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Bewijsverzameling · uitdrukkelijke voorspelling

1925 and Beth-Sarim

‘Millions Now Living Will Never Die’ was de meest verspreide boodschap van de beweging in de jaren twintig. De datum ervan was 1925. Het dossier van wat er vóór, tijdens en na dat jaar is gepubliceerd, is ongewoon volledig.

Laatst gecontroleerd 19 september 2026

Wat er werd voorspeld

we may expect 1925 to witness the return of these faithful men of Israel from the condition of death, being resurrected and fully restored to perfect humanity ... Therefore we may confidently expect that 1925 will mark the return of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and the faithful prophets of old

Millions Now Living Will Never Die, “The Jubilee / Earthly Rulers sections”, 1920, pp. 88-90 Geverifieerd Open scan (opent in een nieuw tabblad)

that 1925 shall mark the resurrection of the faithful worthies of old and the beginning of reconstruction, it is reasonable to conclude that millions of people now on the earth will be still on the earth in 1925. Then ... we must reach the positive and indisputable conclusion that millions now living will never die.

Millions Now Living Will Never Die, “Concluding argument”, 1920, p. 97 Geverifieerd Open scan (opent in een nieuw tabblad)
Uitdrukkelijke uitspraak · 1920 Geverifieerd

Rutherford's Millions Now Living Will Never Die (1920) said 'we may expect 1925 to witness the return of these faithful men of Israel from the condition of death' and 'we may confidently expect that 1925 will mark the return of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and the faithful prophets of old', and derived the book's title from that date. Source: Millions Now Living Will Never Die, 1920Source: Millions Now Living Will Never Die, 1920

Het standpunt van de organisatie of haar latere verklaring: Proclaimers p.78 quotes the sentence and says 'The year 1925 came and went. Some abandoned their hope.'; Yearbook 1975 p.146: 'The faithful men of old times... had not been resurrected'.

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Millions Now Living Will Never Die, “The Jubilee / Earthly Rulers sections”

1920 · pp.88-90 · J. F. Rutherford · International Bible Students Association

“we may expect 1925 to witness the return of these faithful men of Israel from the condition of death, being resurrected and fully restored to perfect humanity ... Therefore we may confidently expect that 1925 will mark the return of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and the faithful prophets of old”

Seventy jubilees of fifty years from 1575 B.C. are said to end 'in the fall of the year 1925, at which time the type ends and the great antitype must begin'.

Toelichting op herkomst en verificatie for Millions Now Living Will Never Die, The Jubilee / Earthly Rulers sections

Toelichting bij de betrouwbaarheid. Both scans' OCR opened; running headers '88', '90' visible around the passage.

Herkomst van de scan. Internet Archive (daveignatius) scan; also Library of Congress Harry Houdini Collection copy at https://archive.org/details/millionsnowlivin00ruth. Public domain.

Gestaafd door. src-jv-1993-00-p78-1925

Geraadpleegd. 19 september 2026 · Bron-ID. src-mnl-1920-00-p88-90-1925

Primaire publicatie van Jehovah’s Getuigen Geverifieerd

Millions Now Living Will Never Die, “Concluding argument”

1920 · p.97 · J. F. Rutherford · International Bible Students Association

“that 1925 shall mark the resurrection of the faithful worthies of old and the beginning of reconstruction, it is reasonable to conclude that millions of people now on the earth will be still on the earth in 1925. Then ... we must reach the positive and indisputable conclusion that millions now living will never die.”

The book's title claim is explicitly derived from the 1925 expectation.

Toelichting op herkomst en verificatie for Millions Now Living Will Never Die, Concluding argument

Toelichting bij de betrouwbaarheid. Wording confirmed in scan OCR; page 97 is the standard citation (not read from a header). Page 97 is confirmed by the following "98" page header in the scan.

Herkomst van de scan. Internet Archive (daveignatius); public domain.

Gestaafd door. src-mnl-1920-00-p88-90-1925

Geraadpleegd. 19 september 2026 · Bron-ID. src-mnl-1920-00-p97-millions

Pagina van de bewering Corrigeren of aanvullen

In de jaren daarna werd de datum stelliger gebracht, niet voorzichtiger.

The physical facts show beyond question of a doubt that 1914 ended the Gentile times ... The date 1925 is even more distinctly indicated by the Scriptures because it is fixed by the law God gave to Israel.

