Matthew 24:40

KJV

Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then {G5119} shall {G2071} two {G1417} be {G2071} in {G1722} the field {G68}; the one {G1520} shall be taken {G3880}, and {G2532} the other {G1520} left {G863}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then there will be two men in a field -- one will be taken and the other left behind.

Berean Standard Bible

Two men will be in the field: one will be taken and the other left.

American Standard Version

Then shall two men be in the field; one is taken, and one is left:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 24:40, a pivotal verse within Jesus' Olivet Discourse, presents a stark and sobering image of the sudden and decisive separation that will occur at the Son of Man's return. Following a vivid comparison to the days of Noah, this verse underscores the unexpected nature of the eschatological judgment, where individuals engaged in ordinary daily activities will face an immediate and irreversible divine discernment, resulting in some being taken and others left, a powerful call to constant vigilance and spiritual preparedness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Matthew 24:40 is nestled within Jesus' extensive eschatological teaching known as the Olivet Discourse, delivered on the Mount of Olives in response to His disciples' direct questions about the signs of His coming and the end of the age ([Matthew 24:3](/matthew/24-3 "Matthew 24:3 - Disciples' Questions")). The immediate preceding verses, [Matthew 24:37-39](/matthew/24-37-39 "Matthew 24:37-39 - The Days of Noah"), establish a crucial interpretive framework by drawing a direct analogy to the flood in Noah's time. Just as people in Noah's day were consumed by ordinary life—eating, drinking, marrying—and remained oblivious until the flood "took them all away," so too will the coming of the Son of Man be sudden and unexpected, catching many unprepared. This analogy is critical for understanding the meaning of "taken" and "left" in verse 40, suggesting that "taken" refers to removal in judgment, while "left" implies preservation. The discourse as a whole emphasizes the need for watchfulness and readiness, culminating in parables like the wise and foolish virgins ([Matthew 25:1-13](/matthew/25-1-13 "Matthew 25:1-13 - Parable of the Ten Virgins")) and the talents ([Matthew 25:14-30](/matthew/25-14-30 "Matthew 25:14-30 - Parable of the Talents")), all reinforcing the theme of accountability at the Lord's return.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** First-century Judea and Galilee were predominantly agrarian societies, where daily life revolved around manual labor, particularly farming. The imagery of "two in the field" (and parallel verses like "two women grinding at the mill" in [Matthew 24:41](/matthew/24-41 "Matthew 24:41 - Two at the Mill")) would have resonated deeply with Jesus' audience. Working in the field was a common, everyday activity, symbolizing the mundane routines of life. People lived in close-knit communities, and their livelihoods were directly tied to the land and its produce. The sudden interruption of such ordinary activities by a divine event would have highlighted the unexpected and all-encompassing nature of Christ's return, cutting across all social strata and daily routines. This setting emphasizes that no one, regardless of their occupation or daily engagement, will be exempt from this ultimate separation.

