King James Version

What Does Matthew 24:31 Mean?

Matthew 24:31 in the King James Version says “And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four win...” — study this verse from Matthew chapter 24 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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 . with: or, with a trumpet, and a great voice”

Matthew 24:31 · KJV

Context

29

Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken:

30

And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.

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 . with: or, with a trumpet, and a great voice

32

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

33

So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors. it: or, he

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Reformed theology emphasizes the divine initiative evident in this text. The verse connects to broader biblical themes of covenant, redemption, and God's unchanging character. Understanding this passage requires recognizing both its historical context and its application to Christian life.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The historical setting involved complex religious and political dynamics. Jewish leaders maintained authority through Roman tolerance while common people sought deliverance. Jesus' teaching addressed both immediate concerns and eternal truths.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse deepen your appreciation for Christ?
  2. What false beliefs or practices does this text correct?
  3. How should you share this truth with others?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 24 words
καὶ1 of 24

“And”

G2532

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

ἀποστελεῖ2 of 24

“he shall send”

G649

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

τοὺς3 of 24
G3588

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

ἀγγέλους4 of 24

“angels”

G32

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

αὐτῶν5 of 24

“his”

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

μετὰ6 of 24

“with”

G3326

properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)

σάλπιγγος7 of 24

“of a trumpet”

G4536

a trumpet

φωνῆς8 of 24

“sound”

G5456

a tone (articulate, bestial or artificial); by implication, an address (for any purpose), saying or language

μεγάλης9 of 24

“a great”

G3173

big (literally or figuratively, in a very wide application)

καὶ10 of 24

“And”

G2532

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

ἐπισυνάξουσιν11 of 24

“they shall gather together”

G1996

to collect upon the same place

τοὺς12 of 24
G3588

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

ἐκλεκτοὺς13 of 24

“elect”

G1588

select; by implication, favorite

αὐτῶν14 of 24

“his”

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

ἐκ15 of 24

“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

τῶν16 of 24
G3588

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

τεσσάρων17 of 24

“the four”

G5064

four

ἀνέμων18 of 24

“winds”

G417

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

ἀπ'19 of 24

“from”

G575

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

ἄκρων20 of 24

“one end”

G206

the extremity

οὐρανῶν21 of 24

“of heaven”

G3772

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

ἕως22 of 24

“to”

G2193

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

ἄκρων23 of 24

“one end”

G206

the extremity

αὐτῶν24 of 24

“his”

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

Study Guide

Historical Context

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

Theological Significance

Matthew 24:31 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 Matthew 24:31 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Thessalonians 4:16Mark 13:27Isaiah 27:131 Corinthians 15:52Isaiah 11:12Matthew 13:41

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