Luke 17:35

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

Two {G1417} women shall be {G2071} grinding {G229} together {G846}{G1909}; the one {G3391} shall be taken {G3880}, and {G2532} the other {G2087} left {G863}.

Complete Jewish Bible

There will be two women grinding grain together — one will be taken and the other left behind.”

Berean Standard Bible

Two women will be grinding grain together: one will be taken and the other left.”

American Standard Version

There shall be two women grinding together; the one shall be taken, and the other shall be left.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 17:35, part of Jesus' discourse on the unexpected coming of the Son of Man, vividly illustrates the sudden and decisive separation that will occur at the time of divine judgment. Using the domestic imagery of two women engaged in the common chore of grinding grain, Jesus emphasizes that this eschatological event will cut through ordinary life, distinguishing between individuals even amidst close proximity and shared activities. The verse underscores the theme of divine discernment, highlighting that one will be taken and the other left, signifying a purposeful act of God's judgment based on spiritual readiness rather than outward circumstances.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Luke 17:35 is nestled within a larger eschatological discourse delivered by Jesus to His disciples, warning them about the nature of His second coming. The immediate preceding verses, [Luke 17:26-30](/luke/17-26-30 "Luke 17:26-30 - The Days of Noah and Lot"), draw parallels to the days of Noah and Lot, where life proceeded normally until sudden, catastrophic judgment befell the unrighteous. This section, particularly [Luke 17:34-36](/luke/17-34-36 "Luke 17:34-36 - Sudden Separation"), emphasizes the theme of separation, with examples of people in various daily activities (two in one bed, two grinding, two in the field) experiencing a sudden division. The discourse then concludes with the disciples' question about "where" this will happen, leading to Jesus' enigmatic response about the gathering of vultures where the body is ([Luke 17:37](/luke/17-37 "Luke 17:37 - Where the body is, there will the vultures be gathered")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The act of "grinding together" was a common, laborious domestic chore performed by women in ancient Israel and the broader Near East. Grain was essential for daily sustenance, and grinding it into flour was a continuous, often communal, activity. Two women would typically work together at a handmill, rotating the upper stone over the lower one. This imagery grounds Jesus' teaching in the everyday realities of His audience, emphasizing that the coming judgment would interrupt even the most mundane and routine aspects of life. The social structure of the time meant that women often shared household tasks, making this a relatable and poignant illustration of close proximity.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within Luke's Gospel and biblical eschatology. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Judgment and Discernment**, where God's sovereign hand will meticulously distinguish between individuals, regardless of their outward associations or activities. It also highlights the **Suddenness and Unexpectedness** of the Son of Man's return, echoing the warnings in [Luke 12:35-48](/luke/12-35-48 "Luke 12:35-48 - Parables of Readiness"). The imagery of ordinary life continuing until the very moment of judgment underscores the theme of **Vigilance and Readiness**, urging believers to live in constant anticipation and spiritual preparedness, as also seen in the parable of the ten virgins in [Matthew 25:1-13](/matthew/25-1-13 "Matthew 25:1-13 - The Parable of the Ten Virgins").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **grinding (Greek, _alḗthō'_):** This verb describes the physical act of crushing grain, typically with a handmill. In this context, it emphasizes the ongoing, mundane, and essential nature of daily life that will be abruptly interrupted by the Son of Man's coming. The present participle form (ἀλήθουσαι) in the Greek highlights the continuous nature of the activity, reinforcing that people will be engaged in their routine tasks right up until the moment of separation.
* **taken (Greek, _paralambánō'_):** This verb means "to receive near, to associate with oneself, to take along, or to take away." Its precise meaning in eschatological contexts has been widely debated. However, within the immediate context of Luke 17, which draws parallels to the destructive judgments in the days of Noah and Lot, "taken" is often understood as being removed for judgment or destruction, similar to those swept away by the flood or consumed by fire.
* **left (Greek, _aphíēmi'_):** This verb means "to send forth, to forgive, to forsake, to leave, to permit to remain, or to yield up." In contrast to "taken," "left" in this context implies preservation or remaining behind, often understood as being spared from judgment and remaining on earth to enter the new age or kingdom. The juxtaposition with "taken" clearly signifies a divine separation and discernment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Two [women] shall be grinding together;":** This clause sets the scene, depicting a common domestic activity. The KJV's bracketed "women" is an interpretive addition, as the Greek simply says "two grinding" (δύο ἀλήθουσαι), implying women due to the nature of the task. This detail grounds the teaching in everyday life, showing that the coming event will not only affect those in public or religious spheres but will cut through the most intimate and ordinary moments, even among those in close physical proximity.
* **"the one shall be taken,":** This phrase introduces the sudden and decisive separation. Based on the surrounding context of judgment (Noah, Lot), the "taken" are understood as those who are removed from the earth for judgment or destruction. This signifies a divine act of removal, distinguishing those unprepared for the Son of Man's appearance.
* **"and the other left.":** This contrasting phrase completes the picture of separation. The "left" are those who remain, implying preservation from judgment and entrance into the new era. This highlights God's sovereign discernment, where some are preserved while others face the consequences of their spiritual state. The stark contrast underscores the critical importance of spiritual readiness.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 17:35 effectively employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. **Imagery** is central, with the vivid depiction of "two women grinding together" providing a relatable, domestic scene that immediately connects with the audience's daily experience. This mundane imagery serves as a powerful backdrop for the extraordinary event Jesus describes. The verse also utilizes stark **Juxtaposition** and **Contrast** through the phrases "one shall be taken, and the other left." This binary opposition underscores the absolute and final nature of the divine separation, emphasizing that there will be no middle ground. As part of a larger discourse, this verse functions as a **Simile** or **Parable-like Illustration**, using a common human activity to illuminate a profound spiritual truth about the sudden and discerning nature of the Son of Man's return. Finally, the verse carries a strong element of **Foreshadowing** and **Prophecy**, pointing to a future eschatological event that will dramatically alter the course of human history.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 17:35 profoundly speaks to the themes of divine sovereignty, judgment, and the urgency of spiritual readiness. It underscores that God's ultimate reckoning will be precise and personal, cutting through all human relationships and circumstances. The separation depicted is not random but a purposeful act of divine discernment, distinguishing between those who are prepared for Christ's return and those who are not. This passage serves as a powerful reminder that outward proximity or shared activities do not guarantee a shared destiny in the face of God's judgment. It calls believers to a vigilant and consecrated life, constantly aware of the imminent and unexpected nature of the Lord's return, and to ensure their spiritual state aligns with His will.

