Luke 17:34

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 17:34 is a profound warning from Jesus concerning the sudden and decisive nature of the Son of Man's coming, emphasizing that at that appointed time, a stark separation will occur even among those in the closest proximity. This verse underscores the individual accountability each person faces before God, highlighting the critical need for constant spiritual readiness, as one will be removed for judgment while the other is preserved.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is part of Jesus' extended discourse to His disciples about the coming of the Kingdom of God and the Son of Man's return, found in [Luke 17:20-37](/luke/17-20-37 "Luke 17 - The Coming of the Kingdom and the Son of Man"). Preceding this passage, Jesus corrects misconceptions about the Kingdom's visible arrival, stating it is "within you" or "among you" ([Luke 17:20-21](/luke/17-20-21 "Luke 17:20-21 - The Kingdom of God is Within You")). He then shifts to a vivid description of His future, sudden, and undeniable return, comparing it to lightning flashing across the sky ([Luke 17:24](/luke/17-24 "Luke 17:24 - The Son of Man's Sudden Appearance")). The immediate context draws parallels to the days of Noah and Lot ([Luke 17:26-30](/luke/17-26-30 "Luke 17:26-30 - Parallels to Noah and Lot")), where life proceeded normally until sudden, devastating judgment befell the unprepared. The "one taken, one left" motif is further elaborated in the subsequent verses with examples of women grinding at the mill and men in the field ([Luke 17:35-36](/luke/17-35-36 "Luke 17:35-36 - More Examples of Separation")). The consistent theme is a sudden, universal, and decisive divine intervention that separates humanity based on their spiritual state.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The imagery used by Jesus—"two men in one bed," "two women grinding at the mill," "two men in the field"—reflects common domestic and agricultural scenes of first-century Jewish life. Sleeping arrangements often involved multiple individuals sharing a sleeping mat or low bed, especially in smaller homes or during travel. Grinding grain was typically a task performed by women, often in pairs, using two millstones. Working in the field was a common occupation for men. By depicting these ordinary, everyday activities, Jesus emphasizes that His coming will interrupt life in its most mundane and intimate settings. It highlights that no one, regardless of their occupation or personal relationships, will be exempt from the suddenness of this divine reckoning. The setting of "night" (Luke 17:34) and "day" ([Luke 17:31](/luke/17-31 "Luke 17:31 - Don't Look Back")) further underscores that this event transcends time and place, affecting all people universally and unexpectedly.

* **Key Themes:** Luke 17:34 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Jesus' eschatological discourse. Firstly, it reinforces the theme of **Suddenness and Unexpectedness** of the Son of Man's return, echoing the warnings found in [Luke 12:40](/luke/12-40 "Luke 12:40 - Be Ready, for the Son of Man is Coming"). This event will not be preceded by clear, unmistakable signs that allow for last-minute preparation, but will burst upon humanity unexpectedly, like the flood in Noah's day or the fire in Lot's ([Luke 17:26-30](/luke/17-26-30 "Luke 17:26-30 - The Days of Noah and Lot")). Secondly, the verse highlights **Divine Separation and Judgment**. In the context of Luke 17, where those "taken away" in the days of Noah and Lot were removed for destruction, the "one taken" here is understood as being removed for judgment, while the "one left" is preserved. This contrasts with some popular interpretations of "rapture" and aligns with the broader biblical narrative of a final separation between the righteous and the unrighteous. Lastly, the verse underscores **Individual Accountability**. Despite the intimate proximity of those in the bed, their ultimate destinies are distinct, emphasizing that salvation and judgment are profoundly personal matters, not collective or based on association.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **two (Greek, _dýo'_):** A primary numeral meaning "two." In this context, it highlights the intimate proximity of individuals, emphasizing that even those sharing the closest relationships will experience a decisive, individual separation. The number itself signifies a pair, making the subsequent division all the more striking.
* **bed (Greek, _klínē'_):** From _klínō_ (to recline), referring to a couch for sleep, sickness, sitting, or eating. Here, it specifically denotes a sleeping place. Its use underscores the unexpected nature of the event, occurring even in the security and intimacy of one's own home and during a time of rest, when one is most vulnerable and least prepared for disruption.
* **taken (Greek, _paralambánō'_):** From _pará_ (alongside) and _lambánō_ (to take), meaning "to receive near," "to associate with oneself," or "to take along." In the immediate Lukan context, particularly when paralleled with Noah's flood and the destruction of Sodom (where the wicked were "taken away" by judgment), this term strongly implies removal for judgment or destruction. It signifies being swept away or removed from the earth.
* **left (Greek, _aphíēmi'_):** From _apó_ (from) and _hiēmi_ (to send), meaning "to send forth," "to let go," or "to leave behind." In contrast to "taken," this word signifies preservation or being spared. Those "left" are the ones who remain on earth, having been preserved from the judgment that befalls the "taken."

