Luke 17:37

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} they answered {G611} and said {G3004} unto him {G846}, Where {G4226}, Lord {G2962}? And {G1161} he said {G2036} unto them {G846}, Wheresoever {G3699} the body {G4983} is, thither {G1563} will {G4863} the eagles {G105} be gathered together {G4863}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They asked him, “Where, Lord?” He answered, “Wherever there’s a dead body, that’s where the vultures gather.”

Berean Standard Bible

“Where, Lord?” they asked. Jesus answered, “Wherever there is a carcass, there the vultures will gather.”

American Standard Version

And they answering say unto him, Where, Lord? And he said unto them, Where the body is, thither will the eagles also be gathered together.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 17:37 concludes Jesus' discourse on the coming of the Son of Man, offering a profound, albeit enigmatic, response to the disciples' query about the "where" of these climactic events. Rather than pinpointing a geographical location, Jesus employs a vivid proverbial analogy, likening the gathering of "eagles" (vultures) to a "body" (carcass). This imagery powerfully conveys the undeniable visibility, certainty, and universal nature of His return and the accompanying divine judgment, shifting the focus from speculative curiosity about a physical place to the spiritual reality of a pervasive, unmistakable manifestation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the concluding statement to Jesus' extensive discourse on the "day of the Son of Man" found in [Luke 17:20-37](/luke/17-20-37 "Luke 17:20-37 - The Coming of the Kingdom and the Son of Man"). Preceding this, Jesus has described His coming as sudden and universally visible, like [lightning flashing across the sky](/luke/17-24 "Luke 17:24 - The Visible Coming of the Son of Man"). He then draws parallels to the days of Noah and Lot, highlighting the unexpected nature of judgment that overtakes those absorbed in worldly pursuits, while those who seek to save their lives will lose them, and those who lose them will preserve them ([Luke 17:33](/luke/17-33 "Luke 17:33 - Losing Life to Gain It")). The disciples, perhaps still thinking in terms of earthly kingdoms and specific events, naturally ask, "Where, Lord?" seeking a location for these dramatic occurrences. Jesus' reply in verse 37, therefore, is a direct answer, but one that reframes their spatial inquiry into a statement about the nature and inevitability of the event itself.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The imagery of a "body" attracting "eagles" (or more accurately, vultures) was a common and easily understood proverb in the ancient Near East, signifying a place of death, decay, and imminent judgment. Vultures were ubiquitous scavengers in the region, known for their keen eyesight and their rapid convergence upon carrion, often from great distances. This natural phenomenon served as a stark metaphor for the inescapable reality of a situation. In a biblical context, carrion often symbolized divine judgment, desolation, and the consequences of sin, as seen in prophetic warnings of bodies left unburied (e.g., [Deuteronomy 28:26](/deuteronomy/28-26 "Deuteronomy 28:26 - Consequences of Disobedience")). Jesus' use of this proverb would immediately evoke a sense of grim certainty and an undeniable, self-evident truth for His audience.
* **Key Themes:** Luke 17:37 contributes significantly to several key themes within the broader discourse and the Gospel of Luke. Firstly, it underscores the **inevitability and universal visibility of Christ's return and judgment**. Just as a carcass cannot be hidden from scavengers, so too will the signs and the reality of the Son of Man's presence be unmistakably evident to all. Secondly, it highlights the theme of **divine judgment**, implying that where spiritual decay or ripe conditions for judgment exist, there divine justice will surely manifest. This echoes the warnings throughout [Luke 17](/luke/17 "Luke 17 - Teachings on Faith, Forgiveness, and the Kingdom") regarding unpreparedness. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, Jesus' response redirects the disciples' focus from a speculative "where" to the more critical spiritual reality of **readiness and discernment**. The emphasis is not on a specific geographical point, but on the undeniable nature of the event itself and its profound implications for humanity, urging believers to be watchful and prepared, as also emphasized in [Matthew 24:42](/matthew/24-42 "Matthew 24:42 - Be Watchful").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Body (Greek, _sōma'_):** While `sōma` broadly means "body," in the context of birds of prey, it specifically refers to a corpse or carrion. This is crucial for understanding the analogy, as it denotes something dead and attracting scavengers, symbolizing spiritual death or a state ripe for judgment.
* **Eagles (Greek, _aetós'_):** The Greek word `aetós` can refer to both an eagle and a vulture. Given the context of a "body" or carcass, and the scavenging nature implied, most scholars agree that "vultures" is the more appropriate translation here. Vultures are known for gathering around carrion, making the imagery stark and fitting for a scene of judgment.
* **Gathered together (Greek, _synágō'_):** This verb means "to lead together," "collect," or "convene." In this context, it vividly describes the convergence of the vultures upon the carcass. Metaphorically, it speaks to the inevitable assembly or manifestation of judgment where the conditions for it are present.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they answered and said unto him, Where, Lord?"**: This clause reveals the disciples' immediate, practical, and perhaps still earthly-minded concern. Having heard Jesus speak of a sudden, sweeping, and visible return of the Son of Man, they naturally seek a specific location, a "where," for these climactic events, much like one might ask for the venue of a significant earthly occurrence.
* **"And he said unto them,"**: This is Jesus' direct reply, but instead of providing a geographical answer, He shifts the paradigm, moving from a literal location to a metaphorical truth.
* **"Wheresoever the body [is], thither will the eagles be gathered together."**: This is the enigmatic and powerful proverbial statement. Jesus uses a common natural phenomenon—vultures gathering around a carcass—to illustrate the nature of His coming and the accompanying judgment. It signifies that the "where" is not a fixed geographical point, but rather wherever the conditions (spiritual decay, unrighteousness, or ripe circumstances for judgment) are present, there the visible manifestation of the Son of Man's judgment will inevitably occur. It's an event defined by its nature and universality, not its coordinates.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 17:37 is rich in literary devices that amplify its message. The most prominent is **Proverbial Saying**, as Jesus quotes or adapts a well-known adage to convey a profound spiritual truth. This makes the teaching memorable and impactful. The core of the proverb is a powerful **Metaphor** or **Simile**, comparing the gathering of vultures to a carcass with the undeniable and visible nature of the Son of Man's coming. The "body" functions as a **Symbol** of spiritual decay, death, or the state of humanity ripe for judgment, while the "eagles" (vultures) **Symbolize** the agents or the very manifestation of divine judgment. The use of **Imagery** is vivid and visceral, evoking a scene of desolation and inevitability, making the abstract concept of judgment tangible and inescapable. This brief, pithy statement is an example of Jesus' masterful use of everyday observations to reveal eternal realities.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 17:37 serves as a powerful theological statement about the nature of God's judgment and the second coming of Christ. It asserts the absolute certainty and universal visibility of these events. The imagery signifies that judgment will not be hidden or confined to a secret place, but will be as evident and undeniable as a carcass attracting scavengers. This implies that the conditions for judgment (spiritual decay, unrighteousness, or the culmination of human sin) will be present, and God's justice will inevitably manifest where these conditions exist. The verse redirects the focus from human curiosity about "when" or "where" to the profound spiritual reality of the event itself, emphasizing the need for constant spiritual readiness and discernment in light of the Lord's certain return.

