Luke 17:35

Context of Luke 17:35

Luke 17:35 is part of Jesus' extended discourse on the unexpected and sudden nature of the coming of the Son of Man, often associated with the end times or the final judgment. Preceding verses (Luke 17:26-30) compare this event to the days of Noah and the days of Lot, where life continued as normal until sudden destruction came upon the unrighteous. Jesus emphasizes that this future event will involve a swift and decisive separation.

Key Themes and Messages

• Sudden Separation: The primary message of this verse, along with its parallels (Luke 17:34, Luke 17:36, and Matthew 24:40-41), is that at the time of judgment, individuals will be divinely separated even amidst common daily activities. The imagery of women grinding grain together highlights that this separation will cut through ordinary life, affecting those in close proximity.
• Everyday Life Continues: The act of "grinding together" depicts a common, domestic chore performed by women in ancient Israel. It underscores that life will proceed normally, with people engaged in their routine tasks, right up until the moment of the Son of Man's appearing. This normalcy contrasts sharply with the suddenness of the event.
• Divine Discernment: The phrase "one shall be taken, and the other left" signifies a divine discernment and selection. It's not a random event but a purposeful act of God's judgment, distinguishing between those who are prepared and those who are not. The specific meaning of "taken" and "left" has been debated, but within the context of judgment, it generally implies one group being removed for judgment, and the other preserved or accepted.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV translation notes "Two [women] shall be grinding together," with "women" in brackets, indicating it's an interpretive addition for clarity, as the original Greek simply refers to "two grinding." The Greek word for "grinding" is alēthousai (ἀλήθουσαι), a present participle, emphasizing the ongoing nature of the activity. The phrase "taken" (paralambanō, παραλαμβάνω) and "left" (aphiēmi, ἀφίημι) are crucial. Paralambanō can mean to take alongside, to receive, or to take away, while aphiēmi means to send away, leave, or permit to remain. In this context, given the parallels to the judgment in Noah's and Lot's days, the "taken" are often understood as those removed for judgment, and "left" as those preserved, though interpretations vary. However, the consistent theme is a clear separation.

Practical Application

Luke 17:35 serves as a powerful reminder for believers to live in constant readiness for the return of Christ. It teaches that one's spiritual state, not physical proximity or daily routine, will determine their destiny. The verse encourages vigilance, faith, and obedience, highlighting the importance of being prepared for God's ultimate reckoning, as also taught in parables like the ten virgins. It challenges us to reflect on our readiness and ensures we are living lives pleasing to God, regardless of what others around us are doing.