The Watch Tower and Herald of Christ's Presence, “Europe a Boiling Cauldron (section)”, 1 September 1922, p. 262 Geverifieerd Open scan (opent in een nieuw tabblad)

Our thought is, that 1925 is definitely settled by the Scriptures, marking the end of the typical jubilees. Just exactly what will happen at that time no one can tell to a certainty; but we expect such a climax in the affairs of the world that the people will begin to realize the presence of the Lord and his kingdom power.

The Watch Tower and Herald of Christ's Presence, “Questions and answers (on reports that pilgrims were told to stop talking about 1925)”, 1 April 1923, p. 106 Geverifieerd Open scan (opent in een nieuw tabblad)

The year 1925 is a date definitely and clearly marked in the Scriptures, even more clearly than that of 1914; but it would be presumptuous on the part of any faithful follower of the Lord to assume just what the Lord is going to do during that year.

The Watch Tower and Herald of Christ's Presence, “(article on loyalty; closing paragraphs)”, 15 July 1924, p. 211 Geverifieerd Open scan (opent in een nieuw tabblad)
Uitdrukkelijke uitspraak · 1 september 1922 Geverifieerd

The Watch Tower of 1 September 1922 said 'The date 1925 is even more distinctly indicated by the Scriptures because it is fixed by the law God gave to Israel', and on 15 July 1924 that 1925 'is a date definitely and clearly marked in the Scriptures, even more clearly than that of 1914'. Source: The Watch Tower and Herald of Christ's Presence, 1 september 1922Source: The Watch Tower and Herald of Christ's Presence, 15 juli 1924

Het standpunt van de organisatie of haar latere verklaring: Yearbook 1975 p.146 says members 'read into it that it was a certainty' rather than a 'probability'.

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The Watch Tower and Herald of Christ's Presence, “Europe a Boiling Cauldron (section)”

1 september 1922 · p.262 · Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society

“The physical facts show beyond question of a doubt that 1914 ended the Gentile times ... The date 1925 is even more distinctly indicated by the Scriptures because it is fixed by the law God gave to Israel.”

Adds that 'even before 1924 the great crisis will be reached and probably passed'.

Toelichting op herkomst en verificatie for The Watch Tower and Herald of Christ's Presence, Europe a Boiling Cauldron (section)

Toelichting bij de betrouwbaarheid. Issue header 'September 1, 1922' and page numbers 261/262 confirmed around the passage in the scan OCR.

Herkomst van de scan. Internet Archive upload by Veillez.org; public domain.

Gestaafd door. src-wt-1924-0715-p211-1925

Geraadpleegd. 19 september 2026 · Bron-ID. src-wt-1922-0901-p262-1925

Primaire publicatie van Jehovah’s Getuigen Geverifieerd

The Watch Tower and Herald of Christ's Presence, “(article on loyalty; closing paragraphs)”

15 juli 1924 · p.211 · Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society

“The year 1925 is a date definitely and clearly marked in the Scriptures, even more clearly than that of 1914; but it would be presumptuous on the part of any faithful follower of the Lord to assume just what the Lord is going to do during that year.”

Preceded by 'Let no one now be deceived by calculations as to just when the Lord will cease his work with the Church on earth.'

Toelichting op herkomst en verificatie for The Watch Tower and Herald of Christ's Presence, (article on loyalty; closing paragraphs)

Toelichting bij de betrouwbaarheid. Wording and issue header 'July 15, 1924' confirmed; page 211 is the standard citation (not read from a header).

Herkomst van de scan. Internet Archive upload by Veillez.org of the 1924 volume; public domain.

Gestaafd door. src-wt-1922-0901-p262-1925

Geraadpleegd. 19 september 2026 · Bron-ID. src-wt-1924-0715-p211-1925

Pagina van de bewering Corrigeren of aanvullen
Uitdrukkelijke uitspraak · 1 april 1923 Geverifieerd

In April 1923 the Society denied that travelling speakers had been told to stop talking about 1925 and stated: 'Our thought is, that 1925 is definitely settled by the Scriptures, marking the end of the typical jubilees.' Source: The Watch Tower and Herald of Christ's Presence, 1 april 1923

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The Watch Tower and Herald of Christ's Presence, “Questions and answers (on reports that pilgrims were told to stop talking about 1925)”

1 april 1923 · p.106 · Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society

“Our thought is, that 1925 is definitely settled by the Scriptures, marking the end of the typical jubilees. Just exactly what will happen at that time no one can tell to a certainty; but we expect such a climax in the affairs of the world that the people will begin to realize the presence of the Lord and his kingdom power.”

