Matthew 24:31

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} he shall send {G649} his {G846} angels {G32} with {G3326} a great {G3173} sound {G5456} of a trumpet {G4536}, and {G2532} they shall gather together {G1996} his {G846} elect {G1588} from {G1537} the four {G5064} winds {G417}, from {G575} one end {G206} of heaven {G3772} to {G2193} the other {G206}{G846}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He will send out his angels with a great shofar and they will gather together his chosen people from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.

Berean Standard Bible

And He will send out His angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather His elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other.

American Standard Version

And he shall send forth 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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 24:31 stands as a profound declaration within Jesus' Olivet Discourse, painting a vivid picture of the climactic event following His glorious return: the comprehensive gathering of His elect. This verse describes the Son of Man dispatching His angels with a resounding trumpet call to assemble His chosen people from every corner of the earth, signifying the ultimate triumph of God's sovereign plan and the secure destiny of His faithful followers.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Matthew 24:31 concludes Jesus' detailed prophetic discourse on the Mount of Olives, often called the [Olivet Discourse](/matthew/24 "Matthew 24 - The Olivet Discourse"). It immediately follows descriptions of intense tribulation, cosmic disturbances, and the unmistakable, visible appearance of the Son of Man in power and great glory ([Matthew 24:29-30](/matthew/24-29-30 "Matthew 24:29-30 - Signs of the Son of Man's Coming")). This verse, therefore, depicts the *immediate* consequence and triumphant action of Christ's return: the gathering of His chosen people. It serves as the positive culmination of the preceding warnings and descriptions of judgment, transitioning into parables that emphasize readiness and vigilance in [Matthew 25](/matthew/25 "Matthew 25 - Parables of Readiness").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The imagery in Matthew 24:31 resonates deeply with Old Testament prophetic traditions and Jewish expectations. The "four winds" (cf. [Jeremiah 49:36](/jeremiah/49-36 "Jeremiah 49:36 - Dispersion to the Four Winds")) and "ends of heaven" are common biblical idioms signifying the uttermost parts of the earth, emphasizing a universal scope. The trumpet call (Hebrew: *shofar*) was a significant instrument in ancient Israel, used to announce new moons, call assemblies, signal war, and proclaim divine intervention, such as at Mount Sinai ([Exodus 19:16](/exodus/19-16 "Exodus 19:16 - The Trumpet at Sinai")) or the Year of Jubilee ([Leviticus 25:9-10](/leviticus/25-9-10 "Leviticus 25:9-10 - The Trumpet of Jubilee")). The concept of "the elect" (Greek: *eklektos*) also has roots in the Old Testament, referring to Israel as God's chosen people ([Isaiah 43:20](/isaiah/43-20 "Isaiah 43:20 - Israel as God's Elect")), now expanded in the New Testament to encompass all true believers in Christ.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several major theological themes within Matthew and the broader biblical narrative. It underscores the **sovereignty and authority of Jesus Christ** as the one who "shall send his angels," demonstrating His divine power to orchestrate end-time events. The central action highlights the **divine gathering of the elect**, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His chosen people and their secure destiny amidst global upheaval. Furthermore, the explicit mention of **angelic ministry** showcases their crucial role as agents of God's will in executing His redemptive and judgmental purposes, a theme prevalent throughout the Bible (e.g., [Hebrews 1:14](/hebrews/1-14 "Hebrews 1:14 - Angels as Ministering Spirits")). Finally, the **trumpet call** serves as a potent symbol of a definitive, universally recognized divine announcement, signaling the culmination of history and the commencement of a new, eternal order for God's people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **episynágō (Greek, _episynágō'_):** This verb, meaning "to collect upon the same place" or "gather together," emphasizes a deliberate and comprehensive assembly. It implies a drawing together from dispersion, signifying a complete and unified collection of individuals who were previously scattered. In this context, it highlights the effectiveness and totality of the angelic mission.
* **eklektós (Greek, _eklektós'_):** Derived from a verb meaning "to select" or "to choose out," *eklektos* means "select" or "chosen," and by implication, "favorite." This term underscores God's sovereign initiative and purpose in salvation. The "elect" are those whom God has chosen for Himself, setting them apart for a special relationship and destiny. Their gathering is not accidental but the fulfillment of divine election.
* **sálpinx (Greek, _sálpinx'_):** This noun refers to a "trumpet," specifically a war-trumpet or one used for summoning or announcing. Coupled with "great sound" (*megas phōnē*), it denotes a powerful, unmistakable, and universally heard signal. It is a sound of divine authority, signaling a momentous, decisive event—in this case, the final assembly of God's people.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet":** This clause establishes the agent and the means of the gathering. "He" refers to the Son of Man, Jesus Christ, asserting His supreme authority. He dispatches "his angels," powerful celestial beings who serve as His emissaries. The accompanying "great sound of a trumpet" signifies a dramatic, public, and universally audible announcement, signaling the commencement of this pivotal event. It evokes divine power and the solemnity of the occasion.
* **"and they shall gather together his elect":** This is the core action of the verse. The angels, acting on Christ's command, will perform the task of "gathering together" those whom God has "chosen" or "selected." This gathering is not a human effort but a divinely orchestrated, supernatural event, ensuring that every one of God's elect is brought into His presence.
* **"from the four winds":** This phrase is a common biblical idiom denoting the four cardinal directions (north, south, east, west). It emphasizes the global scope of the gathering, indicating that the elect will be assembled from every part of the earth, wherever they may be dispersed.
* **"from one end of heaven to the other.":** This concluding phrase further amplifies the universal and comprehensive nature of the gathering. "Heaven" here likely refers to the sky or the horizon, suggesting that the elect will be gathered from the farthest reaches of the visible world, leaving no one out. It underscores the totality and effectiveness of Christ's command and the angels' mission.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 24:31 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. **Imagery** is central, painting a vivid mental picture of powerful angels descending, a trumpet blasting with a "great sound," and a vast multitude being gathered from the far corners of the earth and sky. This creates a sense of awe, grandeur, and inevitability. **Symbolism** is also prominent; the "trumpet" is not merely an instrument but a symbol of divine announcement, a call to assembly, and often, resurrection or judgment in eschatological contexts. The "four winds" and "one end of heaven to the other" are examples of **Merism** and **Hyperbole**, using two contrasting or extreme parts to represent the whole, thereby emphasizing the absolute universality and completeness of the gathering. The dramatic presentation contributes to the apocalyptic tone of the discourse, underscoring the finality and divine nature of these events.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 24:31 is a cornerstone for understanding Christian eschatology, particularly concerning the blessed hope of the believer. It firmly establishes the personal, visible, and triumphant return of Jesus Christ as the catalyst for the ultimate redemption and glorification of His people. The gathering of the elect underscores God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises and His sovereign power to bring all His chosen ones safely into His eternal kingdom. This event is not merely a physical relocation but a spiritual consummation, signifying the full realization of salvation and the unity of the redeemed with their Lord. It provides immense comfort and assurance, reminding believers that despite tribulation and dispersion, they are eternally secure in God's plan.

