Menu

Matthew 24:28

Matthew 24:28 in Multiple Translations

Wherever there is a carcass, there the vultures will gather.

For wheresoever the carcase is, there will the eagles be gathered together.

Wheresoever the carcase is, there will the eagles be gathered together.

Wherever the dead body is, there will the eagles come together.

‘Vultures gather where the carcass is.’

For wheresoeuer a dead carkeis is, thither will the Egles be gathered together.

for wherever the carcase may be, there shall the eagles be gathered together.

For wherever the carcass is, that is where the vultures gather together.

For wherever the carcass is, there will the eagles be collected.

Wheresoever the body shall be, there shall the eagles also be gathered together.

When I return, it will be as obvious to everyone as the fact that wherever you see vultures gathering, you know that there will be an animal carcass [MET] there. (OR, Just like the vultures gather together wherever there is an animal carcass, God will punish sinful people wherever they are.)”

Study Highlights

Key words in the translations above are automatically highlighted. Names of God and Jesus are marked in purple, the Holy Spirit in orange, divine action verbs are underlined, and repeated key words are highlighted in yellow.

Enable Study Highlights
God & Jesus
Holy Spirit
Divine Actions
Repeated Words

Berean Amplified Bible — Matthew 24:28

BAB
Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Matthew 24:28 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
GRK οπου γαρ εαν η το πτωμα εκει συναχθησονται οι αετοι
οπου hopou G3699 where(-ever) Adv
γαρ gar G1063 for Conj
εαν ean G1437 if COND
η eimi G1510 to be Verb-PAS-3S
το ho G3588 the/this/who Art-NSN
πτωμα ptōma G4430 corpse Noun-NSN
εκει ekei G1563 there Adv
συναχθησονται sunagō G4863 to assemble Verb-FPI-3P
οι ho G3588 the/this/who Art-NPM
αετοι aetos G105 eagle Noun-NPM
Greek Word Study

Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.

Use arrow keys to navigate between words.

