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.)”
Berean Amplified Bible — Matthew 24:28
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Matthew 24:28 Interlinear (Deep Study)
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Greek Word Reference — Matthew 24:28
Study Notes — Matthew 24:28
- Context
- Cross References
- Matthew 24:28 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Matthew 24:28
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Matthew 24:28
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Matthew 24:28
- Trapp's Commentary on Matthew 24:28
- Ellicott's Commentary on Matthew 24:28
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Matthew 24:28
- Cambridge Bible on Matthew 24:28
- Barnes' Notes on Matthew 24:28
- Whedon's Commentary on Matthew 24:28
- Sermons on Matthew 24:28
Context — The Return of the Son of Man
28Wherever there is a carcass, there the vultures will gather.
29Immediately after the tribulation of those days: ‘The sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from the sky, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. ’ 30At that time the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and all the tribes of the earth will mourn. They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.Cross References
| Reference | Text (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
- What are some 'carcasses' in my life or community where false teachings or practices may be gathering, and how can I avoid them?
- 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?
- 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?
- 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?
- 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
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Matthew 24:28
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Matthew 24:28
Trapp's Commentary on Matthew 24:28
Ellicott's Commentary on Matthew 24:28
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Matthew 24:28
Cambridge Bible on Matthew 24:28
Barnes' Notes on Matthew 24:28
Whedon's Commentary on Matthew 24:28
Sermons on Matthew 24:28
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
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 |
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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 |
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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 |
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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 |
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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 |
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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 |
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(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 |