Denies that pilgrims were told to cease talking about 1925.

Toelichting op herkomst en verificatie for The Watch Tower and Herald of Christ's Presence, Questions and answers (on reports that pilgrims were told to stop talking about 1925)

Toelichting bij de betrouwbaarheid. Issue header 'APRIL 1, 1923' and page markers 105/106 precede the passage in the scan OCR.

Herkomst van de scan. Internet Archive upload by Veillez.org of the 1923 volume; public domain.

Geraadpleegd. 19 september 2026 · Bron-ID. src-wt-1923-0401-p106-1925

Pagina van de bewering Corrigeren of aanvullen

Wat leden werd aangemoedigd te verwachten

The resurrection of the patriarchs, the heavenly change of the anointed and the end of the work. The 1975 Yearbook records that ‘the faithful men of old times—Abraham, David and others—had not been resurrected to become princes in the earth’, and that some ‘prepared for their own loved ones with expectancy of their resurrection’. A 1991 life story: ‘In 1924 the grown-ups talked a lot about 1925 … “If the Lord takes us away, what will become of our children?”’ Source: 1975 Yearbook of Jehovah's Witnesses, 1975 Source: The Watchtower, 1 november 1991

Ervoor en erna, binnen één jaar

1 January 1925

‘This may be accomplished. It may not be.’

The year 1925 is here. With great expectation Christians have looked forward to this year. Many have confidently expected that all members of the body of Christ will be changed to heavenly glory during the year. This may be accomplished. It may not be. ... Christians should not be so deeply concerned about what may transpire during this year

The Watch Tower and Herald of Christ's Presence, “Work for the Anointed”, 1 January 1925, p. 3 Geverifieerd Open scan (opent in een nieuw tabblad)

Nu het jaar was aangebroken, drong het tijdschrift dat 1925 ‘definitely settled’ had genoemd er bij de lezers op aan niet ‘so deeply concerned about what may transpire during this year’ te zijn.

1 September 1925

A ‘selfish’ expectation Satan would ‘inject’

The end of 1925 is about here. Some have expected to see the work of the church in the flesh completed this year. ... It is to be expected that Satan will try to inject into the minds of the consecrated the thought that 1925 should see an end of the work

The Watch Tower and Herald of Christ's Presence, “(study article on diligence to the end)”, 1 September 1925, pp. 259-262, pars. 10, 25-26 Geverifieerd Open scan (opent in een nieuw tabblad)

In september werd de verwachting dat het werk in 1925 zou eindigen omschreven als mogelijk blijk gevend van ‘a measure of selfishness’, en als een gedachte die ‘Satan will try to inject into the minds of the consecrated’.

Latere herinterpretatie · 1 januari 1925 Geverifieerd

On 1 January 1925 The Watch Tower acknowledged that 'many have confidently expected that all members of the body of Christ will be changed to heavenly glory during the year', adding 'This may be accomplished. It may not be', and that Christians 'should not be so deeply concerned about what may transpire during this year'. Source: The Watch Tower and Herald of Christ's Presence, 1 januari 1925

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The Watch Tower and Herald of Christ's Presence, “Work for the Anointed”

1 januari 1925 · p.3 · Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society

“The year 1925 is here. With great expectation Christians have looked forward to this year. Many have confidently expected that all members of the body of Christ will be changed to heavenly glory during the year. This may be accomplished. It may not be. ... Christians should not be so deeply concerned about what may transpire during this year”

Opening pages of the first 1925 issue.

Toelichting op herkomst en verificatie for The Watch Tower and Herald of Christ's Presence, Work for the Anointed

Toelichting bij de betrouwbaarheid. Issue header 'JANUARY 1, 1925' confirmed immediately before the passage; page 3 is the standard citation.

Herkomst van de scan. Internet Archive upload by Veillez.org of the 1925 volume; public domain.

