forth their buds and come out in leaf, you see for yourselves and perceive and know that summer is already near.
31. Even so, when you see these things taking place, understand and know that the kingdom of God is at hand.
32. Truly I tell you, this generation (those living at that definite period of time) will not perish and pass away until all has taken place.
33. The sky and the earth (the universe, the world) will pass away, but My words will not pass away.