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

MATTHEW 24:28KJV
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Matthew 24:28 (KJV)

What does Matthew 24:28 mean?

Matthew 24:28 uses a familiar sight in nature to suggest that something becomes evident from the signs gathered around it. Jesus pictures birds finding a dead body, an image that follows his warning not to believe reports that he has appeared in a hidden place.

Jesus is speaking to his disciples. The birds overhead would draw attention to what lay on the ground, even from a distance. The saying follows the comparison of his coming to lightning visible across the sky.

The Greek behind Matthew 24:28

  • “carcase” — πτῶμα (ptōma): A dead body or corpse. The word gives the picture its stark sense of death.
  • “eagles” — ἀετοί (aetoi): Large birds of prey, often called eagles. The Greek word can also refer to vultures, which feed on dead animals and fit the image of birds gathering around a carcass.

Why Matthew 24:28 matters

  • The saying belongs with Jesus’ warning against false reports. Just before it, Jesus tells the disciples not to believe claims that he is in the wilderness or in private rooms (verse 26).
  • The image points to something apparent rather than a secret that must be located. In verse 27, Jesus compares his coming to lightning seen across the sky; the gathering birds continue the emphasis on visibility.

Where else these words appear

“carcase” Greek G4430 · used in 4 verses

  • Mark 6:29 And when his disciples heard of it, they came and took up his corpse, and laid it in a tomb.
  • Revelation 11:8 And their dead bodies shall lie in the street of the great city, which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified.
  • Revelation 11:9 And they of the people and kindreds and tongues and nations shall see their dead bodies three days and an half, and shall not suffer their dead bodies to be put in graves.

“eagles” Greek G105 · used in 4 verses

  • Luke 17:37 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.
  • 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.

“is” Greek G5600 · used in 62 verses

  • Matthew 6:4 That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly.
  • John 17:21 That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.
  • 2 Corinthians 1:17 When I therefore was thus minded, did I use lightness? or the things that I purpose, do I purpose according to the flesh, that with me there should be yea yea, and nay nay?

“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 27:27 Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the common hall, and gathered unto him the whole band of soldiers.
  • 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.