Luke 17:34

I tell you, in that night there shall be two [men] in one bed; the one shall be taken, and the other shall be left.

I tell {G3004} you {G5213}, in that {G5026} night {G3571} there shall be {G2071} two {G1417} men in {G1909} one {G3391} bed {G2825}; the one {G1520} shall be taken {G3880}, and {G2532} the other {G2087} shall be left {G863}.

I tell you, on that night there will be two people in one bed — one will be taken and the other left behind.

I tell you, on that night two people will be in one bed: one will be taken and the other left.

I say unto you, In that night there shall be two men on one bed; the one shall be taken, and the other shall be left.

Luke 17:34 is part of Jesus' teaching to His disciples about the coming of the Kingdom of God and the sudden appearance of the Son of Man.

Context

This verse immediately follows Jesus' vivid comparisons to the days of Noah and Lot (Luke 17:26-30), where life was proceeding normally until sudden destruction came upon the unrighteous. Jesus emphasizes the unexpected nature of His return or the Day of Judgment, highlighting that it will occur when people are engaged in everyday activities—sleeping, grinding, or working in the field. The scenario of "two [men] in one bed" illustrates the intimate proximity of individuals, yet their ultimate separation by divine decree.

Key Themes

  • Suddenness and Unexpectedness: Jesus warns that the coming of the Son of Man will be as sudden and undeniable as lightning. This verse reinforces that individuals will be caught unaware, even in the security of their own homes and beds, underscoring the need for constant spiritual readiness.
  • Divine Separation: The core message is one of immediate and decisive separation. Of two closely associated individuals, one will be "taken" and the other "left." In the immediate context of Luke 17, where Jesus speaks of those swept away by the flood and consumed by fire, "taken" often implies removal for judgment or destruction, while "left" implies preservation. This contrasts with some interpretations of the "rapture" which use "taken" for salvation. Here, the emphasis is on the division between those who are prepared for God's judgment and those who are not.
  • Individual Accountability: Despite being in close physical proximity or engaged in similar activities, each person faces an individual destiny based on their spiritual state. There is no collective salvation or condemnation; the judgment is personal.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "taken" is paralambanō (παραλαμβάνω), which means "to receive alongside," "to take along," or "to take to oneself." The word for "left" is aphiēmi (ἀφίημι), meaning "to send away," "to let go," or "to leave behind." While these terms are sometimes associated with the idea of a pre-tribulation rapture (as in 1 Thessalonians 4:17), the narrative flow in Luke 17, particularly the parallels to Noah's flood and the destruction of Sodom, strongly suggests that those "taken" are removed for judgment, similar to how the flood "took them all away" (Matthew 24:39). Those "left" are spared or preserved on earth.

Practical Application

Luke 17:34 serves as a powerful call to spiritual vigilance and preparedness. It reminds believers that the timing of Christ's return or the individual's encounter with eternity is unknown and can be sudden. It challenges us to consider our spiritual standing daily, ensuring we are living in a way that honors God and are ready to meet Him. The verse underscores the importance of a personal relationship with God, as no one else's faith or proximity can guarantee one's standing in the day of judgment. It is a sober reminder that salvation is a personal decision and that separation will occur, even among the closest of companions.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Matthew 24:40

    Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left.

  • Matthew 24:41

    Two [women shall be] grinding at the mill; the one shall be taken, and the other left.

  • 2 Peter 2:9

    The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished:

  • Malachi 3:16

    Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard [it], and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name.

  • Malachi 3:18

    Then shall ye return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not.

  • 1 Thessalonians 4:16

    For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:

  • 1 Thessalonians 4:17

    Then we which are alive [and] remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

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