* **Key Themes:** Matthew 24:40 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the Olivet Discourse and the broader New Testament eschatology. Firstly, it powerfully conveys the **Suddenness and Unexpectedness of Christ's Return**. The comparison to Noah's flood, where people were unaware until judgment arrived, underscores that the Son of Man's coming will be an abrupt and unannounced event, interrupting the normal course of life. This theme is echoed in other warnings, such as the day of the Lord coming "as a thief in the night" ([1 Thessalonians 5:2](/1_thessalonians/5-2 "1 Thessalonians 5:2 - Day of the Lord as a Thief")). Secondly, the verse highlights **Divine Separation and Judgment**. Though two individuals are engaged in identical activities, their ultimate destinies diverge. This implies an inherent, divinely ordained distinction based on spiritual standing, leading to a separation of the righteous from the unrighteous. This theme of ultimate separation is a recurring motif in Jesus' teachings on the end times, culminating in the judgment of the sheep and the goats in [Matthew 25:31-46](/matthew/25-31-46 "Matthew 25:31-46 - The Judgment of the Nations"). Lastly, and implicitly, the verse serves as an urgent call to **Watchfulness and Preparedness**. Since the timing of this decisive event is unknown ([Matthew 24:36](/matthew/24-36 "Matthew 24:36 - The Unknown Day and Hour")), believers are exhorted to live in a state of constant readiness, ensuring they are found faithful and prepared when the Lord appears, as emphasized by the concluding exhortation in [Matthew 24:42](/matthew/24-42 "Matthew 24:42 - Be Ready").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **taken (Greek, _paralambánō'_):** This word (G3880) means "to receive near," "to associate with oneself," or "to take unto/with." In the context of [Matthew 24:39](/matthew/24-39 "Matthew 24:39 - Taken Away by the Flood"), where the flood "took them all away," it carries the strong connotation of removal for destruction or judgment. Thus, in verse 40, "taken" signifies removal from the earth in a context of divine judgment, aligning with the fate of those swept away by the flood.
* **left (Greek, _aphíēmi'_):** This word (G863) means "to send forth," "to leave," "to forsake," or "to permit." In contrast to "taken," "left" implies being allowed to remain, to be preserved, or to be spared from the impending judgment. This aligns with Noah and his family being "left" to survive the flood and inherit the new earth.
* **field (Greek, _agrós'_):** This word (G68) refers to "a field" (as a drive for cattle), "the country," or specifically, "a farm" or "hamlet." Its inclusion highlights the mundane, everyday setting in which this profound and sudden separation will occur, emphasizing that no one's daily routine will prevent or excuse them from this divine reckoning.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then shall two be in the field":** This clause sets the scene, depicting two individuals engaged in a common, ordinary activity—working in an agricultural field. The use of "then" (_tóte_) connects this event directly to the preceding discussion of the Son of Man's coming and the unexpected nature of the "days of Noah." It emphasizes that the divine separation will occur amidst the normalcy of daily life, without prior warning or special circumstances.
* **"the one shall be taken":** This phrase introduces the first outcome of the sudden divine intervention. Based on the Noahic analogy in [Matthew 24:37-39](/matthew/24-37-39 "Matthew 24:37-39 - The Days of Noah"), "taken" (from _paralambánō_) signifies removal for judgment or destruction, similar to those swept away by the flood. It implies a decisive and irreversible act of divine separation, where one individual is removed from the earthly sphere.
* **"and the other left":** This contrasting phrase describes the second outcome. "Left" (from _aphíēmi_) implies being permitted to remain, to be preserved, or to be spared from the judgment that befalls the one who is "taken." In the context of the Noahic flood, this would correspond to Noah and his family, who were "left" to survive the cataclysm and enter a new era. This signifies a divine act of preservation for those found righteous or prepared.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 24:40 employs several potent literary devices. The most prominent is **Analogy**, specifically the **Noahic Analogy**, which Jesus explicitly uses in the preceding verses ([Matthew 24:37-39](/matthew/24-37-39 "Matthew 24:37-39 - The Days of Noah")) to interpret the meaning of "taken" and "left." This analogy clarifies that "taken" refers to removal in judgment (like those swept away by the flood), while "left" refers to preservation (like Noah and his family). **Juxtaposition** is also central, presenting two individuals engaged in identical activities ("in the field") who experience radically different fates, highlighting the discerning nature of the divine judgment. The verse also uses **Imagery**, painting a vivid picture of everyday life suddenly interrupted by a momentous, decisive event, making the abstract concept of end-time judgment tangible and immediate for the audience. Furthermore, the succinct, almost proverbial nature of the statement lends it a sense of **Aphorism**, making it memorable and impactful as a warning.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 24:40 stands as a profound theological statement on divine sovereignty, eschatological judgment, and the ultimate separation of humanity. It underscores that God's final reckoning will be both sudden and discerning, occurring amidst the ordinary flow of human life. The verse challenges any notion of universal salvation or a lack of accountability, clearly indicating that a definitive distinction will be made between individuals, regardless of their outward circumstances. This separation is not arbitrary but is predicated on one's spiritual standing and preparedness for the Lord's return. The theological implication is a call to constant vigilance and a life lived in anticipation of Christ's coming, emphasizing that true spiritual readiness is paramount above all worldly pursuits. It reinforces the biblical truth that salvation is personal and requires individual response, leading to either preservation or judgment.

