Corpse (Dead Body)
Archimandrite Nikifor’s Biblical Encyclopedia
(Matt. 24:28)—under the Mosaic law, contact with a human corpse brought ritual impurity and required purification (Num. 19:11–22); contact with the carcasses of unclean animals likewise defiled according to the law (Lev. 11:24–40). This ceremonial uncleanness was not identical with personal moral guilt. Figuratively, corruption and exposed carcasses can portray judgment, national ruin, or spiritual death (Ezek. 29:5; 32:4–5). Jesus’ saying, “Wheresoever the carcase is, there will the eagles be gathered together,” uses the gathering of carrion birds as an image of inescapable judgment (Matt. 24:28; Luke 17:37).