Greek Word Reference — Matthew 24:28

οπου hopou G3699 "where(-ever)" Adv
This word asks about the location or place of something, like in Matthew 25:24 and John 3:8. It is used to describe where events occur, and is often translated as 'where' or 'in what place'.
Definition: ὅπου adv. of place, correlat. of ποῦ (which see), where. __I. Prop., of place, __1. where; __(a) in relative sentences, with indic: Mat.25:24, 26, Mrk.2:4 4:5, 15 5:40 13:14, Jhn.3:8 6:62 7:34, 36 11:32 14:3 17:24 20:19, Rom.15:20, Rev.2:13; after nouns of place, for relat. prepositional phrase (ἐν ᾧ., etc.), Mat.6:19-20 13:5 26:57 28:6, Mrk.6:55 9:48 Luk.12:33, Jhn.1:28 4:20, 46 6:23 7:42 10:40 11:30 12:1 18:1, 20 19:18, 20 19:41 20:12, Act.17:1, Rev.2:13 11:8 20:10; before ἐκεῖ., Mat.6:21, Luk.12:34 17:37 Jhn.12:26; id. pleonast. (= Heb. שָׁם . . . אֲשֶׁר; Aram. תַּמָּן . . דּ; of. Gen.13:3), ὅ. . . . ἐκεῖ, Rev.12:6, 14; ὅ. . . . ἐπ᾽ αὐτῶν, Rev.17:9; ὅ. ἄν, wherever (M, Pr., 168), with imperfect indic., Mrk.6:56; with Pres. subjc., Mat.24:28; ὅ. ἐάν, Mat.26:13, Mrk.6:10 9:18 14:9, 14 a; __(b) in quaest. indir., with aor. subjc.: Mrk.14:14 b, Luk.22:11. __2. In late writers (sometimes also in cl.; Bl., § 25, 2), with verbs of motion, = ὅποι, whither: with indic., Jhn.8:21-22 13:33, 36 14:4 21:18, Heb.6:20, Jas.3:4; ὅ. ἄν, whithersoever, with present ind., Rev.14:4; subjc., Luk.9:57; ὅ. ἐάν, Mat.8:19. __II. Without strict local sense, __1. of time or condition: Col.3:11, Heb.9:16 10:18, Jas.3:16, 2Pe.2:11. __2. Of cause or reason (AV, whereas): 1Co.3:3.† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 76 NT verses. KJV: in what place, where(-as, -soever), whither (+ soever) See also: 1 Corinthians 3:3; Luke 9:57; Hebrews 6:20.
γαρ gar G1063 "for" Conj
For is a word used to explain or give a reason, often introducing a justification or clarification, as seen in Matthew 4:18 and Romans 7:1. It's a conjunction that connects ideas and provides additional information.
Definition: γάρ, co-ordinating particle, contr. of γε ἄρα, verily then, hence, in truth, indeed, yea, then, why, and when giving a reason or explanation, for, the usage in NT being in general accord with that of cl.; __1. explicative and epexegetic: Mat.4:18 19:12, Mrk.1:16 5:42 16:4, Luk.11:3o, Rom.7:1, 1Co.16:5, al. __2. Conclusive, in questions, answers and exclamations: Mat.9:5 27:23, Luk.9:25 22:27, Jhn.9:30, Act.8:31 16:37 19:35, Rom.15:26, 1Co.9:10, Php.1:18 (Ellic., in l.), 1Th.2:20, al. __3. Causal: Mat.1:21 2:2, 5, 6, 3:23, Mrk.1:22, 9:6, Luk.1:15, 18, Jhn.2:25, Act.2:25, Rom.1:9, 11, 1Co.11:5, Rev.1:3, al.; giving the reason for a command or prohibition, Mat.2:20 3:9, Rom.13:11, Col.3:3, 1Th.4:3, al.; where the cause is contained in an interrog. statement, Luk.22:27, Rom.3:3 4:3, 1Co.10:29; καὶ γάρ, for also, Mrk.10:45, Luk.6:32, 1Co.5:7, al. id. as in cl. = etenim, where the καί loses its connective force (Bl., §78, 6; Kühner 3, ii, 854f.), Mrk.14:70, Luk.1:66 22:37, 2Co.13:4. The proper place of γάρ is after the first word in a clause, but in poets it often comes third or fourth, and so in late prose: 2Co.1:19. Yet "not the number but the nature of the word after which it stands is the point to be noticed" (see Thayer, see word). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 1011 NT verses. KJV: and, as, because (that), but, even, for, indeed, no doubt, seeing, then, therefore, verily, what, why, yet See also: 1 Corinthians 1:11; 1 John 2:19; 1 Peter 2:19.
εαν ean G1437 "if" COND
This word means 'if' and is used to show uncertainty or possibility, as in Matthew 6:22 and Romans 2:25, to express conditions or circumstances.
Definition: ἐάν, contr. fr. εἰ ἄν, conditional particle, representing something as "under certain circumstances actual or liable to happen," but not so definitely expected as in the case of εἰ with ind. (Bl., §65, 4; cf. Jhn.13:17, 1Co.7:36), if haply, if; __1. with subjc. (cl.); __(a) pres.: Mat.6:22, Luk.10:6, Jhn.7:17, Rom.2:25, 26 al.; { __(b) aor. (= Lat. fut. pf.): Mat.4:9 16:26 (cf. ptcp. in Luk.9:25; M, Pr., 230), Mrk.3:24, Luk.14:34, Jhn.5:43, Rom.7:2, al.; = cl. εἰ, with opt., Jhn.9:22 11:57, Act.9:2; as Heb. אִם = ὅταν, Jhn.12:32 14:3, I Jhn.2:28 3:2, Heb.3:7" (LXX) . __2. C. indic, (as in late writers, fr. Arist. on; see WH, App., 171; VD, MGr. 2, App., §77; Deiss., BS, 201f., LAE, 155, 254; M, Pr., 168, 187; Bl., §65, 