Gestaafd door. src-wt-1925-0901-p259-262

Geraadpleegd. 19 september 2026 · Bron-ID. src-wt-1925-0101-p3-1925-is-here

Pagina van de bewering Corrigeren of aanvullen
Latere herinterpretatie · 1 september 1925 Geverifieerd

By September 1925 The Watch Tower described the expectation that the church's work would be completed that year as possibly reflecting 'a measure of selfishness', and warned that 'Satan will try to inject into the minds of the consecrated the thought that 1925 should see an end of the work'. Source: The Watch Tower and Herald of Christ's Presence, 1 september 1925

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The Watch Tower and Herald of Christ's Presence, “(study article on diligence to the end)”

1 september 1925 · pp.259-262 · pars. 10, 25-26 · Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society

“The end of 1925 is about here. Some have expected to see the work of the church in the flesh completed this year. ... It is to be expected that Satan will try to inject into the minds of the consecrated the thought that 1925 should see an end of the work”

Reframes the 1925 expectation as partly 'selfish' and as a satanic temptation to negligence.

Toelichting op herkomst en verificatie for The Watch Tower and Herald of Christ's Presence, (study article on diligence to the end)

Toelichting bij de betrouwbaarheid. Page markers 259, 261, 262 and 'SEPTEMBER 1, 1925' headers confirmed in the OCR.

Herkomst van de scan. Internet Archive single-issue scan (uploader Paul.bond.faith); public domain.

Gestaafd door. src-wt-1926-0815-p246-forgotten

Geraadpleegd. 19 september 2026 · Bron-ID. src-wt-1925-0901-p259-262

Pagina van de bewering Corrigeren of aanvullen

Wat er gebeurde

Again in 1925 many said: 'The ancient worthies have not returned; and some who seem to be saints are still on the earth: surely the Lord hath forgotten us.'

The Watch Tower and Herald of Christ's Presence, “(study article on Isaiah 49)”, 15 August 1926, p. 246 Geverifieerd Open scan (opent in een nieuw tabblad)

The 1975 Yearbook quotes a member’s recollection: ‘1925 was a sad year for many brothers. Some of them were stumbled; their hopes were dashed.’ The 1980 Yearbook records that in France outsiders ‘made fun of the brothers’ after the year passed. Source: 1975 Yearbook of Jehovah's Witnesses, 1975 Source: 1980 Yearbook of Jehovah's Witnesses, 1980

Uitkomst · 1925 Geverifieerd

Nothing predicted for 1925 occurred. Official publications later record that 'many said: The ancient worthies have not returned' (1926), that '1925 was a sad year for many brothers... their hopes were dashed' (Yearbook 1975), that 'meeting attendance dropped dramatically in some congregations in France and Switzerland' (Proclaimers), and that outsiders 'made fun of the brothers' (Yearbook 1980). Source: The Watch Tower and Herald of Christ's Presence, 15 augustus 1926Source: 1975 Yearbook of Jehovah's Witnesses, 1975Source: Jehovah's Witnesses—Proclaimers of God's Kingdom (jv), 1993Source: 1980 Yearbook of Jehovah's Witnesses, 1980Source: The Watchtower, 1 november 1991

Het standpunt van de organisatie of haar latere verklaring: Proclaimers p.633: 'They certainly did not err in believing that God would without fail do what he had promised. But some of their time calculations and the expectations that they associated with these gave rise to serious disappointments.'

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The Watch Tower and Herald of Christ's Presence, “(study article on Isaiah 49)”

15 augustus 1926 · p.246 · Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society

“Again in 1925 many said: 'The ancient worthies have not returned; and some who seem to be saints are still on the earth: surely the Lord hath forgotten us.'”

Compares the 1925 disappointment with the discouragement of 1918.

Toelichting op herkomst en verificatie for The Watch Tower and Herald of Christ's Presence, (study article on Isaiah 49)

Toelichting bij de betrouwbaarheid. Page markers 246/247 bracket the passage in the OCR.

Herkomst van de scan. Internet Archive single-issue scan (uploader Paul.bond.faith); public domain.

Notes. The separate 1926 statement 'Some anticipated that the work would end in 1925, but the Lord did not so state' (cited as w1926 p.232) was NOT located in any scan opened; unverified.

Geraadpleegd. 19 september 2026 · Bron-ID. src-wt-1926-0815-p246-forgotten

Primaire publicatie van Jehovah’s Getuigen Geverifieerd

1975 Yearbook of Jehovah's Witnesses, “Part 2—United States of America”

1975 · p.146 · Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York

“The year 1925 came and went. Jesus' anointed followers were still on earth as a class. The faithful men of old times—Abraham, David and others—had not been resurrected to become princes in the earth. ... 'Instead of its being considered a "probability," they read into it that it was a "certainty," and some prepared for their own loved ones with expectancy of their resurrection.'”