* [Matthew 24:28](/matthew/24-28 "Matthew 24:28 - Parallel Proverb on Christ's Coming")
* [Job 39:30](/job/39-30 "Job 39:30 - Eagles and the Carcass")
* [Revelation 19:17-18](/revelation/19-17-18 "Revelation 19:17-18 - The Great Supper of God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 17:37 challenges us to shift our focus from speculative curiosity about the timing or location of Christ's return to the more crucial matter of spiritual preparedness and discernment. Jesus' analogy reminds us that His coming will be unmistakable, a global event that will be evident to all, much like the undeniable presence of a carcass draws vultures from afar. This calls us to live lives marked by watchfulness, faithfulness, and a deep understanding of the spiritual signs of the times. It encourages us not to be caught up in the transient affairs of this world, but to cultivate a readiness of heart and mind, ensuring that our lives are aligned with God's will. The certainty of His return should inspire not fear, but a living hope and a renewed commitment to His kingdom, knowing that judgment is real and that our ultimate destiny rests in Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jesus' answer redirect our focus from "where" to "what" in terms of His return?**
* **What does the imagery of the "body" and "eagles" communicate about the nature of divine judgment?**
* **In what ways might we be tempted to focus on speculative details of the future instead of living in present readiness?**
* **How does the certainty of Christ's visible return impact our daily priorities and spiritual disciplines?**