4); __(a) fut.: Mat.18:19 T, Luk.19:40, Act.7:7; __(b) pres.: 1Th.3:8 (see Milligan, in l.). __3. With other particles: ἐ. καί (Bl., §65, 6), Gal.6:1; ἐ. μή (M, Pr., 185, 187; Bl., l.with), with subjc. pres., Mat.10:13, 1Co.8:8, Jas.2:17, 1Jn.3:21; aor., Mat.6:15, Mrk.3:27, Jhn.3:3, Rom.10:15, Gal.1:8 2:16 (see Lft., Ellic., in ll.); ἐ. τε . . . ἐ. τε, [in LXX for אִם . . . אִם, Est.19:13, al.,] Rom.14:8. __4. = cl. ἄν (which see) after relat. pronouns and adverbs (Tdf., Pr., 96; WH, App., 173; M, Pr., 42f.; Bl., §26, 4; Mayser, 152f.; Deiss., BS, 202ff.): ὃς ἐ., Mat.5:19, Mrk.6:22, 23 Luk.17:32, 1Co.6:18, al.; ὅπου ἐ., Mat.8:19; ὁσάκις ἐ., Rev.11:6; οὗ ἐ., 1Co.16:6; καθὸ ἐ., 2Co.8:12; ὅστις ἐ., Gal.5:10. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 317 NT verses. KJV: before, but, except, (and) if, (if) so, (what-, whither-)soever, though, when (-soever), whether (or), to whom, (who-)so(-ever) See also: 1 Corinthians 4:15; Hebrews 13:23; 1 Peter 3:13.
η eimi G1510 "to be" Verb-PAS-3S
To be or exist, a basic verb used to describe something or someone, like God saying 'I am' in John 8:58.
Definition: εἰμί, with various uses and significations, like the English verb to be. __I. As substantive verb. __1. Of persons and things, to be, exist: Act.17:28, Jhn.1:1, 8:58, 17:5, al; ὁ ὢν καὶ ὁ ἦν (for past ptcp.), Rev.1:4, 8, 4:8, 11:17, 16:5 (see Swete, Ap., 5; M, Pr., 228); τὰ (μὴ) ὄντα, Rom.4:17, 1Co.1:28. __2. Of times, events, etc., to be, happen, take place: Mat.24:3, Mrk.14:2, 15:42, Luk.21:23, Jhn.4:6, 23, 5:10, al. __3. to be present, be in a place, have come: Mat.2:13, 15, Mrk.1:45, 5:21, 15:40, Luk.1:80, 5:29, Jhn.7:30, al.; before εἰς, Mrk.2:1; before ἐκ, (ἐξ), Mat.1:20, 21:25, Mrk.11:30, Jhn.3:31, al. __4. Impers., ἔστι, ἦν, etc.; __(a) there is (Fr. il y a), was, etc.: Mat.16:28, Luk.16:19, Jhn.3:1, 5:2, Rom.3:10, al.; with dative (of the possessor; Bl., §37, 3), Mat.16:22, Luk.1:7, Jhn.18.10, Rom.9:2, al.; ἔστιν ὅς, ὅστις (chiefly in pl), Mat.16:28, 19:2, Mrk.9:1, al.; __(b) with inf., = ἔξεστιν (which see), it is possible: Heb.9:5, 1Co.11:20, RV (but see ICC, in l.). __II. As copula uniting subject and predicate. __1. Expressing simply identity or equivalence: Mat.5:13, 14:15, Luk.1:18, 19, Jhn.1:1, 4:19, Rev.3:9, al. mult. __2. Explicative, as in parable, figure, type, etc.: Mat.13:19, 1Co.9:2, 10:4, 11:25, Gal.4:24, Rev.17:15, al.; ταῦτ᾽ ἔστιν, Mat.27:46, Mrk.7:2, Rom.7:18 al.; ὅ ἐστιν, Mrk.3:17, Col.1:24, Heb.7:2, al.; akin to this is the sacramental usage: Mat.26:26-28, Mrk.14:22, 24, Luk.22:19, 1Co.11:24 (see ICC on Mk, I Co, ll. with; DB, iii, 148 f.). __3. C. genitive: qual., etc., Mrk.5:42, Luk.3:23, 1Co.14:33, Heb.12:11, al.; part., 1Ti.1:20, 2Ti.1:15; poss., Mat.5:3, 10, Mrk.12:7, Luk.4:7; of service or partisanship, Rom.8:9, 1Co.1:12, 2Co.10:7, 2Ti.2:19. __4. C. dative (BL, §37, 3): Act.1:8, 9:15, Rom.4:12, 1Co.1:18, 2:14, Rev.21:7, al. __5. C. ptcp., as a periphrasis for the simple verb (Bl., §62, 1, 2; M, Pr., 225 ff.); __(a) with ptcp. pf. (cl.): Mat.10:30, Luk.9:32, Jhn.3:24, Act.21:35, 1Co.15:19, al; __(b) with ptcp. pr. (esp. in impf., as in Heb. and Aram.; Dalman, Words, 35 f.), Mat.7:29, Mrk.1:22, Luk.4:31, 14:1, Act.1:10, al. mult., id. for imper. (M, Pr., 180f., 182f.), with ellipsis of εἰμί, Rom.12:9, 10, Heb.13:5, al.; __(with) with ptcp. aor. (cl), Luk.23:9. __6. Seq. εἰς (cf. Heb. הָיָה לְ), a vernac. usage (M, Pr., 71): Mat.19:5, Mrk.10:8, Heb.8:10, al. __7. C. adv.: Mat.19:20, Mrk.4:26, Luk.18:11, al. __8. Ellipses; __(a) of the copula (Bl., §30, 3): Mat.8:29, 24:32, Jhn.21:22, 23, Heb.6:4, al.; __(b) of the predicate: ἐγώ εἰμί, Mat.14:27, Mrk.6:50, al.; absol. (cf. Deu.32:39; אֲנִי הוּא), Mrk.13:6, Jhn.4:26, al. (cf. ἄπ-, ἔν-, πάρ-, συμ-πάρ-, σύν-ειμι). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 2123 NT verses. KJV: am, have been, X it is I, was See also: 1 Corinthians 1:2; 1 Corinthians 13:2; 1 Peter 1:6.
το ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-NSN
The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.