* [Mark 13:27](/mark/13-27 "Mark 13:27 - Parallel Account of the Gathering of the Elect")
* [1 Corinthians 15:52](/1_corinthians/15-52 "1 Corinthians 15:52 - The Last Trumpet and Resurrection")
* [1 Thessalonians 4:16-17](/1_thessalonians/4-16-17 "1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 - The Lord's Descent and the Rapture")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 24:31 offers profound hope and a call to vigilant living for believers today. In a world often marked by uncertainty, division, and tribulation, this verse reminds us of the ultimate triumph of Christ and the secure, unified future awaiting His church. It assures us that no matter where we are, or what challenges we face, God's plan for His elect will be perfectly fulfilled. This divine gathering provides comfort, knowing that we are not forgotten but are part of a grand, eternal purpose. It encourages us to live with an eager anticipation of Christ's return, inspiring perseverance in faith, holiness in conduct, and diligence in sharing the Gospel, for the time of our ultimate gathering draws near.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the promise of Christ sending His angels to gather the elect bring you comfort and hope in times of personal or global distress?**
* **What does the universal scope of the gathering ("from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other") teach us about God's comprehensive plan for His people?**
* **In what ways should the expectation of Christ's imminent return and the gathering of His elect influence our daily lives, priorities, and mission?**

