Mark 13:27

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 13:27, a pivotal verse within Jesus' Olivet Discourse, prophesies the glorious culmination of the age when the Son of Man, after cosmic disturbances, will dispatch His angels to meticulously gather His chosen people from every conceivable corner of the universe, spanning from the furthest reaches of the earth to the very boundaries of heaven. This declaration assures believers of their ultimate security and the comprehensive nature of God's redemptive plan, executed by Christ's sovereign power at His triumphant return.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Mark 13, often termed the "Olivet Discourse," records Jesus' extensive eschatological teaching delivered to His disciples on the Mount of Olives. The chapter begins with Jesus' prophecy concerning the destruction of the Jerusalem Temple, prompting the disciples to ask about the timing of these events and the signs of His coming and the end of the age ([Mark 13:1-4](/mark/13-1-4 "Mark 13:1-4 - Jesus Predicts the Temple's Destruction")). Jesus then describes a period of tribulation, false prophets, and cosmic disturbances ([Mark 13:5-23](/mark/13-5-23 "Mark 13:5-23 - Signs of the End")). Immediately preceding verse 27, Jesus vividly portrays the dramatic cosmic signs that will accompany His return—the darkening of the sun and moon, and the falling of stars—followed by the majestic appearance of the Son of Man "coming in clouds with great power and glory" ([Mark 13:24-26](/mark/13-24-26 "Mark 13:24-26 - Cosmic Signs and the Coming of the Son of Man")). Verse 27 then details the immediate, sovereign action of the Son of Man upon His arrival: the gathering of His elect, emphasizing the purpose and scope of His glorious advent.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jesus' discourse was delivered to Jewish disciples within a first-century Palestinian context, deeply steeped in Old Testament prophetic tradition. The imagery of cosmic signs and the Son of Man's coming would have resonated with prophecies like Daniel 7, where the "Son of Man" receives an everlasting kingdom ([Daniel 7:13-14](/daniel/7-13-14 "Daniel 7:13-14 - The Son of Man Comes")). The concept of a divine gathering of God's people from dispersion was a well-established theme in Jewish eschatology, often associated with the restoration of Israel (e.g., [Isaiah 11:11-12](/isaiah/11-11-12 "Isaiah 11:11-12 - The Root of Jesse and the Gathering of Israel")). The "four winds" was a common idiom representing the four cardinal directions, signifying a global reach, a concept familiar from both Hebrew and Greek literature. The disciples would have understood these prophecies in light of God's covenant faithfulness and His ultimate triumph over all opposition.
* **Key Themes:** Mark 13:27 contributes significantly to several key themes within the broader Olivet Discourse and the Gospel of Mark. Foremost is the **Sovereignty and Authority of Christ**, as Jesus Himself declares He will "send his angels" and "gather together his elect," demonstrating His divine prerogative and power over the end-time events. This underscores His identity as the Son of God, not merely a prophet. Another crucial theme is the **Certainty of God's Promises and the Hope of the Elect**. Despite the preceding descriptions of tribulation and cosmic upheaval, this verse offers profound assurance that God's chosen people will not be lost but will be securely gathered. It highlights the **Universal Scope of God's Redemption**, as the gathering extends "from the four winds, from the uttermost part of the earth to the uttermost part of heaven," indicating that believers from all nations and all times will be included. Finally, the **Active Role of Angels** in executing God's divine plan is emphasized, portraying them as instruments in the final, glorious assembly of the redeemed.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **episynágō (Greek, _episynágō'_):** This verb means "to collect upon the same place" or "to gather together." It implies a purposeful and comprehensive assembly. In this context, it emphasizes the active and deliberate nature of Christ's act of bringing His chosen people together, rather than a passive or accidental collection. It speaks to the unity and destination of the gathered elect.
* **eklektós (Greek, _eklektós'_):** Derived from a verb meaning "to choose out," this adjective signifies "select" or "chosen." In biblical theology, "the elect" refers to those whom God has sovereignly chosen for salvation and a relationship with Himself. This term highlights God's initiative and grace in salvation, indicating that the gathering is not random but specifically concerns those who are His by divine selection.
* **ouranós (Greek, _ouranós'_):** This word refers to "the sky" or "heaven," often understood as the abode of God. In this verse, "to the uttermost part of heaven" signifies the full extent of the universe, encompassing not only those on earth but also perhaps the resurrected saints or those who have already passed into the spiritual realm. It emphasizes the boundless scope of the gathering, leaving no one out from the divine assembly.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And then shall he send his angels,"**: This clause immediately follows the description of the Son of Man's glorious appearance. The temporal adverb "then" (G5119, _tóte_) signifies a direct consequence of His arrival. The active verb "send" (G649, _apostéllō_) highlights Christ's sovereign authority. He is not merely appearing, but actively commissioning His heavenly messengers, "angels" (G32, _ángelos_), to execute His divine will. This sets the stage for a deliberate and powerful action.
* **"and shall gather together his elect"**: This is the core action of the verse. The conjunction "and" links this action directly to the sending of angels, indicating their purpose. "Gather together" (G1996, _episynágō_) implies a comprehensive and purposeful collection. The object of this gathering is "his elect" (G1588, _eklektós_), emphasizing that this assembly is specifically for those whom Christ has chosen and who belong to Him. This is a moment of divine ingathering for God's chosen people.
* **"from the four winds,"**: This phrase, a common biblical idiom, signifies a global and universal scope. The "four winds" (G5064, _téssares_ G417, _ánemos_) represent the four cardinal directions (north, south, east, west). This means the elect will be gathered from every part of the earth, irrespective of their geographical location or national origin, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of the gathering.
* **"from the uttermost part of the earth"**: This further reinforces the vastness of the gathering's scope. "Uttermost part" (G206, _ákron_) means the extremity or furthest point. "Earth" (G1093, _gē_) refers to the physical world. This clause indicates that the gathering will commence from the most distant and remote corners of the terrestrial globe, ensuring no one is overlooked.
* **"to the uttermost part of heaven."**: This concluding phrase expands the scope beyond the terrestrial. "Heaven" (G3772, _ouranós_) can refer to the sky or the spiritual abode. This expression, when paired with "uttermost part of the earth," creates a merism (a figure of speech in which a whole is expressed by two contrasting parts), signifying the entirety of creation. It implies that the gathering will encompass not only the living elect on earth but also those who have died and are with the Lord, or perhaps even a cosmic dimension to this final assembly, leaving no part of the universe untouched by Christ's sovereign act.