Definition: ὁ, ἡ, τό, the prepositive article (ἄρθρον προτακτικόν), originally a demonstr. pron. (so usually in Hom.), in general corresponding to the Eng. definite article. __I. As demonstr. pron. __1. As frequently in Hom., absol., he (she, it), his (etc.): Act.17:28 (quoted from the poet Aratus). __2. Distributive, ὁ μὲν . . . ὁ δέ, the one . . . the other: 1Co.7:7, Gal.4:22; pl., Act.14:4, 17:32, Php.1:16, al.; οἱ μὲν . . . ἄλλοι δέ, Mat.16:14, Jhn.7:12; οἱ μεν̀ . . . ὁδέ, Heb.7:21, 23. __3. In narration (without ὁ μὲν preceding), ὁ δέ, but he: Mat.2:14, Mrk.1:45, Luk.8:21, Jhn.9:38, al. mult. __II. As prepositive article, the, prefixed, __1. to nouns unmodified: ὁ θεός, τὸ φῶς, etc.; to abstract nouns, ἡ σοφία, etc., to pl. nouns which indicate a class, οἱ ἀλώπεκες, foxes, Mat.8:20, al.; to an individual as representing a class, ὁ ἐργάτης, Luk.10:7; with nom. = voc. in addresses, Mat.11:26, Jhn.19:3, Jas.5:1, al.; to things which pertain to one, ἡ χεῖρ, his hand, Mrk.3:1; to names of persons well known or already mentioned; usually to names of countries (originally adjectives), ἡ Ἰουδαία, etc. __2. To modified nouns: with of person(s) pron. genitive, μοῦ, σοῦ, etc.; with poss. pron., ἐμός, σός, etc.; with adj. between the art. and the noun, ὁ ἀγαθὸς ἄνθρωπος, Mat.12:35; the noun foll, by adj., both with art., ὁ ποιμὴν ὁ καλός, Jhn.10:11 (on ὁ ὄχλος πολύς, Jhn.12:9, see M, Pr., 84); before adjectival phrases, ἡ κατ᾽ ἐκλογὴν πρόθεσις, Rom.9:11. __3. To Other parts of speech used as substantives; __(a) neuter adjectives: τ. ἀγαθόν, etc.; __(b) cardinal numerals: ὁ εἶς, οἷ δύο, etc.; __(with) participles: ὁ βαπτίζων (= ὁ Βαπτιστής, Mat.14:2), Mrk.6:14; πᾶς ὁ, with ptcp., every one who, etc.; __(d) adverbs: τὸ πέραν, τὰ νῦν, ὁ ἔσω ἄνθρωπος; __(e) infinitives: nom., τὸ θέλειν, Rom.7:18, al.; genitive, τοῦ, after adjectives, ἄξιον τοῦ πορεύεσθαι, 1Co.16:4; verbs, ἐλαχεν τοῦ θυμιᾶσαι, Luk.1:9; and frequently in a final sense, ἐξῆλθεν ὁ σπείρειν, Mat.13:3 (on the artic. inf., see Bl., §71). __4. In the neut. to sentences, phrases or single words treated as a quotation: τὸ Ἐι δύνῃ, Mrk.9:23; τὸ ἔτι ἅπαξ, Heb.12:27; τὸ ἀνέβη, Eph.4:9, al. __5. To prepositional phrases: οἱ ἀπὸ Ἰταλίας, Heb.13:24; οἱ ἐκ νόμου, Rom.4:14; neut. accusative absol., in adverbial phrases, τὸ καθ᾽ ἡμέραν, daily, Luk.11:3; τὸ κατὰ σάρκα, as regards the flesh, Rom.9:5. __6. To nouns in the genitive, denoting kinship, association, etc.: ὁ τοῦ, the son of (unless context indicates a different relationship), Mat.10:2, al.; τὰ τοῦ θεοῦ, the things that pertain to God, Mat.16:23; τὰ τῆς εἰρήνης, Rom.14:19 (cf. M, Pr., 81ff.; Bl, §§46, 47). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.
πτωμα ptōma G4430 "corpse" Noun-NSN
A corpse or dead body, like the lifeless body of a person who has fallen or been killed, as in Matthew and other biblical accounts.
Definition: πτῶμα -τος, τό (πίπτω), [in LXX: Jdg.14:8 (מַפֶּלֶת), Job.16:15 (14) (פֶּרֶץ), Isa.51:19 (שֹׁד), Jdth.8:19, Wis.4:18, al. ;] __1. a fall, metaphorically, a misfortune, calamity (Trag., Plat., Polyb., al.; LXX). __2. That which has fallen; __(a) of buildings, a ruin (Polyb.); __(b) of living creatures, in cl. (poët. only) usually with genitive, νεκρῶν, etc., but also absol., as in late writers and NT, a fallen body, a carcase, corpse: Mat.14:12 24:28, Mrk.15:45; π. αὐτοῦ, Mrk.6:29; αὐτῶν, Rev.11:8-9 (cf. Rutherford, NPhr., 472 f.).† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 4 NT verses. KJV: dead body, carcase, corpse See also: Mark 6:29; Revelation 11:8; Revelation 11:9.
εκει ekei G1563 "there" Adv
This word means 'there' or 'to that place', as in Matthew 2:13. It's used to point to a location or direction. In the Bible, it helps describe where events happen.
Definition: ἐκεῖ adv., [in LXX chiefly for שָׁם ;] __1. properly, of place, there: Mat.2:13 5:24, al.; οἱ ἐ., Mat.26:71; οὗ . . . ἐ., Mat.6:21 18:20 24:28, Mrk.6:10, Luk.12:34; pleonastic, ὅπου . . . ἐ. (= שָׁם אֲשֶׁר, Deu.4:5, al.), Rev.12:6, 14 (cf. Bl., § 50, 4). __2. As often in cl. (Hdt., Thuc., al.), with verbs of motion, for ἐκεῖσε, thither: Mat.2:22 17:20 24:28 26:36, Mrk.6:33, Luk.12:18 17:37 21:2, Jhn.11:8 18:2-3, Rom.15:24 (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 102 NT verses. KJV: there, thither(-ward), (to) yonder (place) See also: 2 Corinthians 3:17; Mark 1:38; Hebrews 7:8.
συναχθησονται sunagō G4863 "to assemble" Verb-FPI-3P
This word means to gather or bring people together, as seen in Matthew 2:4 and John 11:47. It can also mean to collect or convene things, like in Luke 12:18. The Bible uses this word to describe various types of gatherings and assemblies.