Quotes Anna MacDonald: '1925 was a sad year for many brothers. Some of them were stumbled; their hopes were dashed.'

Toelichting op herkomst en verificatie for 1975 Yearbook of Jehovah's Witnesses, Part 2—United States of America

Toelichting bij de betrouwbaarheid. Opened on wol; page marker 146.

Gestaafd door. src-jv-1993-00-p78-1925

Notes. The task's phrase 'the brothers were disappointed' does not occur verbatim; the actual wording is as quoted.

Geraadpleegd. 19 september 2026 · Bron-ID. src-yb-1975-00-p146-1925

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Jehovah's Witnesses—Proclaimers of God's Kingdom (jv), “Chapter 28, Testing and Sifting From Within — 'Were Their Expectations Correct?'”

1993 · pp.631-633 · Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York

“This later led to the idea—sometimes stated as a possibility, sometimes more firmly—that since the seventh millennium of human history would begin in 1975, events associated with the beginning of Christ's Millennial Reign might start to take place then. ... some of their time calculations and the expectations that they associated with these gave rise to serious disappointments. Following 1925, meeting attendance dropped dramatically in some congregations in France and Switzerland. Again, in 1975, there was disappointment”

Adds that after 1975 'some withdrew from the organization. Others ... were disfellowshipped', and that 'the number who defected was relatively small'.

Toelichting op herkomst en verificatie for Jehovah's Witnesses—Proclaimers of God's Kingdom (jv), Chapter 28, Testing and Sifting From Within — 'Were Their Expectations Correct?'

Toelichting bij de betrouwbaarheid. Opened on wol; page marker 633 precedes the quoted sentences.

Gestaafd door. src-w-1980-0315-p17-18

Geraadpleegd. 19 september 2026 · Bron-ID. src-jv-1993-00-p632-633-expectations

Primaire publicatie van Jehovah’s Getuigen Geverifieerd

1980 Yearbook of Jehovah's Witnesses, “France”

1980 · p.62 · Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York

“The book Millions Now Living Will Never Die had been widely used in the French field since 1921, and on the basis of its contents, much was expected of 1925. But when 1925 came and went without the anticipated happenings coming to pass, those on the outside who had read the book made fun of the brothers.”

Country history; adds that 1925 'sparked off even greater difficulties within the organization'.

Toelichting op herkomst en verificatie for 1980 Yearbook of Jehovah's Witnesses, France

Toelichting bij de betrouwbaarheid. Opened on wol; page marker 62.

Gestaafd door. src-jv-1993-00-p632-633-expectations

Geraadpleegd. 19 september 2026 · Bron-ID. src-yb-1980-00-p62-france-1925

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The Watchtower, “'Jehovah Is My God, in Whom I Will Trust' (life story)”

1 november 1991 · p.26 · Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society

“In 1924 the grown-ups talked a lot about 1925. ... 'If the Lord takes us away, what will become of our children?' ... The year 1925 came and went, and nothing happened.”

Member recollection published officially.

Toelichting op herkomst en verificatie for The Watchtower, 'Jehovah Is My God, in Whom I Will Trust' (life story)

Toelichting bij de betrouwbaarheid. Opened on wol; page marker 26.

Gestaafd door. src-yb-1975-00-p146-1925

Geraadpleegd. 19 september 2026 · Bron-ID. src-w-1991-1101-p26-1925

Pagina van de bewering Corrigeren of aanvullen

Beth-Sarim: een huis voor de terugkerende vorsten

The expectation did not end in 1925. On 24 December 1929 a deed, printed in The Golden Age the following March, conveyed a house in San Diego to the Society to hold ‘perpetually in trust’ for David, Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, Joseph, Samuel and other faithful men of Hebrews 11, ‘as representatives of God’s kingdom on earth’. Salvation (1939) repeated the purpose. Source: The Golden Age, 19 maart 1930 Source: Salvation (book), 1939

the said WATCH TOWER BIBLE AND TRACT SOCIETY shall hold said title perpetually in trust for the use of any or all of the men above named as representatives of God's kingdom on earth ... Any persons appearing to take possession of said premises shall first prove and identify themselves ... as the person or persons described in Hebrews chapter eleven

The Golden Age, “(defence of Rutherford and publication of the Beth-Sarim deed) by R. J. Martin”, 19 March 1930, pp. 405-407 Geverifieerd Open scan (opent in een nieuw tabblad)

The title to Beth-Sarim is vested in the Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society in trust, to be used by the president of the Society and his assistants for the present, and thereafter to be for ever at the disposal of the aforementioned princes on the earth.

