Luke 17:36

KJV

Two [men] shall be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left.

KJV (with Strong's)

Two {G1417} men shall be {G2071} in {G1722} the field {G68}; the one {G1520} shall be taken {G3880}, and {G2532} the other {G2087} left {G863}.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 17:36, though textually disputed in some manuscripts, powerfully encapsulates the theme of divine separation and decisive judgment at the unexpected return of the Son of Man. It vividly portrays a scene of ordinary life abruptly interrupted, where individuals engaged in common activities—like working in a field—will be irrevocably divided, with some being "taken" and others "left," underscoring the urgency of spiritual readiness and the ultimate accountability before God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is part of Jesus' extended discourse to His disciples concerning the coming of the Kingdom of God and the Son of Man, found in [Luke 17:20-37](/luke/17-20-37 "Luke 17:20-37 - The Coming of the Kingdom"). Jesus emphasizes the sudden, unexpected nature of His return, drawing parallels to the catastrophic events of Noah's flood ([Luke 17:26-27](/luke/17-26-27 "Luke 17:26-27 - The Days of Noah")) and the destruction of Sodom in Lot's day ([Luke 17:28-29](/luke/17-28-29 "Luke 17:28-29 - The Days of Lot")). The immediate preceding verses ([Luke 17:34-35](/luke/17-34-35 "Luke 17:34-35 - Two in a Bed, Two Grinding")) describe similar scenarios of two people in bed or two women grinding at a mill, with one taken and the other left. Luke 17:36, referring to "two men in the field," completes this triad of illustrations, reinforcing the pervasive and universal nature of this coming division. While enclosed in angle brackets in the KJV, indicating its absence in some ancient manuscripts (likely an assimilation from [Matthew 24:40](/matthew/24-40 "Matthew 24:40 - One Taken, One Left")), its message perfectly aligns with the surrounding Lukan context of sudden, divine separation.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The imagery in Luke 17:36, depicting "two men in the field," reflects the agricultural backbone of 1st-century Judean and Galilean society. Farming was a primary occupation, and men would often work together in the fields, whether plowing, sowing, or harvesting. The mention of "the field" (Greek: _agrós_) grounds the eschatological warning in the mundane realities of daily life. This emphasis on ordinary activities—eating, drinking, buying, selling, planting, building, working in the field—highlights that the Son of Man's return will interrupt life as usual, catching many unaware. The cultural expectation of a sudden, decisive divine intervention, often associated with prophetic fulfillment, would have resonated with Jesus' audience, who were familiar with Old Testament narratives of God's judgment and deliverance.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within Jesus' eschatological discourse. Firstly, it underscores the **Suddenness and Inescapability of Christ's Return**, emphasizing that the Son of Man's revelation will be as unexpected and universally impactful as lightning flashing across the sky ([Luke 17:24](/luke/17-24 "Luke 17:24 - The Son of Man's Coming")). Secondly, the core message is one of **Divine Separation and Judgment**, where humanity will be definitively divided into two distinct groups. This is not a random event but a sovereign act of God, distinguishing between those who are prepared and those who are not. Finally, the implied theme is the **Urgency of Preparedness and Vigilance**. By illustrating the abruptness of this division, Jesus implicitly calls His followers to live in a state of constant spiritual readiness, ensuring they are found faithful when He appears ([Luke 17:33](/luke/17-33 "Luke 17:33 - Losing and Saving Life")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **taken (Greek, _paralambánō'_):** From the Greek verb _paralambánō_, meaning "to receive near, i.e., associate with oneself." This word can imply taking someone along with, receiving, or taking to oneself. In the context of divine judgment, its precise meaning (whether taken _to_ salvation or taken _away for_ judgment) is often debated. However, in the immediate context of the Noah and Lot narratives where those "taken" by the flood or fire were destroyed, it suggests being taken away for judgment or destruction.
* **left (Greek, _aphíēmi'_):** From the Greek verb _aphíēmi_, meaning "to send forth, to send away, leave behind, permit, or forsake." In contrast to "taken," those "left" are those who remain. Given the contextual parallels, those "left" are spared from the impending judgment, implying preservation or salvation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Two men shall be in the field":** This clause sets a common, everyday scene, emphasizing that the divine intervention will occur amidst normal human activities. It highlights the universality of the coming event, affecting people regardless of their occupation or location. The number "two" underscores the personal and individual nature of the separation.
* **"the one shall be taken":** This signifies a sudden, decisive removal of one individual. As discussed in the Key Word Analysis, within the immediate Lukan context of Noah and Lot, being "taken" implies being removed for judgment or destruction, akin to those swept away by the flood or consumed by fire.
* **"and the other left":** This contrasts sharply with the previous phrase, indicating that the second individual remains behind. In the context of the surrounding judgment narratives, being "left" implies being spared from the judgment and remaining in a state of safety or salvation. The stark dichotomy underscores the absolute nature of the impending divine separation.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 17:36, along with its parallel verses, employs several powerful literary devices. **Parallelism** is evident in the repeated structure across [Luke 17:34-36](/luke/17-34-36 "Luke 17:34-36 - The Great Separation"), where different pairs of people (in bed, grinding, in the field) experience the same binary outcome of being "taken" or "left." This repetition amplifies the message of universal and inescapable division. **Contrast** is central, highlighting the stark difference in destinies between the two individuals. The mundane setting of "the field" serves as **Symbolism**, representing ordinary life that will be dramatically interrupted by an extraordinary divine event. The entire passage functions as a form of **Prophetic Warning**, using vivid imagery to impress upon the hearers the urgency of preparing for the future revelation of the Son of Man.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 17:36 contributes significantly to the biblical theology of eschatology, particularly concerning the nature of divine judgment and salvation at the end of the age. It underscores God's absolute sovereignty in distinguishing between humanity, a theme deeply rooted in the Old Testament where God consistently separates the righteous from the wicked (e.g., Cain and Abel, Israel and Egypt). The verse highlights that this separation is not based on outward appearance or social standing, but on an individual's spiritual state before God. While the precise meaning of "taken" and "left" has been debated, the overarching theological point remains clear: the coming of the Son of Man will bring about a definitive, irreversible division, calling every person to accountability and demanding a response of faith and vigilance. This divine act of separation is an expression of God's justice and His ultimate establishment of His kingdom.