Definition: συν-άγω [in LXX chiefly for אָסַף, also for קָבַץ, etc. (cf. Kennedy, Sources, 128) ;] to gather or bring together: of things, Jhn.6:12-13; before εἰς, Mat.3:12, al.; ἐκεῖ, Luk.12:18; ποῦ, Luk.12:17; συναγαγὼν πάντα (sc. εἰς ἀργύριον; see Field, Notes, 68, MM, xxiv), having sold off all: Luk.15:13; of persons, Jhn.11:52; esp. of assemblies, Mat.2:4, Jhn.11:47, Act.14:27, al. Pass., to be gathered or come together: Mat.22:41, Mrk.2:2, Luk.22:66, al.; before ἐπί Mrk.5:21, Act.4:27; πρός, Mat.13:2, Mrk.4:1, al.; εἰς, Rev.19:17; ἐν, Act.11:26; μετά, Mat.28:12; οὗ, Mat.18:20; ὅπου, Mat.26:57; ἐκεῖ, Jhn.18:2, al. In late writers (see Kennedy, Sources, 128; cf. Deu.22:2, al.), to receive hospitably, entertain: Mat.25:35, 38 25:43 (cf. ἐπι-συνάγω) (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 61 NT verses. KJV: + accompany, assemble (selves, together), bestow, come together, gather (selves together, up, together), lead into, resort, take in See also: 1 Corinthians 5:4; Mark 6:30; Revelation 16:14.
οι ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-NPM
The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.
Definition: ὁ, ἡ, τό, the prepositive article (ἄρθρον προτακτικόν), originally a demonstr. pron. (so usually in Hom.), in general corresponding to the Eng. definite article. __I. As demonstr. pron. __1. As frequently in Hom., absol., he (she, it), his (etc.): Act.17:28 (quoted from the poet Aratus). __2. Distributive, ὁ μὲν . . . ὁ δέ, the one . . . the other: 1Co.7:7, Gal.4:22; pl., Act.14:4, 17:32, Php.1:16, al.; οἱ μὲν . . . ἄλλοι δέ, Mat.16:14, Jhn.7:12; οἱ μεν̀ . . . ὁδέ, Heb.7:21, 23. __3. In narration (without ὁ μὲν preceding), ὁ δέ, but he: Mat.2:14, Mrk.1:45, Luk.8:21, Jhn.9:38, al. mult. __II. As prepositive article, the, prefixed, __1. to nouns unmodified: ὁ θεός, τὸ φῶς, etc.; to abstract nouns, ἡ σοφία, etc., to pl. nouns which indicate a class, οἱ ἀλώπεκες, foxes, Mat.8:20, al.; to an individual as representing a class, ὁ ἐργάτης, Luk.10:7; with nom. = voc. in addresses, Mat.11:26, Jhn.19:3, Jas.5:1, al.; to things which pertain to one, ἡ χεῖρ, his hand, Mrk.3:1; to names of persons well known or already mentioned; usually to names of countries (originally adjectives), ἡ Ἰουδαία, etc. __2. To modified nouns: with of person(s) pron. genitive, μοῦ, σοῦ, etc.; with poss. pron., ἐμός, σός, etc.; with adj. between the art. and the noun, ὁ ἀγαθὸς ἄνθρωπος, Mat.12:35; the noun foll, by adj., both with art., ὁ ποιμὴν ὁ καλός, Jhn.10:11 (on ὁ ὄχλος πολύς, Jhn.12:9, see M, Pr., 84); before adjectival phrases, ἡ κατ᾽ ἐκλογὴν πρόθεσις, Rom.9:11. __3. To Other parts of speech used as substantives; __(a) neuter adjectives: τ. ἀγαθόν, etc.; __(b) cardinal numerals: ὁ εἶς, οἷ δύο, etc.; __(with) participles: ὁ βαπτίζων (= ὁ Βαπτιστής, Mat.14:2), Mrk.6:14; πᾶς ὁ, with ptcp., every one who, etc.; __(d) adverbs: τὸ πέραν, τὰ νῦν, ὁ ἔσω ἄνθρωπος; __(e) infinitives: nom., τὸ θέλειν, Rom.7:18, al.; genitive, τοῦ, after adjectives, ἄξιον τοῦ πορεύεσθαι, 1Co.16:4; verbs, ἐλαχεν τοῦ θυμιᾶσαι, Luk.1:9; and frequently in a final sense, ἐξῆλθεν ὁ σπείρειν, Mat.13:3 (on the artic. inf., see Bl., §71). __4. In the neut. to sentences, phrases or single words treated as a quotation: τὸ Ἐι δύνῃ, Mrk.9:23; τὸ ἔτι ἅπαξ, Heb.12:27; τὸ ἀνέβη, Eph.4:9, al. __5. To prepositional phrases: οἱ ἀπὸ Ἰταλίας, Heb.13:24; οἱ ἐκ νόμου, Rom.4:14; neut. accusative absol., in adverbial phrases, τὸ καθ᾽ ἡμέραν, daily, Luk.11:3; τὸ κατὰ σάρκα, as regards the flesh, Rom.9:5. __6. To nouns in the genitive, denoting kinship, association, etc.: ὁ τοῦ, the son of (unless context indicates a different relationship), Mat.10:2, al.; τὰ τοῦ θεοῦ, the things that pertain to God, Mat.16:23; τὰ τῆς εἰρήνης, Rom.14:19 (cf. M, Pr., 81ff.; Bl, §§46, 47). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.
αετοι aetos G105 "eagle" Noun-NPM
An eagle is a large bird, known for its wind-like flight. In the Bible, it is mentioned in Revelation 4:7 and 8:13, and also in Matthew 24:28 and Luke 17:37, possibly referring to a vulture.
Definition: ἀετός, -οῦ, ὁ, [in LXX for נֶשֶׁר ;] an eagle: Rev.4:7 8:13 (Rec. ἀγγέλου) 12:14. Where carrion is referred to, ἀ. is probably a vulture (cf. Job.39:30, Pro.30:17): Mat.24:28, Luk.17:37 (MM, VGT, see word).† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 5 NT verses. KJV: eagle See also: Luke 17:37; Revelation 4:7; Revelation 8:13.

