What did the Great Teacher Jesus mean?
At (Matthew 24:28) and (Luke 17:37), did Jesus say eagle or vulture?
Some say that Jesus was referring to “vultures”, because in
(Mt 24:28), Matthew uses a word for “the body” that translates as “carcass”. Since a carcass usually means a "dead body" many people automatically associate vultures with it.'
Compare the parallel account at (Luke 17:37) where Luke uses the Greek word for body, and not carcass.
Many translations simply say body.
*see footnote at end of this article.
Matthew wrote his gospel originally in Hebrew. Luke wrote in Greek using the Greek word for eagle.
In Luke 17:37 the NIV bible says "vultures" where the Greek word Aetoi for "eagles" is. But the NIV fails to do this in the book of Revelation where the same Greek word Aeto's (eagle) is used. Instead the NIV says "eagle". (Rev 4:7) (Rev 8:13) (Rev 12:14)
Why were they inconsistent? Either it should be one bird or the other.
Sometimes translators take liberties when they choose a word. But should they do this?
We should compare different translations, like the Darby, and Young's literal translations. Also the American King James or the American Standard bible. We should also avail ourselves to the original language used if we can.
In Luke 17:37 the NIV bible says "vultures" where the Greek word Aetoi for "eagles" is. But the NIV fails to do this in the book of Revelation where the same Greek word Aeto's (eagle) is used. Instead the NIV says "eagle". (Rev 4:7) (Rev 8:13) (Rev 12:14)
Why were they inconsistent? Either it should be one bird or the other.
Sometimes translators take liberties when they choose a word. But should they do this?
We should compare different translations, like the Darby, and Young's literal translations. Also the American King James or the American Standard bible. We should also avail ourselves to the original language used if we can.
Research helps us to "get the sense" of these scriptures, but Holy Spirit is really what is needed. Certainly we would want to have an accurate understanding of what Jesus meant.
The "Body" in Luke is clearly the "carcass" in Matthew.
Some translators use the expression "slain ones" (plural). (see also Job 39:30...the footnote in the reference bible says it means…"Ones wounded"…or "Where the slain are"… at Scripture4all).
So this indicates more than one individual.
In ( Revelation 11:7, 8, 9, 10 ) the two witnesses are slain, and the Greek word for their "bodies" ("corpses" in the New World translation) is the exact same Greek word as "carcass" from (Matthew 24:28).
The scripture in Revelation says that those looking at them rejoice over this "killing". Does the scripture say that they feed on them?
In ( Revelation 11:7, 8, 9, 10 ) the two witnesses are slain, and the Greek word for their "bodies" ("corpses" in the New World translation) is the exact same Greek word as "carcass" from (Matthew 24:28).
The scripture in Revelation says that those looking at them rejoice over this "killing". Does the scripture say that they feed on them?
These two faithful witnesses are killed (either literally or figuratively) by the wild beast that ascends out of the Abyss, after they have finished their witnessing. These two (whether literally two or only symbolic) are part of the body of Christ. They are also slain ones.
Ones "wounded" could be likened to being "bruised in the heel"(Genesis 3:15), however even if they are literally killed, they will be resurrected as was Jesus.
See (Revelation 11:11)
(Christ’s true brothers collectively make up the body of Christ).
Ones "wounded" could be likened to being "bruised in the heel"(Genesis 3:15), however even if they are literally killed, they will be resurrected as was Jesus.
See (Revelation 11:11)
(Christ’s true brothers collectively make up the body of Christ).
(1 Corinthians 12:12, 13, 14, 20, 25, 26, 27)
(1Cor 6:15, 17, 19, 20)
It really is important to know what Jesus meant… so that we can better understand what this signifies.
Whether you prefer vulture or eagle, the important thing to discern is who are the ones being gathered to the body, and when this takes place.
I prefer to use eagle.
Whether you prefer vulture or eagle, the important thing to discern is who are the ones being gathered to the body, and when this takes place.
I prefer to use eagle.
If you think it was a vulture, then you might conclude that it represents those persecuting Christ brothers, who gather where the “body” is…
like a bunch of “vultures”. (Revelation 11:9, 10)
If it was an eagle, then you might conclude that it is something other than those persecuting Jesus brothers...
… if you choose "eagle", you may conclude that it is those with insight seeking spiritual food.