Salvation (book), “Chapter: God's Government, section 'Beth-Sarim'”, 1939, pp. 311-312 Geverifieerd Open scan (opent in een nieuw tabblad)
Uitdrukkelijke uitspraak · 24 december 1929 Geverifieerd

A deed dated 24 December 1929, published in The Golden Age of 19 March 1930, conveyed the San Diego house Beth-Sarim to J. F. Rutherford for life and then to the Watch Tower Society 'perpetually in trust' for David, Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, Joseph, Samuel and 'other faithful men' of Hebrews 11, who were expected to return and take charge of earth's affairs; claimants were to 'prove and identify themselves' to the Society. Source: The Golden Age, 19 maart 1930

Het standpunt van de organisatie of haar latere verklaring: Proclaimers p.89: the house 'was built with funds that were a direct contribution for that purpose' and was sold a few years after Rutherford's death because it 'had fully served its purpose'.

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The Golden Age, “(defence of Rutherford and publication of the Beth-Sarim deed) by R. J. Martin”

19 maart 1930 · pp.405-407 · R. J. Martin · Golden Age Publishing Co. / Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society

“the said WATCH TOWER BIBLE AND TRACT SOCIETY shall hold said title perpetually in trust for the use of any or all of the men above named as representatives of God's kingdom on earth ... Any persons appearing to take possession of said premises shall first prove and identify themselves ... as the person or persons described in Hebrews chapter eleven”

Deed dated 24 December 1929 names David, Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, Joseph and Samuel as expected occupants; Martin adds that 'when David and Joseph or some of the other ancient worthies return they will have it'.

Toelichting op herkomst en verificatie for The Golden Age, (defence of Rutherford and publication of the Beth-Sarim deed) by R. J. Martin

Toelichting bij de betrouwbaarheid. Page numbers 406 and 407 and 'March 19, 1930' header visible in the OCR; deed text read in full.

Herkomst van de scan. Internet Archive (daveignatius) scan of the issue. Copyright status: 1930 US periodical, likely public domain if not renewed; quote kept short.

Gestaafd door. src-sal-1939-00-p311-beth-sarim, src-jv-1993-00-p89-beth-sarim

Geraadpleegd. 19 september 2026 · Bron-ID. src-ga-1930-0319-p405-407-beth-sarim

Pagina van de bewering Corrigeren of aanvullen
Uitdrukkelijke uitspraak · 1939 Geverifieerd

Salvation (1939) stated that Beth-Sarim's title was held 'in trust... thereafter to be for ever at the disposal of the aforementioned princes on the earth', and that the house was built as 'tangible proof' of belief that the faithful men of old 'will soon be resurrected'. Source: Salvation (book), 1939

Het standpunt van de organisatie of haar latere verklaring: The Watchtower 15 Dec 1947 (as quoted in Proclaimers p.89): faith in the princes' return 'is based, not upon that house Beth-Sarim, but upon God's Word of promise'.

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Salvation (book), “Chapter: God's Government, section 'Beth-Sarim'”

1939 · pp.311-312 · J. F. Rutherford · Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society

“The title to Beth-Sarim is vested in the Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society in trust, to be used by the president of the Society and his assistants for the present, and thereafter to be for ever at the disposal of the aforementioned princes on the earth.”

Also says the house was built 'as a testimony to the name of Jehovah' and that 'if and when the princes do return and some of them occupy the property, such will be a confirmation of the faith'.

Toelichting op herkomst en verificatie for Salvation (book), Chapter: God's Government, section 'Beth-Sarim'

Toelichting bij de betrouwbaarheid. Page markers 311/312 bracket the passage in the OCR.

Herkomst van de scan. Internet Archive (daveignatius) scan; a library lending copy also exists (salvation0000jfru). Copyright: 1939 US book; short quotation only.