Study Notes — Matthew 24:28

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Luke 17:37 “Where, Lord?” they asked. Jesus answered, “Wherever there is a carcass, there the vultures will gather.”
2 Job 39:27–30 Does the eagle soar at your command and make his nest on high? He dwells on a cliff and lodges there; his stronghold is on a rocky crag. From there he spies out food; his eyes see it from afar. His young ones feast on blood; and where the slain are, there he is.”
3 Deuteronomy 28:49 The LORD will bring a nation from afar, from the ends of the earth, to swoop down upon you like an eagle—a nation whose language you will not understand,
4 Amos 9:1–4 I saw the Lord standing beside the altar, and He said: “Strike the tops of the pillars so that the thresholds shake. Topple them on the heads of all the people, and I will kill the rest with the sword. None of those who flee will get away; none of the fugitives will escape. Though they dig down to Sheol, from there My hand will take them; and though they climb up to heaven, from there I will pull them down. Though they hide themselves atop Carmel, there I will track them and seize them; and though they hide from Me at the bottom of the sea, there I will command the serpent to bite them. Though they are driven by their enemies into captivity, there I will command the sword to slay them. I will fix My eyes upon them for harm and not for good.”
5 Jeremiah 16:16 But for now I will send for many fishermen, declares the LORD, and they will catch them. After that I will send for many hunters, and they will hunt them down on every mountain and hill, even from the clefts of the rocks.

Matthew 24:28 Summary

This verse means that wherever there is something dead or wrong spiritually, people who are looking for an easy target or something to exploit will show up. It's like when vultures gather around a dead animal because they can feed on it easily. Jesus is warning us to be careful and not to follow false teachings or people who might seem attractive but are actually harmful, as seen in verses like 2 Corinthians 11:13-15 where false apostles disguise themselves. He wants us to stay close to Him and to the truth of the Bible, just like in John 10:27-28 where Jesus says His sheep follow His voice.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Jesus mean by 'a carcass' in this verse?

In Matthew 24:28, Jesus uses 'a carcass' as a metaphor for something that is dead or decaying, and the vultures gathering around it symbolize how false prophets and messengers of deception will be drawn to and thrive in an environment of spiritual decay, as seen in 2 Timothy 4:3-4 where people turn away from the truth to follow false teachings.

Why does Jesus compare His return to vultures gathering around a carcass?

Jesus uses this comparison to illustrate that just as vultures are naturally drawn to death and decay, false messengers will be drawn to and gather around false or corrupted forms of spiritual truth, emphasizing the importance of discernment and staying true to God's Word, as encouraged in 1 Thessalonians 5:21-22.

Is this verse saying that believers will be like vultures gathering around a carcass?

No, this verse is not referring to believers but rather to the false prophets or messengers who will be attracted to and thrive in environments devoid of true spiritual life, similar to how Ezekiel 34:5 describes the scattering of God's people due to false shepherds.