These individual eagles go to where “the body” of Christ is, gathering to feed themselves and each other. Since these two witnesses prophesy prior to being killed, they have provided a record of spiritual food. Food that they and others can partake of. (1 Cor 10:17)
These individual eagles go to where “the body” of Christ is, gathering to feed themselves and each other. Since these two witnesses prophesy prior to being killed, they have provided a record of spiritual food. Food that they and others can partake of. (1 Cor 10:17)
(All of them collectively make up the body of Christ).
Consider this... Jesus said to get out.… Let those disciples of his in Jerusalem flee to the hills of Judea. (Luke 21:21)
Also consider this, at (Luke 17:31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 37)
Why would Jesus warn about going back into your house to get your things to... the ones that were being abandoned ?
That’s why the disciples asked him …”Where… Lord?” (Luke 17:37) Where are they being taken or drawn to?
This is when he replies, that they are being taken to where the Body is. They gather there.
Jesus said if we keep on seeking we will find. (Mt 7:7, 8)
Like eagles or vultures that keep making a diligent search for "food" they will find it (Job 39:27, 28, 29, 30). We should never give up searching for the truth... We should be like the needy widow in (Luke 18:1).
Let's consider some traits of Eagles and Vultures:
We know that vultures eat dead bodies, but what about eagles?
Some commentators brought out the fact that eagles do eat dead bodies.
Eagles are also "sippers of blood" .
This goes along with (Job 39:30).
Why would Jesus warn about going back into your house to get your things to... the ones that were being abandoned ?
He said that “one will be taken along, but the other will be abandoned”.
So then, it is the ones being taken along (or going out) that are being saved.... the ones being abandoned are being left behind.
The ones being taken are being taken somewhere!
The ones being taken are being taken somewhere!
That’s why the disciples asked him …”Where… Lord?” (Luke 17:37) Where are they being taken or drawn to?
This is when he replies, that they are being taken to where the Body is. They gather there.
Like eagles or vultures that keep making a diligent search for "food" they will find it (Job 39:27, 28, 29, 30). We should never give up searching for the truth... We should be like the needy widow in (Luke 18:1).
Let's consider some traits of Eagles and Vultures:
We know that vultures eat dead bodies, but what about eagles?
Some commentators brought out the fact that eagles do eat dead bodies.
Eagles are also "sippers of blood" .
This goes along with (Job 39:30).
Eagles and vultures are both considered unclean to the Hebrews and both have keen eyesight, however vultures mostly use their keen sense of "smell" to locate their food source.
Vultures are generally scavengers.
Vultures are cowardly opportunistic feeders.
Eagles are very brave compared to vultures.
Eagles have been filmed taking food right out of the clutches of other predators, even those larger than they are.
Cowardly Vultures are no match for the battle with the fierce and savage.(2 Timothy 3:3,5)
"Vultures" prey on those who are already "slain" by the "sword", and are either spiritually dead or dying.
(Rev 19:17, 18)
Those who feast on well-known prominent ones... after... their sinful flesh has been exposed,(Rev 19:18) (Rev 17:1, 2, 16)(Gal 5:19)... are numerous, and some of these "Vultures" are easily observed feasting, during any visit to the various forums on line.
The kings who committed fornication with the harlot will turn on her, but they will also be exposed for their sins, and have their "flesh" eaten later. (2Thess 2:3,6,8) (Rev 17:12,13,11) (Rev 19:18)
Those who are faithful will walk by spirit and will remained covered with a garment of righteousness. (Galatians 5:16, 24, 25,17) (Rev 19:8) (Rev 16:15) (Rev 3:5)
Eagles are used in Europe to help hunt and kill wolves.
I find this interesting. Since eagles are used to help hunt and kill wolves…how could we look at this from a scriptural view?
Cowardly Vultures are no match for the battle with the fierce and savage.(2 Timothy 3:3,5)
"Vultures" prey on those who are already "slain" by the "sword", and are either spiritually dead or dying.
(Rev 19:17, 18)
Those who feast on well-known prominent ones... after... their sinful flesh has been exposed,(Rev 19:18) (Rev 17:1, 2, 16)(Gal 5:19)... are numerous, and some of these "Vultures" are easily observed feasting, during any visit to the various forums on line.
The kings who committed fornication with the harlot will turn on her, but they will also be exposed for their sins, and have their "flesh" eaten later. (2Thess 2:3,6,8) (Rev 17:12,13,11) (Rev 19:18)
Those who are faithful will walk by spirit and will remained covered with a garment of righteousness. (Galatians 5:16, 24, 25,17) (Rev 19:8) (Rev 16:15) (Rev 3:5)
Eagles are used in Europe to help hunt and kill wolves.