Gestaafd door. src-ga-1930-0319-p405-407-beth-sarim

Geraadpleegd. 19 september 2026 · Bron-ID. src-sal-1939-00-p311-beth-sarim

Pagina van de bewering Corrigeren of aanvullen

The house was sold after 1947. The organisation’s history quotes The Watchtower of 15 December 1947: it ‘had fully served its purpose and was now only serving as a monument quite expensive to keep; our faith in the return of the men of old time … is based, not upon that house Beth-Sarim, but upon God’s Word of promise.’ Source: Jehovah's Witnesses—Proclaimers of God's Kingdom (jv), 1993

Hoe de organisatie 1925 later beschreef

The 1993 history: ‘The year 1925 came and went. Some abandoned their hope.’ The 1975 Yearbook: ‘Instead of its being considered a “probability,” they read into it that it was a “certainty.”’ In 1984 a Governing Body member, Karl Klein, recorded in a published life story that Rutherford, ‘regarding his misguided statements as to what we could expect in 1925 … once confessed to us at Bethel, “I made an ass of myself.”’ That is a reported oral remark, published by the organisation; it is not a Rutherford publication. Source: Jehovah's Witnesses—Proclaimers of God's Kingdom (jv), 1993 Source: The Watchtower, 1 oktober 1984

Verklaring van de organisatie · 1 oktober 1984 Geverifieerd

A 1984 Watchtower life story by Governing Body member Karl Klein reports that Rutherford, 'regarding his misguided statements as to what we could expect in 1925', once said at Bethel, 'I made an ass of myself.' Source: The Watchtower, 1 oktober 1984

Het standpunt van de organisatie of haar latere verklaring: This is itself an official publication's account.

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The Watchtower, “'Jehovah Has Dealt Rewardingly With Me' (life story of Karl F. Klein)”

1 oktober 1984 · pp.24 (footnote b; the online library prints footnotes after the last page marker) · footnote b · Karl F. Klein · Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society

“Regarding his misguided statements as to what we could expect in 1925, he once confessed to us at Bethel, 'I made an ass of myself.'”

Footnote to Klein's recollection of J. F. Rutherford; a Governing Body member's published account.

Toelichting op herkomst en verificatie for The Watchtower, 'Jehovah Has Dealt Rewardingly With Me' (life story of Karl F. Klein)

Toelichting bij de betrouwbaarheid. Opened on wol; the footnote text sits under page marker 28. The common citation 'p. 24' is where the footnote reference is usually placed in the print edition; page not independently confirmed as 24.

Notes. It is a recollection of an oral remark, reported in an official publication; present it as such.

Geraadpleegd. 19 september 2026 · Bron-ID. src-w-1984-1001-p24-28-ass-of-myself

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Betrouwbaarheid. Alle citaten uit 1920–1930 zijn gelezen in scans die tot het publieke domein behoren; het boek uit 1939 in een bibliotheekscan; de items uit 1947 (zoals geciteerd in 1993), 1975, 1984 en 1993 in de Watchtower Online Library. Een zin uit 1926 (‘the Lord did not so state’) en een boekpagina uit 1959 die critici vaak aanhalen, konden wij niet openen en worden niet gebruikt. Beoordeling: expliciete voorspelling.

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Each opens a full record with links, provenance and a confidence note.

Primaire publicatie van Jehovah’s Getuigen Geverifieerd

Millions Now Living Will Never Die, “The Jubilee / Earthly Rulers sections”

1920 · pp.88-90 · J. F. Rutherford · International Bible Students Association

“we may expect 1925 to witness the return of these faithful men of Israel from the condition of death, being resurrected and fully restored to perfect humanity ... Therefore we may confidently expect that 1925 will mark the return of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and the faithful prophets of old”

Primaire publicatie van Jehovah’s Getuigen Geverifieerd

Millions Now Living Will Never Die, “Concluding argument”

1920 · p.97 · J. F. Rutherford · International Bible Students Association

“that 1925 shall mark the resurrection of the faithful worthies of old and the beginning of reconstruction, it is reasonable to conclude that millions of people now on the earth will be still on the earth in 1925. Then ... we must reach the positive and indisputable conclusion that millions now living will never die.”

Primaire publicatie van Jehovah’s Getuigen Geverifieerd

The Watch Tower and Herald of Christ's Presence, “Questions and answers (on reports that pilgrims were told to stop talking about 1925)”

1 april 1923 · p.106 · Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society

“Our thought is, that 1925 is definitely settled by the Scriptures, marking the end of the typical jubilees. Just exactly what will happen at that time no one can tell to a certainty; but we expect such a climax in the affairs of the world that the people will begin to realize the presence of the Lord and his kingdom power.”

Primaire publicatie van Jehovah’s Getuigen Geverifieerd

The Watch Tower and Herald of Christ's Presence, “(article on loyalty; closing paragraphs)”

15 juli 1924 · p.211 · Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society

“The year 1925 is a date definitely and clearly marked in the Scriptures, even more clearly than that of 1914; but it would be presumptuous on the part of any faithful follower of the Lord to assume just what the Lord is going to do during that year.”