#### Literary Devices
Mark 13:27 employs several powerful **Literary Devices** to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Hyperbole**, which is used to emphasize the vast and comprehensive nature of the gathering. Phrases like "from the four winds" and "from the uttermost part of the earth to the uttermost part of heaven" are not meant to be taken literally as physical boundaries but rather to convey an immeasurable, all-encompassing scope. This hyperbole creates vivid **Imagery**, painting a picture of a global, even cosmic, assembly where no one is left behind. The use of "four winds" is also an example of **Merism**, where two contrasting parts (earth and heaven) represent a complete whole, underscoring the universal reach of Christ's power. Furthermore, the verse uses **Symbolism**, with "angels" representing divine agents executing God's will, and the "elect" symbolizing God's chosen people, underscoring the spiritual reality of their identity and destiny. The entire verse functions as a powerful **Prophecy**, a direct declaration from Jesus about future events, designed to instill both awe and assurance in His disciples.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 13:27 stands as a cornerstone of Christian eschatology, affirming the absolute certainty of Christ's return and the secure destiny of His people. Theologically, it underscores the sovereign power of the Son of Man, who not only appears in glory but actively orchestrates the final assembly of His elect. This gathering is a testament to God's faithfulness to His covenant promises, ensuring that His chosen ones, redeemed by grace, will ultimately be united with Him in His eternal kingdom. It speaks to the ultimate triumph of God's redemptive plan over all tribulation and chaos, offering profound hope and assurance to believers across all generations.

* [Matthew 24:31](/matthew/24-31 "Matthew 24:31 - The Gathering of the Elect")
* [1 Thessalonians 4:16-17](/1_thessalonians/4-16-17 "1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 - The Lord's Coming and the Resurrection")
* [Deuteronomy 30:4](/deuteronomy/30-4 "Deuteronomy 30:4 - Gathering from the Farthest Parts of Heaven")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Mark 13:27 offers profound comfort and a steadfast anchor of hope for believers navigating a world often characterized by uncertainty, tribulation, and despair. In an age where global crises and anxieties abound, this verse serves as a powerful reminder that the ultimate outcome is not in human hands, but firmly within the sovereign control of Christ. It encourages steadfast perseverance in faith, knowing that regardless of present hardships or the apparent triumph of evil, Jesus' return is a guaranteed reality, and His plans for His people are unshakeable. This truth should ignite a deep sense of security and purpose, knowing that our ultimate destiny is a glorious reunion with Christ and fellow believers, gathered from every corner of existence. It calls us to live with an eternal perspective, prioritizing faithfulness and obedience, and to share this unshakable hope with a world desperately searching for meaning and security.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the certainty of Christ's return and the gathering of His elect impact your daily living and priorities?**
* **In what ways does the universal scope of this gathering ("from the four winds, from the uttermost part of the earth to the uttermost part of heaven") deepen your understanding of God's inclusive love and redemptive plan?**
* **How can the hope offered in Mark 13:27 empower you to persevere through present difficulties or spiritual challenges?**

### FAQ
**Who are "his elect" mentioned in Mark 13:27?**

Answer: "His elect" refers to God's chosen people, those whom He has sovereignly selected for salvation and a relationship with Himself through faith in Jesus Christ. This term emphasizes God's initiative in salvation and includes all true believers, both living and resurrected, from every nation and generation. It is not an exclusive group based on human merit, but one chosen by divine grace. The concept of God's elect is deeply rooted in both the Old Testament, where Israel was chosen by God, and the New Testament, where it extends to all who believe in Christ, forming the Church, the new Israel of God ([Galatians 6:16](/galatians/6-16 "Galatians 6:16 - The Israel of God")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 13:27 finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. As the "Son of Man" (a title Jesus frequently used for Himself, linking to [Daniel 7:13-14](/daniel/7-13-14 "Daniel 7:13-14 - The Son of Man's Dominion")), Jesus is the one with the divine authority to send His angels and gather His elect. This act is not merely a logistical operation but the climactic realization of His redemptive mission. His first coming was as the suffering servant, laying down His life as the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), to make possible the very existence of the "elect" through His atoning sacrifice. His second coming, described here, is as the triumphant King and Judge, bringing to completion the salvation He inaugurated. The gathering of the elect signifies the full harvest of those redeemed by His blood, uniting them irrevocably with Himself. This final assembly, encompassing believers from "the uttermost part of the earth to the uttermost part of heaven," demonstrates the cosmic scope of Christ's victory over sin and death, fulfilling His promise to build His church against which the gates of hell will not prevail ([Matthew 16:18](/matthew/16-18 "Matthew 16:18 - Peter's Confession and the Church")). It is the ultimate manifestation of His power to call His own to Himself, ensuring that none whom the Father has given Him will be lost ([John 6:39](/john/6-39 "John 6:39 - Jesus Will Lose None")).

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

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;