* [Matthew 24:40-41](/matthew/24-40-41 "Matthew 24:40-41 - Parallel Account of Separation")
* [Luke 17:34](/luke/17-34 "Luke 17:34 - Separation of Two in One Bed")
* [1 Thessalonians 4:16-17](/1_thessalonians/4-16-17 "1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 - The Lord's Descent and Gathering of Believers")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 17:35 serves as a compelling call to introspection and spiritual vigilance for every believer. It challenges us to move beyond superficial religious observance and to cultivate a deep, abiding relationship with Christ that prepares us for His sudden return. The imagery of people engaged in ordinary life highlights that spiritual readiness is not about withdrawing from the world but about living *in* the world with an eternal perspective. Our daily routines, relationships, and responsibilities are the very contexts in which our preparedness will be tested and revealed. This verse compels us to consider whether our priorities, our actions, and our hearts are aligned with God's kingdom, reminding us that the ultimate separation will be based on our spiritual standing before Him, not on our earthly associations. It is a sobering reminder that while we may share common spaces and activities with others, our eternal destiny is individually determined by our faith and obedience.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my daily life might I be neglecting spiritual vigilance, assuming that proximity to others or routine activities will somehow protect me from divine scrutiny?**
* **How does the unexpected nature of the Son of Man's coming, as depicted here, impact my sense of urgency regarding living a life pleasing to God?**
* **What practical steps can I take today to cultivate a deeper spiritual readiness and ensure my heart is prepared for Christ's return, regardless of when it occurs?**

### FAQ
**Does "taken" mean the Rapture, and "left" mean those remaining for tribulation?**

Answer: While some interpretations connect "taken" with the Rapture of the church and "left" with those remaining to face a period of tribulation, it's crucial to understand the immediate context of Luke 17. Jesus' discourse here draws parallels to the judgments in the days of Noah and Lot, where those "taken" were removed for destruction (e.g., by the flood or fire), and those "left" were preserved (e.g., Noah and his family, Lot and his daughters). Therefore, within this specific Lukan context, "taken" more naturally refers to those removed for judgment, and "left" refers to those preserved. The passage emphasizes a divine separation at the time of the Son of Man's coming, distinguishing between the righteous who are preserved and the unrighteous who face judgment, rather than explicitly detailing the mechanics of the church's removal. Other passages, like [1 Thessalonians 4:16-17](/1_thessalonians/4-16-17 "1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 - The Rapture of the Church"), describe believers being "caught up" to meet the Lord, which is a distinct theological concept from the judgment described in Luke 17.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 17:35, while speaking of a future separation, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who is both the coming Son of Man and the righteous Judge. It is through Christ that this divine discernment will be enacted, as He is the one appointed by the Father to judge the living and the dead ([Acts 10:42](/acts/10-42 "Acts 10:42 - Christ Appointed Judge")). The separation described—one taken, one left—foreshadows the ultimate division that Christ will make between those who are truly His and those who are not, as vividly portrayed in the parable of the sheep and the goats in [Matthew 25:31-46](/matthew/25-31-46 "Matthew 25:31-46 - The Judgment of the Nations"). Believers are not left to wonder about their fate; through faith in Christ, they are assured of being among those "left" or preserved, not for judgment, but for eternal life with Him. His first coming inaugurated the kingdom of God, and His second coming will bring its full consummation, where He will gather His elect ([Matthew 24:31](/matthew/24-31 "Matthew 24:31 - Gathering of the Elect")) and separate them from the unrighteous, thereby fulfilling the promise of a just and final divine reckoning. Our preparedness, therefore, is rooted not in our own works, but in our union with Christ and His finished work on the cross, which makes us righteous before God ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Our Righteousness")).

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 24:41

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

Exodus 11:5

And all the firstborn in the land of Egypt shall die, from the firstborn of Pharaoh that sitteth upon his throne, even unto the firstborn of the maidservant that [is] behind the mill; and all the firstborn of beasts.

Judges 16:21

But the Philistines took him, and put out his eyes, and brought him down to Gaza, and bound him with fetters of brass; and he did grind in the prison house.