Luke 17:37 Meaning and Explanation
“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.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Asked "Where, Lord?", Jesus answers with a proverb: wherever the body is, there the eagles will gather.
What Does Luke 17:37 Mean?
The disciples want geography; Jesus answers with a proverb from the open country. The word for "eagles" served also for vultures, and everyone had seen the sight: circling birds, visible for miles, marking a spot beyond all doubt.
The answer turns the question back on the askers: you will not need to ask where. When the day comes it will announce itself, as unmistakable as carrion birds against the sky, and judgment will find its object as surely as the birds find theirs. Speculation about locations misses the point. The chapter leaves one question standing — not where, but ready: a heart forgiven and forgiving, grateful at His feet, holding all things loosely, facing forward.
Luke 17:37 in the Original Language
aetos (ἀετός), 'eagle' -- used of both the eagle and the carrion vulture.
Frequently Asked Questions About Luke 17:37
What does Luke 17:37 mean?
Asked "Where, Lord?", Jesus answers with a proverb: wherever the body is, there the eagles will gather.