Primaire publicatie van Jehovah’s Getuigen Geverifieerd

The Watch Tower and Herald of Christ's Presence, “Work for the Anointed”

1 januari 1925 · p.3 · Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society

“The year 1925 is here. With great expectation Christians have looked forward to this year. Many have confidently expected that all members of the body of Christ will be changed to heavenly glory during the year. This may be accomplished. It may not be. ... Christians should not be so deeply concerned about what may transpire during this year”

Primaire publicatie van Jehovah’s Getuigen Geverifieerd

The Watch Tower and Herald of Christ's Presence, “(study article on diligence to the end)”

1 september 1925 · pp.259-262 · pars. 10, 25-26 · Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society

“The end of 1925 is about here. Some have expected to see the work of the church in the flesh completed this year. ... It is to be expected that Satan will try to inject into the minds of the consecrated the thought that 1925 should see an end of the work”

Primaire publicatie van Jehovah’s Getuigen Geverifieerd

The Golden Age, “(defence of Rutherford and publication of the Beth-Sarim deed) by R. J. Martin”

19 maart 1930 · pp.405-407 · R. J. Martin · Golden Age Publishing Co. / Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society

“the said WATCH TOWER BIBLE AND TRACT SOCIETY shall hold said title perpetually in trust for the use of any or all of the men above named as representatives of God's kingdom on earth ... Any persons appearing to take possession of said premises shall first prove and identify themselves ... as the person or persons described in Hebrews chapter eleven”

Primaire publicatie van Jehovah’s Getuigen Geverifieerd

Salvation (book), “Chapter: God's Government, section 'Beth-Sarim'”

1939 · pp.311-312 · J. F. Rutherford · Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society

“The title to Beth-Sarim is vested in the Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society in trust, to be used by the president of the Society and his assistants for the present, and thereafter to be for ever at the disposal of the aforementioned princes on the earth.”

Primaire publicatie van Jehovah’s Getuigen Geverifieerd

1975 Yearbook of Jehovah's Witnesses, “Part 2—United States of America”

1975 · p.146 · Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York

“The year 1925 came and went. Jesus' anointed followers were still on earth as a class. The faithful men of old times—Abraham, David and others—had not been resurrected to become princes in the earth. ... 'Instead of its being considered a "probability," they read into it that it was a "certainty," and some prepared for their own loved ones with expectancy of their resurrection.'”

Primaire publicatie van Jehovah’s Getuigen Geverifieerd

1980 Yearbook of Jehovah's Witnesses, “France”

1980 · p.62 · Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York

“The book Millions Now Living Will Never Die had been widely used in the French field since 1921, and on the basis of its contents, much was expected of 1925. But when 1925 came and went without the anticipated happenings coming to pass, those on the outside who had read the book made fun of the brothers.”

Primaire publicatie van Jehovah’s Getuigen Geverifieerd

The Watchtower, “'Jehovah Has Dealt Rewardingly With Me' (life story of Karl F. Klein)”

1 oktober 1984 · pp.24 (footnote b; the online library prints footnotes after the last page marker) · footnote b · Karl F. Klein · Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society

“Regarding his misguided statements as to what we could expect in 1925, he once confessed to us at Bethel, 'I made an ass of myself.'”

Primaire publicatie van Jehovah’s Getuigen Geverifieerd

Jehovah's Witnesses—Proclaimers of God's Kingdom (jv), “Chapter 7, Advertise the King and the Kingdom! (1919-1941)”

1993 · p.78 · Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York

“'We may confidently expect,' stated the booklet Millions Now Living Will Never Die, back in 1920, 'that 1925 will mark the return [from the dead] of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and the faithful prophets of old' ... The year 1925 came and went. Some abandoned their hope.”

Primaire publicatie van Jehovah’s Getuigen Geverifieerd

Jehovah's Witnesses—Proclaimers of God's Kingdom (jv), “Chapter 7, footnotes on Beth-Sarim”

1993 · p.89 · footnotes · Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York

“A few years after Brother Rutherford's death, the board of directors of the Watch Tower Society decided to sell Beth-Sarim. Why? 'The Watchtower' of December 15, 1947, explained: 'It had fully served its purpose and was now only serving as a monument quite expensive to keep'”

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