King James Version

What Does Mark 13:27 Mean?

Mark 13:27 in the King James Version says “And then shall he send his angels, and shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from the uttermost part of t...” — study this verse from Mark chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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.”

Mark 13:27 · KJV

Context

25

And the stars of heaven shall fall, and the powers that are in heaven shall be shaken.

26

And then shall they see the Son of man coming in the clouds with great power and glory.

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.

28

Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When her branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is near:

29

So ye in like manner, when ye shall see these things come to pass, know that it is nigh, even at the doors.

Read Mark 13 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Then shall he send his angels, and shall gather together his elect from the four winds—The Greek episynaxei tous eklektous autou (ἐπισυνάξει τοὺς ἐκλεκτοὺς αὐτοῦ, 'he will gather his elect') uses harvest imagery from Deuteronomy 30:4 and Zechariah 2:6. The angelous (ἀγγέλους, messengers/angels) could refer to heavenly beings or human messengers proclaiming the gospel (compare Matthew 24:31 with Romans 10:15).

From the uttermost part of the earth to the uttermost part of heaven employs merism—stating extremes to mean totality. God's elect are gathered from every corner of creation. The term eklektos (chosen/elect) emphasizes divine initiative in salvation, rooted in God's covenant faithfulness. This ingathering reverses the Babel dispersion (Genesis 11) and fulfills Isaiah's vision of exiles streaming back (Isaiah 11:11-12, 27:12-13). For Mark's audience facing persecution, this promised vindication and rescue.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The concept of 'gathering the elect' resonated with diaspora Jews longing for restoration. After AD 70, when temple worship ended and Jews scattered further, this promise took on new meaning for Jewish Christians. The early church saw the gospel mission (Acts 1:8, 'to the ends of the earth') as this prophesied gathering—not a political restoration to Palestine but incorporation into Messiah's worldwide kingdom.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does election ('the elect') emphasize God's gracious initiative rather than human achievement in salvation?
  2. What does the global scope of this gathering reveal about God's purposes transcending ethnic and geographic boundaries?
  3. In what ways is the church's evangelistic mission participating in this eschatological gathering Jesus describes?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 21 words
καὶ1 of 21

“And”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

τότε2 of 21

“then”

G5119

the when, i.e., at the time that (of the past or future, also in consecution)

ἀποστελεῖ3 of 21

“shall he send”

G649

set apart, i.e., (by implication) to send out (properly, on a mission) literally or figuratively

τοὺς4 of 21
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἀγγέλους5 of 21

“angels”

G32

compare g0034) (to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an "angel"; by implication, a pastor

αὐτοῦ6 of 21
G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

καὶ7 of 21

“And”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἐπισυνάξει8 of 21

“shall gather together”

G1996

to collect upon the same place

τοὺς9 of 21
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἐκλεκτοὺς10 of 21

“elect”

G1588

select; by implication, favorite

αὐτοῦ,11 of 21
G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

ἐκ12 of 21

“from”

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

τῶν13 of 21
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

τεσσάρων14 of 21

“the four”

G5064

four

ἀνέμων15 of 21

“winds”

G417

wind; (plural) by implication, (the four) quarters (of the earth)

ἀπ'16 of 21

“from”

G575

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

ἄκρου17 of 21

“the uttermost part”

G206

the extremity

γῆς18 of 21

“of the earth”

G1093

soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application)

ἕως19 of 21

“to”

G2193

a conjunction, preposition and adverb of continuance, until (of time and place)

ἄκρου20 of 21

“the uttermost part”

G206

the extremity

οὐρανοῦ21 of 21

“of heaven”

G3772

the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Mark. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Mark 13:27 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Mark 13:27 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Zechariah 2:6Matthew 24:31Deuteronomy 30:42 Thessalonians 2:1Revelation 7:1-3Luke 16:22

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