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"I tell you, in that night":** Jesus uses a solemn declaration ("I tell you"), indicating the grave importance of what follows. The phrase "in that night" points to a specific, yet undefined, future moment—the time of the Son of Man's sudden appearance and the accompanying judgment. The reference to "night" adds to the sense of unexpectedness and perhaps vulnerability, as night is a time of rest and often, darkness or hiddenness.
* **"there shall be two men in one bed":** This vivid imagery depicts a scene of intimate proximity and shared domestic life. "Two men in one bed" represents individuals who are closely associated, perhaps family members or close companions, sharing the most private of spaces. This detail intensifies the shock of the impending separation, as it will divide even the closest relationships.
* **"the one shall be taken":** This clause describes the removal of one individual. As elucidated in the Key Word Analysis, within the Lukan context of judgment (paralleling Noah's flood and Lot's destruction), "taken" here signifies removal for judgment or destruction. This individual is swept away by the divine reckoning.
* **"and the other shall be left":** This clause presents the stark contrast to the previous one. The individual who is "left" is spared from the judgment. They remain, preserved on the earth. This highlights the decisive and discriminating nature of God's judgment, where even those in the closest physical proximity face different eternal destinies.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 17:34 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message. The most prominent is **Contrast**, starkly presented through the paired phrases "one shall be taken, and the other shall be left." This antithesis immediately draws attention to the decisive separation that will occur, even among those sharing intimate spaces. The **Vivid Imagery** of "two men in one bed" paints a relatable and impactful picture of ordinary life, making the sudden divine intervention all the more striking. This specific domestic scene functions as a **Synecdoche**, where a part (two men in a bed) represents the whole (all humanity in their daily lives), emphasizing that no one, regardless of their circumstances, will be exempt from this division. Furthermore, the verse serves as powerful **Foreshadowing**, pointing to the future reality of God's final judgment and the ultimate separation of humanity into two distinct groups based on their spiritual standing.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 17:34 is a profound theological statement on eschatology, divine judgment, and individual destiny. It asserts God's sovereign right to intervene in human history, bringing about a definitive separation between those prepared for His coming and those who are not. The passage challenges any notion of collective salvation or condemnation, emphasizing that each person's eternal standing is a matter of personal relationship with God and readiness for His appearing. The "taken" and "left" distinction serves as a stark reminder that physical proximity or social ties offer no guarantee of salvation; rather, it is one's spiritual condition that determines their fate. This theme resonates with the broader biblical emphasis on vigilance and preparedness for the Lord's return, urging believers to live in constant anticipation and obedience.