I find this interesting. Since eagles are used to help hunt and kill wolves…how could we look at this from a scriptural view?
Well, in (Ezekiel 22:27) Speaking of unfaithful Israel, God says “her princes are like wolves” … in (Matthew 7:15), and (Mt 10:16), and (Luke 10:3), he talks about “ravenous wolves”…sheep among wolves. And in (Acts 20:29) the Apostle Paul says... "oppressive wolves will enter in among you and will not treat the flock with tenderness".
So if Jesus brothers are “eagles” and are sons of truth and light as he was, then they can help to hunt and kill wolves, (figuratively), exposing all the lies that these wolves are harming the sheep with.
My first stop on this research highway was the simple dictionary for English to Hebrew / Greek words.
Written as… נשר…this is the basic Hebrew word for {eagle}. My first stop on this research highway was the simple dictionary for English to Hebrew / Greek words.
Hebrew / Aramaic as (Nesher, Nahr, Neshar) …found in the book of (Job 39:27).
It is invariably translated as eagle by most translators, although sometimes certain translators prefer to say it might mean the well known (Neophron Percnopterus - The Egyptian eagle / vulture), or possibly the (Gyps himalayensis - Griffon vulture).
There is a distinct Hebrew word for vulture, which is written as something like this... עיט (Oz niyah) (racham, racha'mah)… definitely quite different from… נשר…(Nahr, Nesher, Neshar), translated most often as eagle.
Why didn't the Hebrew writer use this Hebrew word עיט for vulture, which was available.
Instead he used the Hebrew word נשר that most translators translate as eagle.
At Scripture4all:
Why didn't the Hebrew writer use this Hebrew word עיט for vulture, which was available.
Instead he used the Hebrew word נשר that most translators translate as eagle.
At Scripture4all:
In the Hebrew Interlinear translation they type "vulture" underneath the Hebrew word for "eagle".
However, if you glance over to the right hand column, the English reading at Job 39:27 reads this way:
"Doth the "eagle" mount up at thy command and make her nest on high?"
So at Scripture4all even though they put vulture in the Hebrew interlinear translation we see that those translators in the end translated the Hebrew word as "eagle".
Here also at Scripture4All, they use eagle in the English reading, but they type vulture under the Hebrew word for eagle.
Exodus 19:4 Ye have seen what I did
unto the Egyptians, and
[how] I bare you on
Eagles’ wings, and brought
You unto myself.
א. וָאֶ ָ
u·asha and·I-am-carrying _ אֶתְכֶ ath·km »·you(p) עַל ol on ־ - נְפֵי +ַ knphi wings-of _ רִי _ נְ ָ nshrim vultures וָאָבִא u·aba and·I-am-cbringing _ אֶתְכֶ ath·km »·you(p) אֵלָי al·I to·me:
They also do this at Isaiah 40:31. In the English reading they put eagle, but in the interlinear reading they put vulture.
Isaiah 40:31 But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew
[their] strength; they shall
mount up with wings as
eagles; they shall run, and
not be weary; [and] they
shall walk, and not faint.
Try this yourself:
Try replacing eagle with vulture in the following scriptures and see how it sounds.
These three scriptures are talking about the Heavenly Father’s care for his people.
(Deuteronomy 32:11) (Ex 19:4) (Isa 40:31)
In all of these scriptures, it talks about the swiftness of eagles. (La 4:19) (Jer 4:13) (2 Samuel 1:23)
In the book of Revelation, John chose to write the Greek word "Aeto's" - eagle.
The Greek word for vulture is "O'pvio" (vulture).
John chose "eagle" instead. Because eagle was the word that was given to him.
Ultimately however, it is more important to know the interpretation of the situation that Jesus was describing.
However the truth is this:
The Greek word for eagle is {Aeto's} and plural for eagles is {Aetoi}.
At (Luke 17:37) The New World Translation as well as many others translate the Greek word Aetoi as eagles.
*See footnote at the end of this article.
Some translators put vultures in their reading, while others translate the Greek word (Aetoi) correctly as eagles.
At (Luke 17:37) The New World Translation as well as many others translate the Greek word Aetoi as eagles.
*See footnote at the end of this article.
Some translators put vultures in their reading, while others translate the Greek word (Aetoi) correctly as eagles.