### FAQ

**Who are "his elect" mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: "His elect" refers to those whom God has sovereignly chosen for salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. While the term "elect" has roots in God's choice of Israel in the Old Testament, in the New Testament context, especially in passages like [Matthew 24](/matthew/24 "Matthew 24 - The Olivet Discourse") and [Romans 8:33](/romans/8-33 "Romans 8:33 - God's Elect"), it encompasses all true believers—both Jewish and Gentile—who have been chosen by God before the foundation of the world ([Ephesians 1:4](/ephesians/1-4 "Ephesians 1:4 - Chosen in Christ")). They are God's chosen people, set apart for a special relationship with Him and destined for eternal glory.

**What is the significance of the "great sound of a trumpet"?**

Answer: The "great sound of a trumpet" is highly significant, drawing on rich Old Testament imagery. In ancient Israel, trumpets (shofars) were used for various purposes: to call assemblies, signal war, announce important events, and mark divine intervention. In prophetic contexts, it often symbolizes a powerful, unmistakable divine announcement or a call to assembly, particularly associated with the Day of the Lord. In the New Testament, it is explicitly linked to the resurrection of the dead and the gathering of believers at Christ's return ([1 Corinthians 15:52](/1_corinthians/15-52 "1 Corinthians 15:52 - The Last Trumpet") and [1 Thessalonians 4:16](/1_thessalonians/4-16 "1 Thessalonians 4:16 - The Trumpet of God")). It signifies a public, audible, and universally recognized signal of Christ's glorious advent and the commencement of the final stage of salvation history.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 24:31 finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who is not merely the subject of prophecy but its very orchestrator and ultimate goal. It is *He* who "shall send his angels," demonstrating His supreme authority as the resurrected and ascended Lord, to whom all authority in heaven and on earth has been given ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus")). The gathering of "his elect" is a testament to His redemptive work, for it is through His atoning sacrifice that these chosen ones are made righteous and brought into God's family ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Made Sin for Us")). This ultimate assembly fulfills Christ's own promise to gather His sheep into one flock ([John 10:16](/john/10-16 "John 10:16 - Jesus Gathers His Sheep")) and to prepare a place for them, so that where He is, there they may be also ([John 14:3](/john/14-3 "John 14:3 - Jesus Prepares a Place")). The trumpet call, signaling this grand assembly, is ultimately the voice of Christ, summoning His redeemed to their eternal home, culminating in the glorious union of the Bride with the Lamb ([Revelation 19:7](/revelation/19-7 "Revelation 19:7 - The Marriage of the Lamb")). Thus, Matthew 24:31 is a powerful declaration of Christ's sovereign power to complete the salvation He initiated, ensuring that not one of His own will be lost, but all will be brought into His glorious presence.

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

1 Thessalonians 4:16

For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:

Mark 13:27

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.

Isaiah 27:13

And it shall come to pass in that day, [that] the great trumpet shall be blown, and they shall come which were ready to perish in the land of Assyria, and the outcasts in the land of Egypt, and shall worship the LORD in the holy mount at Jerusalem.

1 Corinthians 15:52

In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.

Isaiah 11:12

And he shall set up an ensign for the nations, and shall assemble the outcasts of Israel, and gather together the dispersed of Judah from the four corners of the earth.

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;

2 Thessalonians 2:1

¶ Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and [by] our gathering together unto him,