* [Matthew 24:39-41](/matthew/24-39-41 "Matthew 24:39-41 - The Days of Noah and the Son of Man's Coming")
* [1 Thessalonians 5:2-3](/1_thessalonians/5-2-3 "1 Thessalonians 5:2-3 - The Day of the Lord Comes Like a Thief")
* [Amos 4:12](/amos/4-12 "Amos 4:12 - Prepare to Meet Your God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 17:34 stands as a sober and urgent call to spiritual vigilance and preparedness. It shatters any illusion that our spiritual state can be neglected or that our destiny is somehow tied to the faith of those around us. The imagery of two in one bed, one taken and one left, powerfully conveys that even the most intimate relationships will not prevent a personal, decisive separation at the time of Christ's return or our individual encounter with eternity. This verse compels us to examine our own hearts: Are we truly ready to meet the Lord? Is our faith genuine, active, and rooted in a personal relationship with Him? It reminds us that the time for preparation is now, as the moment of reckoning will be sudden and unexpected. Our daily choices, our commitment to Christ, and our obedience to His word are not trivial matters but bear eternal weight.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the imagery of "two men in one bed" challenge my assumptions about collective salvation or the influence of my relationships on my eternal destiny?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be unprepared for the sudden return of Christ or my personal encounter with eternity?**
* **What practical steps can I take today to cultivate a deeper, more vigilant relationship with God, ensuring I am "left" (preserved) rather than "taken" (for judgment)?**
* **How does understanding the Lukan context of "taken" (for judgment) and "left" (preserved) impact my personal sense of urgency and mission?**

### FAQ
**Does "taken" in Luke 17:34 refer to the rapture of believers?**

Answer: In the immediate literary context of Luke 17, particularly when paralleled with the accounts of Noah's flood and the destruction of Sodom ([Luke 17:26-30](/luke/17-26-30 "Luke 17:26-30 - The Days of Noah and Lot")), the term "taken" (Greek: _paralambánō_) signifies removal for judgment or destruction. Just as the flood "took them all away" ([Matthew 24:39](/matthew/24-39 "Matthew 24:39 - The Flood Took Them Away"))—referring to the wicked—those "taken" in Luke 17:34 are removed from the earth by divine judgment. Conversely, those "left" (Greek: _aphíēmi_) are preserved or spared on earth. This interpretation aligns with the consistent theme of judgment and separation in Jesus' discourse here, where the unrighteous are removed, and the righteous remain. It differs from the concept of the rapture, where believers are "caught up" to meet the Lord ([1 Thessalonians 4:17](/1_thessalonians/4-17 "1 Thessalonians 4:17 - Caught Up to Meet the Lord")).

**Why does Jesus mention "night" specifically in this verse?**

Answer: The mention of "night" ("in that night") in Luke 17:34, alongside references to "day" in other parallel passages (e.g., [Luke 17:31](/luke/17-31 "Luke 17:31 - Don't Look Back")), serves to emphasize the universal and unexpected nature of the Son of Man's coming. It highlights that this decisive event will occur regardless of the time of day or the activity people are engaged in. Night is often associated with rest, security, and vulnerability, making the sudden interruption all the more impactful. It underscores that no one will be exempt or able to hide from this divine intervention.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 17:34, with its stark imagery of separation and judgment, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is not only the prophesied Son of Man whose coming will bring about this decisive division, but He is also the one through whom salvation and preservation are offered. The "taking" for judgment and the "leaving" for preservation are not arbitrary acts but are based on one's relationship with Christ. Those who are "taken" are those who have rejected or neglected the saving grace offered through Christ's atoning sacrifice on the cross ([John 3:18](/john/3-18 "John 3:18 - He Who Believes is Not Condemned")). Conversely, those who are "left" and preserved are those who have put their faith in Jesus, receiving His righteousness and being prepared for His glorious return ([Romans 5:1-2](/romans/5-1-2 "Romans 5:1-2 - Justified by Faith")). Christ, as the righteous Judge ([John 5:22](/john/5-22 "John 5:22 - The Father Has Committed All Judgment to the Son")), will execute this separation, but He is also the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), offering the only path to be among the "left" and preserved for eternity. Therefore, the call to vigilance in Luke 17:34 is fundamentally a call to abide in Christ, for it is in Him alone that one finds true security and readiness for the day of the Lord.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

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.