The distinct Greek word for vulture is … {O'pvio}… This Greek word for Vulture was used by John in (Rev 18:2) - every hated Bird. However, in this account. (Luke 17:37) Luke chose eagles (Aetoi) Why?
Because that was the word Jesus, the great teacher, used.
Luke made a diligent search for truth, and accuracy. (Luke 1:1, 2, 3, 4)
Luke made a diligent search for truth, and accuracy. (Luke 1:1, 2, 3, 4)
Interestingly there were four distinct types of eagles in the area.
The Golden eagle, the Imperial eagle, the Spotted eagle and the common eagle, scientifically called the… Cir-aetus gallicus...
At Scripture4all in the Greek Interlinear translation they do the same thing here as before.
In Luke 17:37, and also at Rev 4:7 (speaking of the fourth living creature) they type "vulture" under the Greek word for eagles and eagle Aetoi - Aeto's .
However once again on the right side column in the English reading they translate the word as eagles or eagle.
Luke and John (Revelation) both use the Greek word Aeto's and Aetoi for eagles when it was the word that they were given.
In Luke 17:37, and also at Rev 4:7 (speaking of the fourth living creature) they type "vulture" under the Greek word for eagles and eagle Aetoi - Aeto's .
However once again on the right side column in the English reading they translate the word as eagles or eagle.
Luke and John (Revelation) both use the Greek word Aeto's and Aetoi for eagles when it was the word that they were given.
Consider the differences in Matthew's account and Luke's account for the uses of body verses the carcass. When Jesus gave this saying, he was speaking of something more than a physical situation.
The writers sometimes give different views on the same subject which helps to identify something more clearly.
If one writer says the person you are looking for has brown hair, and another writer says the person you are looking for has blue eyes,...does this change the fact that the person still has brown hair? ...No...It just adds more details to help you understand the subject better.
The Body in Luke is clearly the carcass in Matthew. (Whether "ones wounded", or "the slain ones")
If one writer says the person you are looking for has brown hair, and another writer says the person you are looking for has blue eyes,...does this change the fact that the person still has brown hair? ...No...It just adds more details to help you understand the subject better.
The Body in Luke is clearly the carcass in Matthew. (Whether "ones wounded", or "the slain ones")
The body of Christ is Jesus' brothers...
So these brothers represent the body of Christ (Matt.25:40; 1Cor.12:12).
So these brothers represent the body of Christ (Matt.25:40; 1Cor.12:12).
The body (carcass) is also alive. Read (Rom 8:9-14) (Rom 12:1)
The eagle is perfect because it is brave. It has keen eyesight (spiritual insight) when seeking for food.
It eats flesh and drinks blood.
How appropriate for this application.
All of Jesus brothers partake of his flesh and blood.
Jesus gives them talents, and courage to do what he asks them to do. They have a keen consciousness of their spiritual need. They keep on seeking and searching for the truth.
Jesus gives them talents, and courage to do what he asks them to do. They have a keen consciousness of their spiritual need. They keep on seeking and searching for the truth.
They have spiritual insight or perception to see. They will be "taken" to gather where the body is to feed themselves and each other on whatever spiritual provisions Jesus has given them.
Jesus said to "feed my sheep"; this includes each other and his other sheep that put faith in him. All those with spiritual insight who are conscious of their spiritual need, will seek out this body to feed upon as well.
Yes.....Jesus knew what he meant.
The Eagle was the perfect choice.
Agape Obadiah
* Some Translations with body, and eagle (Greek - Aetoi)
American King James Version: And they answered and said to him, Where, Lord? And he said to them, Wherever the body is, thither will the eagles be gathered together.
King James Bible (Cambridge Ed): 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.
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.
Aramaic Bible in Plain English: And they answered and they were saying to him, “To where, Our Lord?” He said to them, “Wherever the bodies are, there the eagles shall be gathered.”
Bible in basic English: And they, answering him, said, Where, Lord? And he said to them, Where the body is, there will the eagles come together.
Douay-Rheims: Who said to them: Wheresoever the body shall be, thither will the eagles also be gathered together.
Darby Bible Translation: And answering they say to him, Where, Lord? And he said to them, Where the body is, there the eagles will be gathered together.
English Revised 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.
Webster’s Bible Translation: And they answered and said to him, Where Lord? And he said to them, Wherever the body is, thither will the eagles be collected.
Young’s Literal Translation: And they answering say to him, 'Where, sir?' and he said to them, 'Where the body is, there will the eagles be gathered together.'