* [Matthew 24:40-41](/matthew/24-40-41 "Matthew 24:40-41 - Two Taken, Two Left")
* [2 Thessalonians 1:7-10](/2_thessalonians/1-7-10 "2 Thessalonians 1:7-10 - The Coming of the Lord")
* [Revelation 20:11-15](/revelation/20-11-15 "Revelation 20:11-15 - The Great White Throne Judgment")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 17:36 serves as a profound spiritual mirror, reflecting the eternal consequences of our present choices. It shatters any illusion of complacency, reminding us that life's ordinary routines can be instantly superseded by the extraordinary reality of Christ's return. The stark image of one being taken and another left compels us to examine our own spiritual preparedness. Are we living in a manner that demonstrates our readiness for His appearing, or are we so engrossed in worldly pursuits that we risk being caught unaware? This verse is not meant to instill fear, but rather a healthy reverence and a deep sense of urgency to prioritize our relationship with God above all else. It challenges us to live with intentionality, to cultivate a vigilant spirit, and to ensure that our faith is not merely intellectual assent but a lived reality that aligns with the values of God's coming Kingdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the suddenness of the Son of Man's return, as depicted in this verse, impact my daily priorities and decisions?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be "too engrossed" in worldly affairs, potentially neglecting my spiritual readiness?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a spirit of vigilance and ensure I am living in a state of readiness for Christ's return?**
* **How does the concept of divine separation challenge my understanding of justice and mercy?**

### FAQ

**Is Luke 17:36 a reference to the "rapture"?**

Answer: While Luke 17:36, along with its parallels in [Matthew 24:40-41](/matthew/24-40-41 "Matthew 24:40-41 - One Taken, One Left"), is often cited in discussions of the rapture, its interpretation within its immediate Lukan context suggests a different emphasis. In the examples of Noah's flood ([Luke 17:26-27](/luke/17-26-27 "Luke 17:26-27 - The Days of Noah")) and Lot's destruction of Sodom ([Luke 17:28-29](/luke/17-28-29 "Luke 17:28-29 - The Days of Lot")), those who were "taken away" (by the flood or fire) were those who faced judgment, while those "left behind" (Noah and his family, Lot and his daughters) were preserved. Therefore, in Luke's account, "taken" appears to refer to being taken away for judgment, and "left" refers to being left for salvation or preservation. This contrasts with the popular "rapture" theology, where "taken" typically implies being taken to heaven, and "left" implies being left behind for tribulation. The primary point of the verse, regardless of specific eschatological views, is the sudden and decisive divine separation that will occur at Christ's return.

**Why is Luke 17:36 in angle brackets in the KJV?**

Answer: The angle brackets (`‹...›`) in the King James Version (KJV) around Luke 17:36 indicate that this verse is not found in the most ancient and reliable Greek manuscripts of Luke's Gospel. It is widely considered by textual critics to be a scribal addition, likely assimilated from the parallel account in [Matthew 24:40](/matthew/24-40 "Matthew 24:40 - The Parallel in Matthew"). Scribes, in an effort to harmonize Gospel accounts, sometimes added phrases or verses from one Gospel into another. While it is absent from many critical editions and modern translations (like the ESV, NIV, NASB), its message is entirely consistent with the surrounding context of Jesus' teaching on the sudden and decisive nature of His return and the resulting separation of humanity.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Luke 17:36 speaks of a future separation and judgment, its ultimate fulfillment and meaning are profoundly centered in Christ. Jesus, as the Son of Man, is not merely the subject of this prophecy but the very agent through whom this divine division will occur. His first coming inaugurated the Kingdom of God, offering salvation to all who believe, and His second coming will bring that Kingdom to its consummation, fulfilling His role as both Savior and righteous Judge. The "taking" and "leaving" are acts of His sovereign authority, distinguishing between those who have embraced His atoning work on the cross and those who have rejected it. He is the one who will gather His elect from the four winds ([Matthew 24:31](/matthew/24-31 "Matthew 24:31 - Gathering the Elect")) and separate the sheep from the goats ([Matthew 25:31-33](/matthew/25-31-33 "Matthew 25:31-33 - The Judgment of the Nations")), demonstrating His ultimate dominion over all humanity. Therefore, the call to be "ready" is a call to be in Christ, to have faith in Him as Lord and Savior, for it is only through Him that one can be found among those "left" for eternal life when He appears in glory ([John 5:22](/john/5-22 "John 5:22 - The Father Judges No One, But Has Given All Judgment to the Son")).

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.