And they answered and said unto him, Where, Lord? And he said unto them, Wheresoever the body is, thither will the eagles be gathered together.

LUKE 17:37KJV
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Luke 17:37 (KJV)

What does Luke 17:37 mean?

Luke 17:37 records Jesus responding to his disciples’ question about where the events he described would take place, saying, “Wheresoever the body is, thither will the eagles be gathered together.” This means that just as birds of prey gather wherever there is a carcass, certain events will naturally draw attention and become obvious to all.

In this verse, Jesus is speaking to his disciples after describing future days of judgment and his return. The disciples ask “Where, Lord?”—wanting to know the location of these coming events. Jesus answers with a vivid image: just as it is easy to spot where a dead body lies because vultures (or eagles) gather there, so the signs of these events will be clear and unmistakable when they happen.

The Greek behind Luke 17:37

  • “σῶμα” (sōma, “body”): This word means a physical body, often a corpse in this context. Jesus uses it to refer to something lifeless that attracts scavengers, painting a picture of judgment or aftermath.
  • “ἀετοί” (aetoi, “eagles”): While the word can mean “eagles,” it is often understood as “vultures” in this context, since vultures are known for gathering around dead bodies. This detail sharpens the image of something obvious and unavoidable.
  • “συναχθήσονται” (sunachthēsontai, “will be gathered together”): This verb means to come together or assemble. The Greek emphasizes that the gathering is inevitable and natural, not forced.

Why Luke 17:37 matters

  • Luke 17:37 clarifies that the signs of Jesus’ return or judgment will not be hidden or secret, but as obvious as birds circling a carcass.
  • The verse uses a common natural image to explain that people will not need to search for the location; the events themselves will be self-evident.
  • This saying ties back to the wider passage, where Jesus warns against being misled by rumors about his coming, emphasizing that the real event will be unmistakable.

Where else these words appear

“eagles” Greek G105 · used in 4 verses

  • Matthew 24:28 For wheresoever the carcase is, there will the eagles be gathered together.
  • Revelation 4:7 And the first beast was like a lion, and the second beast like a calf, and the third beast had a face as a man, and the fourth beast was like a flying eagle.
  • Revelation 12:14 And to the woman were given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness, into her place, where she is nourished for a time, and times, and half a time, from the face of the serpent.

“Where” Greek G4226 · used in 42 verses

  • Matthew 2:2 Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.
  • John 1:38 Then Jesus turned, and saw them following, and saith unto them, What seek ye? They said unto him, Rabbi,(which is to say, being interpreted, Master,) where dwellest thou?
  • John 16:5 But now I go my way to him that sent me; and none of you asketh me, Whither goest thou?

“will” Greek G4863 · used in 62 verses

  • Matthew 2:4 And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born.
  • Matthew 27:17 Therefore when they were gathered together, Pilate said unto them, Whom will ye that I release unto you? Barabbas, or Jesus which is called Christ?
  • John 15:6 If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.

“Wheresoever” Greek G3699 · used in 77 verses

  • Matthew 6:19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:
  • Mark 16:6 And he saith unto them, Be not affrighted: Ye seek Jesus of Nazareth, which was crucified: he is risen; he is not here: behold the place where they laid him.
  • John 17:24 Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world.