What is the main point Jesus is trying to convey with this analogy?

The main point Jesus is making is that the presence of spiritual decay or false teaching will always attract those who would seek to exploit or feed on it, highlighting the need for believers to be vigilant and rooted in the truth of God's Word, as cautioned in Matthew 7:15-20 about false prophets.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some 'carcasses' in my life or community where false teachings or practices may be gathering, and how can I avoid them?
  2. How can I ensure that I am not contributing to an environment of spiritual decay, and instead, am fostering an atmosphere of truth and life in my interactions with others?
  3. In what ways can I apply the lesson of discernment from this verse to my daily life, especially in evaluating the teachings and influences I expose myself to?
  4. How does this verse remind me of my responsibility to stay grounded in the Bible and to test all teachings against its truth, as commanded in Acts 17:11?
  5. What role can I play in pointing others to the truth of God's Word and helping them avoid the pitfalls of false teachings and spiritual decay?

Gill's Exposition on Matthew 24:28

For wheresoever the carcass is,.... Not Christ, as he is held forth in the Gospel, crucified and slain, through whose death is the savour of life, and by whom salvation is, and to whom sensible

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Matthew 24:28

And Jesus went out, and departed from the temple: and his disciples came to him for to shew him the buildings of the temple.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Matthew 24:28

Ver. 27,28. Luke hath much the same, ,37. The disagreement of interpreters about the coming of the Son of man, here spoken of, makes a variety in their interpretation of these verses. Some think the coming of the Son of man here spoken of was his coming to destroy Jerusalem, which, he saith, will be sudden like the lightning, which though the thunder be taken notice of aforehand, as following the lightning, yet is not taken notice of. These interpreters make the carcass, mentioned , to be the body of the Jewish nation, designed to be destroyed; and the eagles to be the Roman armies. Job saith of the eagle, , where the slain are, there is she, , saith the same of the Chaldean armies; They shall fly as the eagle that hasteth to eat. Some understand by the coming of Christ here, his coming in his spiritual kingdom. The preaching of the gospel shall be like the lightning; you need not listen after those that say, Lo, here is Christ, or, Lo, he is there, for my gospel shall be preached every where; and where the carcass is, where my death and resurrection shall be preached, all the elect, my sheep that hear my voice and follow me, shall be gathered together. Others understand it of Christ’ s coming to judgment, which is compared to lightning for the suddenness and universality of it. There, saith Christ, I shall be, and all my saints shall be gathered together. Luke seemeth to speak of this, ,37. That phrase, Wheresoever the carcass is, there will the eagles be gathered together, is a proverbial speech, signifying that it will need no great labour to bring things together which are naturally joined by an innate desire either of them to the other; so that it is applicable in more cases than one. And whether that discourse in Luke were at the same time when this was I cannot say; our Saviour’ s discourse on this argument, ; hath not these verses, and is a part of a discourse which is said to have been begun, at least to the Pharisees, . But I shall further consider what Luke saith when I shall come to that chapter in him.

Trapp's Commentary on Matthew 24:28

28 For wheresoever the carcase is, there will the eagles be gathered together. Ver. 28. For wheresoever the carcase is, &c.] That is, saith M. Lambert, martyr, wheresoever is declared by the course of the Scriptures, the benefits granted to us by Christ’ s death, thither will men seek and flee, to know how they may enjoy the same. The sacrificed body of Christ (saith another) hath a most fragrant smell, inviting the saints (like birds of prey) to fly from far with marvellous swiftness to this dead but all quickening carcase. Some interpret it thus: Where the carcase is, that is, the body of the Jews, that had forsaken God and his truth, and so was a dead carcase, there will the Roman eagles and enemies be. There will the eagles be gathered] The vulturine eagles especially, whereof read Job 39:29-30 : they follow armies, and feed on carcases. Eagles the saints are called, 1. For their delight in high flying. 2. For their sharp sightedness, and steadfast looking into the Sun of righteousness. 3. For their singular sagacity in smelling out Christ, and resenting things above, for the which they are said to have "a nose like the tower of Lebanon," Son 7:4; Son 4:1-16. For their feeding upon the bloody sacrifice of Christ, the true carcase. Briefly, this proverbial speech may be well understood, either of the conflux of the godly to the light and liberty of the gospel, or else of their indissoluble union with Christ to be perfectly enjoyed at the resurrection. For the sense of it is, that let the devil use what means soever he can by his emissaries, the false prophets, to divide, between Christ and his people, by telling them, There he is, or here he is, it will not be; for they will fly to him as a cloud, or as the doves to their windows, Isaiah 60:8. Nay, as the eagles to their carcase, with incredible swiftness; so forcible is the tie that is between them, that they will not be kept asunder. The Israelites removed their tents from Mithcah, which signifies sweetness, to Hashmonah, which signifies swiftness, Numbers 33:29. To teach us, saith a divine, that no sooner have the saints tasted Christ’ s sweetness but presently they are carried after him with swiftness; they cannot rest till they are joined unto him whom their soul loveth. In reference to whom, Christ’ s last supper is called by the ancients, Festum aquilarum, non graculorum, a feast for eagles, not for daws. A silly fellow, simpleton, noodle, fool. ŒD

