Matthew 24:40

Matthew 24:40 is a potent verse from Jesus' Olivet Discourse, a significant prophetic teaching often referred to as the "Little Apocalypse" due to its focus on the end times and the coming of the Son of Man. This verse, alongside its immediate context, serves as a stark warning about the suddenness and discerning nature of Christ's return.

Context of Matthew 24:40

This verse is part of Jesus' detailed answer to His disciples' questions about the signs of His coming and the end of the age (Matthew 24:3). Immediately preceding Matthew 24:40, Jesus draws a direct parallel to the days of Noah:

• Matthew 24:37-39 states, "But as the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark, And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be."

The imagery of "taken" and "left" in verse 40 must be understood in light of this comparison. In Noah's day, those who were "taken away" by the flood were the unrighteous, while Noah and his family were "left" to be preserved. This suggests that "taken" signifies judgment, and "left" signifies preservation or salvation when the Lord returns.

Key Themes

• Suddenness of Christ's Return: The verse emphasizes that the Lord's coming will be unexpected and interrupt daily life, just as the flood surprised those in Noah's time. This echoes warnings found elsewhere, such as 1 Thessalonians 5:2, which compares it to a thief in the night.
• Divine Separation and Judgment: A clear distinction will be made between individuals. Though seemingly engaged in similar activities ("in the field"), their spiritual standing will determine their ultimate destiny. This theme of separation is crucial to understanding the end-time prophecies.
• Need for Watchfulness and Preparedness: The implicit message is a call to constant readiness. Since the timing is unknown, believers are exhorted to live in a state of watchfulness, ensuring they are found faithful when the Lord appears (Matthew 25:13).

Linguistic Insights

The KJV uses "taken" and "left," and understanding the original Greek words can clarify the meaning:

• "Taken" comes from the Greek word paralambanō (παραλαμβάνω). While it can mean to receive or take to oneself, in the context of Matthew 24:39, where the flood "took them all away," it carries the connotation of removal for destruction.
• "Left" comes from the Greek word aphiēmi (ἀφίημι), meaning to send away, leave, or permit. In this context, it implies being allowed to remain, or being preserved.

This linguistic nuance, combined with the preceding Noahic analogy, strongly supports the interpretation that those "taken" are removed in judgment, and those "left" are preserved for the new age.

Practical Application

Matthew 24:40 serves as a powerful reminder for all believers:

• Live with Eternal Perspective: Our daily lives, no matter how mundane, are lived under the shadow of Christ's imminent return. This should motivate us to prioritize spiritual readiness over worldly pursuits.
• Examine Your Standing: The verse compels self-reflection. Am I living in a way that demonstrates readiness for the Lord's coming? Am I truly following His commands and serving Him?
• Urgency of the Gospel: Knowing that a sudden separation will occur should fuel our passion for sharing the Gospel, so others might also be found among those "left" for salvation. This passage emphasizes the critical importance of being spiritually prepared at all times, for the day and hour of the Lord's return are known only to the Father (Matthew 24:36).