### FAQ

**What does Jesus mean by "body" and "eagles" in this verse?**

Answer: In this proverbial saying, the "body" (Greek: _sōma_) refers to a corpse or carrion, while "eagles" (Greek: _aetós_) is best understood as vultures. The imagery depicts vultures gathering around a dead body. Jesus uses this common natural phenomenon to illustrate that His return and the accompanying judgment will be universally evident and undeniable. Just as vultures inevitably gather where there is carrion, so too will the Son of Man's presence and the manifestation of divine judgment be clear for all to see, not confined to a specific geographical location. It signifies that wherever spiritual decay or the conditions for judgment are ripe, there the judgment will inevitably occur.

**Is this verse about the Second Coming of Christ or something else?**

Answer: Luke 17:37 is part of Jesus' broader discourse on the "day of the Son of Man," which primarily refers to His Second Coming and the associated events of judgment and salvation. While some interpretations might apply it to the fall of Jerusalem in A.D. 70, the broader context of [Luke 17:20-37](/luke/17-20-37 "Luke 17:20-37 - The Coming of the Kingdom and the Son of Man") points to a universal, eschatological event, akin to the days of Noah and Lot, which clearly transcend a single historical event like the destruction of Jerusalem. The imagery of a global, unmistakable manifestation aligns best with the ultimate return of Christ.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 17:37, though seemingly a grim prophecy of judgment, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the comprehensive work of Jesus as both the Lamb of God and the returning King. The "body" that draws the "eagles" can be seen as a symbol of a world under the curse of sin, ripe for divine judgment, a world that ultimately rejected its Creator. Yet, it is Christ Himself who, as the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), bore the full weight of this spiritual decay and judgment upon His own body on the cross. His death and resurrection are the pivotal events that both expose the depth of humanity's fallenness and offer the means of salvation. When Jesus speaks of His return, He is not merely a judge, but the [Lord of glory](/1_corinthians/2-8 "1 Corinthians 2:8 - The Lord of Glory Crucified") who will bring about the final consummation of His kingdom. The undeniable visibility of His coming, like the gathering of vultures, ensures that all will behold Him—some to their salvation, others to their judgment ([Revelation 1:7](/revelation/1-7 "Revelation 1:7 - Every Eye Will See Him")). Thus, this verse points to Christ as the one who will decisively deal with the world's sin and usher in the new heavens and new earth, where [righteousness dwells](/2_peter/3-13 "2 Peter 3:13 - New Heavens and New Earth").

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Matthew 24:28

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

Job 39:29

From thence she seeketh the prey, [and] her eyes behold afar off.

Job 39:30

Her young ones also suck up blood: and where the slain [are], there [is] she.

Revelation 19:17

And I saw an angel standing in the sun; and he cried with a loud voice, saying to all the fowls that fly in the midst of heaven, Come and gather yourselves together unto the supper of the great God;

Revelation 19:18

That ye may eat the flesh of kings, and the flesh of captains, and the flesh of mighty men, and the flesh of horses, and of them that sit on them, and the flesh of all [men, both] free and bond, both small and great.

Zechariah 13:8

And it shall come to pass, [that] in all the land, saith the LORD, two parts therein shall be cut off [and] die; but the third shall be left therein.

Zechariah 13:9

And I will bring the third part through the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried: they shall call on my name, and I will hear them: I will say, It [is] my people: and they shall say, The LORD [is] my God.