Ellicott's Commentary on Matthew 24:28

(28) Wheresoever the carcase is.—Two interpretations of this verse may, without much risk of error, be at once rejected:—(1) That which sees in the “eagles” the well-known symbols of the strength of the Roman legions, and in the “carcass” the decayed and corrupted Judaism which those legions came to destroy. This, true as far as it goes, is too narrow and localised in its range for so wide and far-reaching a comparison. (2) The strange fantastic imagination of many of the Fathers that the “carcass” is Christ Himself, as crucified and slain, and that the eagles are His true saints and servants who hasten to meet Him in His coming. Those who picture to themselves with what purpose and with what results the vultures of the East swoop down on the carrion which they scent far off upon the breeze, will surely find such an explanation at once revolting and irrational. What the enigmatic proverb (if indeed it be enigmatic) means, is that wherever life is gone, wherever a church or nation is decaying and putrescent, there to the end of time will God’s ministers of vengeance, the vultures that do their work of destruction, and so leave room for new forms of life by sweeping off that which was “ready to vanish away” (comp. Hebrews 8:13 for the phrase and thought), assuredly be found. What the disciples should witness in the fall of Jerusalem would repeat itself scores of times in the world’s history, and be fulfilled on the largest scale at the end of all things. The words of Isaiah (Isaiah 46:11) and Ezekiel (Ezekiel 39:4), in which the “ravenous bird” is a symbol of the nations who do the work of destruction to which God sends them, illustrate the meaning of the generalised law which is here asserted.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Matthew 24:28

Verse 28. For wheresoever the carcass is] πτωμα, the dead carcass. The Jewish nation, which was morally and judicially dead. There will the eagles] The Roman armies, called so partly from their strength and fierceness, and partly from the figure of these animals which was always wrought on their ensigns, or even in brass, placed on the tops of their ensign-staves. It is remarkable that the Roman fury pursued these wretched men wheresoever they were found. They were a dead carcass doomed to be devoured; and the Roman eagles were the commissioned devourers. See the pitiful account in Josephus, WAR, b. vii. c. 2, 3, 6, 9, 10, and 11.

Cambridge Bible on Matthew 24:28

28. wheresoever the carcase is] The spiritual perception will discern when the Lord comes and where, by a subtle sense like that by which the vulture is cognisant of his distant prey. Another interpretation fixes upon the idea of corruption in the body, and taking the “eagles” to mean the eagles of the Roman standards reads the sense thus: “where the corrupt body of sin lies there will the eagles of vengeance be gathered.” This view is excluded by the division of the prophecy adopted in these notes.

Barnes' Notes on Matthew 24:28

Wheresoever ... - The words in this verse are proverbial. Vultures and eagles easily ascertain where dead bodies are, and hasten to devour them. So with the Roman army. Jerusalem is like a dead and putrid corpse.

Whedon's Commentary on Matthew 24:28

28. For wheresoever the carcass is, there will the eagles — It is perfectly obvious that this verse stands in isolation, having no clear connection with what precedes or follows.

Sermons on Matthew 24:28

SermonDescription
Joseph Balsan Atlantic Lyman conf.1972-02 Studies in Daniel 12 by Joseph Balsan In this sermon, the preacher focuses on two characteristics of the end times mentioned in the Bible. The first characteristic is that people will run to and fro, which is seen in t
Harriet N. Cook The Vulture by Harriet N. Cook Harriet N. Cook uses the vulture as an illustration to teach about the nature of this bird of prey, its role in cleaning up decaying matter, and its keen eye for spotting food from
Leonard Ravenhill Mounting Up With Eagles Wings - Part 1 by Leonard Ravenhill Leonard Ravenhill emphasizes the power and majesty of God as depicted in Isaiah 40, particularly focusing on the promise that those who wait upon the Lord will renew their strength
Leonard Ravenhill Mounting With Wings by Leonard Ravenhill Leonard Ravenhill emphasizes the power of waiting on the Lord, drawing from Isaiah 40:29-31, where God promises to renew the strength of those who trust in Him. He contrasts the ma
Harriet N. Cook The Eagle by Harriet N. Cook Harriet N. Cook uses the majestic eagle as a symbol to illustrate God's care and protection over His people, drawing parallels between the eagle's characteristics and God's attribu
Chuck Missler Hosea #5 Ch. 7-8 Jesus Christ on Every Page by Chuck Missler In this sermon, the speaker discusses the decline in biblical knowledge and understanding in society. He then focuses on Hosea chapter 8, specifically verses 13 and 14. The speaker
Chuck Smith (Through the Bible) 1 Corinthians 14 by Chuck Smith In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of order and understanding in the church. He uses a personal anecdote to illustrate the need for clarity in interpreting biblic

Everything we make is available for free because of a generous community of supporters.

Donate