And then shall he send his angels, and shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from the uttermost part of the earth to the uttermost part of heaven.
And {G2532} then {G5119} shall he send {G649} his {G846} angels {G32}, and {G2532} shall gather together {G1996} his {G846} elect {G1588} from {G1537} the four {G5064} winds {G417}, from {G575} the uttermost part {G206} of the earth {G1093} to {G2193} the uttermost part {G206} of heaven {G3772}.
He will send out his angels and gather together his chosen people from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of heaven.
And He will send out the angels to gather His elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of heaven.
And then shall he send forth the angels, and shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from the uttermost part of the earth to the uttermost part of heaven.
-
Zechariah 2:6
¶ Ho, ho, [come forth], and flee from the land of the north, saith the LORD: for I have spread you abroad as the four winds of the heaven, saith the LORD. -
Matthew 24:31
And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other. -
Deuteronomy 30:4
If [any] of thine be driven out unto the outmost [parts] of heaven, from thence will the LORD thy God gather thee, and from thence will he fetch thee: -
2 Thessalonians 2:1
¶ Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and [by] our gathering together unto him, -
Revelation 7:1
¶ And after these things I saw four angels standing on the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, nor on the sea, nor on any tree. -
Revelation 7:3
Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads. -
Matthew 13:41
The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity;
Context
Mark 13, often referred to as the "Olivet Discourse," records Jesus' prophetic teaching on the Mount of Olives concerning the destruction of the Temple and the signs preceding His second coming and the end of the age. Verse 27 follows a vivid description of cosmic disturbances (sun darkened, moon not giving light, stars falling) and the appearance of the Son of Man in great power and glory (Mark 13:24-26). This specific verse details the immediate action Jesus will take upon His return: the gathering of His chosen people.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The term "elect" comes from the Greek word eklektos, which means "chosen" or "selected." In biblical context, it refers to those whom God has sovereignly chosen for salvation and a relationship with Himself. The phrase "four winds" is a common biblical idiom representing the four cardinal directions, signifying all parts of the world.
Related Scriptures
This verse has a direct parallel in Matthew's Gospel, where Jesus gives a very similar prophecy about the gathering of the elect (Matthew 24:31). The concept of believers being gathered to Christ at His return is also echoed by Paul, particularly in his description of the rapture and resurrection of the dead (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17). The imagery of gathering from all corners of the earth is also found in Old Testament prophecies concerning Israel's restoration, such as Isaiah 11:12.
Practical Application
Mark 13:27 offers profound comfort and future hope to believers. In a world often filled with uncertainty and tribulation, this verse reminds us that Jesus' return is certain, and His plans for His people are secure. It encourages perseverance in faith, knowing that ultimate deliverance and reunion with Christ and fellow believers are guaranteed. It reinforces the truth that God is faithful to His promises, and His chosen ones will ultimately be brought into His eternal presence, a powerful message for those facing persecution or hardship.