* [Luke 17:34-36](/luke/17-34-36 "Luke 17:34-36 - Parallel Account of Taken and Left")
* [2 Peter 3:10](/2_peter/3-10 "2 Peter 3:10 - The Day of the Lord Will Come as a Thief")
* [Matthew 13:49-50](/matthew/13-49-50 "Matthew 13:49-50 - Parable of the Net and Separation")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 24:40 serves as a powerful and timeless call to introspection and spiritual diligence for every believer. The imagery of one being taken and another left, even while engaged in the most mundane of tasks, compels us to consider the state of our own hearts and lives. It shatters any illusion that our daily routines or worldly engagements will exempt us from the ultimate divine reckoning. Instead, it demands that we live with an eternal perspective, recognizing that every moment is lived under the shadow of Christ's imminent return. This should not induce fear or paralysis, but rather a profound sense of purpose and urgency: to live faithfully, to pursue righteousness, and to share the transformative message of the Gospel with those around us. Our preparedness is not about predicting the exact timing, but about cultivating a consistent, obedient relationship with the Lord, ensuring that we are found ready and faithful, actively serving Him, whenever He chooses to appear. This verse challenges us to prioritize our spiritual walk above all else, for our eternal destiny hinges on our readiness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the unexpected nature of Christ's return, as described in this verse, influence my daily priorities and decisions?**
* **Am I living in a way that demonstrates spiritual preparedness, or am I primarily focused on worldly pursuits that might leave me unprepared?**
* **What practical steps can I take today to cultivate a deeper sense of watchfulness and readiness for the Lord's coming?**

### FAQ

**Does Matthew 24:40 refer to the "Rapture" of the church?**

Answer: While Matthew 24:40, along with its parallel in [Luke 17:34-36](/luke/17-34-36 "Luke 17:34-36 - Parallel Account of Taken and Left"), is often associated with the concept of the Rapture, a careful examination of its immediate context, particularly the preceding analogy to Noah's flood in [Matthew 24:37-39](/matthew/24-37-39 "Matthew 24:37-39 - The Days of Noah"), suggests a different interpretation. In Noah's day, those "taken away" by the flood were the unrighteous, removed in judgment, while Noah and his family were "left" to be preserved through the cataclysm. Therefore, within this specific context, "taken" signifies removal for judgment, and "left" signifies preservation for the new age. This contrasts with the popular understanding of the Rapture, where believers are "taken" to be with Christ, and unbelievers are "left" behind for judgment. While the New Testament does teach about believers being "caught up" to meet the Lord ([1 Thessalonians 4:17](/1_thessalonians/4-17 "1 Thessalonians 4:17 - Caught Up to Meet the Lord")), the primary meaning of "taken" and "left" in Matthew 24:40, when interpreted through Jesus' own analogy, points to a separation where the unrighteous are "taken" in judgment and the righteous are "left" for salvation and to inherit the earth.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 24:40, while a warning of future judgment and separation, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the Son of Man whose coming is described, the sovereign Lord who will execute this decisive separation. His first advent, though in humility, already initiated the process of division, as He declared, "I did not come to bring peace but a sword" ([Matthew 10:34](/matthew/10-34 "Matthew 10:34 - Jesus Brings a Sword")). His life, death, and resurrection provide the very basis for who is "taken" in judgment and who is "left" in salvation. Those who are "left" for preservation are those who have put their faith in Him, who have been redeemed by His atoning sacrifice on the cross ([Romans 5:8-9](/romans/5-8-9 "Romans 5:8-9 - Saved by His Life")). He is not merely the one who separates, but the one who *makes* the separation possible through His work as Savior and Judge. Ultimately, the "taking" of the unrighteous is a manifestation of His righteous judgment against sin, while the "leaving" of the righteous is a testament to His grace and faithfulness, securing their place in His eternal kingdom ([John 5:24](/john/5-24 "John 5:24 - Believers Have Eternal Life")). Thus, Matthew 24:40 points to the absolute necessity of a personal relationship with Christ, for He is the one who determines our eternal destiny at His glorious return.

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

Luke 17:34

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.

Luke 17:37

And they answered and said unto him, Where, Lord? And he said unto them, Wheresoever the body [is], thither will the eagles be gathered together.

2 Peter 2:7

¶ And delivered just Lot, vexed with the filthy conversation of the wicked:

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:

2 Peter 2:5

And spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth [person], a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly;

Luke 23:39

And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us.

Luke 23:43

And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.