Two men shall be in the field;This phrase sets the scene in a common agricultural setting, reflecting the agrarian society of first-century Judea. Fields were central to daily life, and laborers often worked side by side. The imagery of two men in the field suggests normalcy and routine, emphasizing that the events described will occur during everyday activities. This setting is reminiscent of the parables of Jesus, where He often used familiar agricultural imagery to convey spiritual truths (e.g.,
Matthew 13:3-9, the Parable of the Sower).
the one shall be taken,
The phrase "the one shall be taken" has been interpreted in various ways. Some see it as a reference to the rapture, where believers are taken to be with Christ, as described in 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17. Others interpret it as a form of divine judgment, where the one taken is removed for punishment, similar to the separation of the wheat and tares in Matthew 13:30. The idea of being "taken" can also be linked to the suddenness of God's intervention, as seen in the days of Noah (Luke 17:26-27), where people were taken by surprise by the flood.
and the other left.
The phrase "and the other left" suggests a separation or division, which is a common theme in eschatological passages. This separation can be seen as a fulfillment of prophecy, where God distinguishes between the righteous and the unrighteous. It echoes the imagery of the sheep and goats in Matthew 25:31-46, where individuals are separated based on their relationship with Christ. The concept of being "left" can also imply a time of tribulation or testing for those who remain, as seen in the warnings of Jesus about the end times (Matthew 24:21-22).
Persons / Places / Events
1.
Two Men This refers to individuals engaged in their daily work, symbolizing the normalcy of life when the event occurs.
2.
The Field Represents the world or the place of daily labor and routine, indicating that the event will happen in the midst of everyday life.
3.
The Event The sudden and selective taking away of one individual, often interpreted as a reference to the rapture or a divine selection process.
Teaching Points
The Suddenness of God's Timing The event described in
Luke 17:36 emphasizes the unexpected nature of God's intervention in human history. Believers are encouraged to live in a state of readiness, as the timing is unknown.
The Importance of Spiritual Readiness Just as one man is taken and the other left, spiritual preparedness is crucial. This calls for a life of faith, repentance, and obedience to God's Word.
The Personal Nature of Salvation The selective nature of the event highlights that salvation is a personal decision. Each individual must choose to follow Christ, as proximity to believers does not guarantee salvation.
Living with Eternal Perspective Believers are reminded to focus on eternal matters rather than being consumed by the temporal. This perspective influences daily decisions and priorities.
Community and Witness The presence of two individuals in the field suggests the importance of community and witness. Believers are called to share the gospel, knowing that not all will respond, but the message must be proclaimed.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of Luke 17:36?
2. How does Luke 17:36 emphasize readiness for Christ's return in daily life?
3. What does "one will be taken" teach about suddenness of the end times?
4. How does Luke 17:36 connect with Matthew 24:40-41 on end-time separation?
5. How can we prepare spiritually for the events described in Luke 17:36?
6. What role does vigilance play in understanding Luke 17:36's message for believers?
7. Why is Luke 17:36 omitted in some Bible translations?
8. How does Luke 17:36 relate to the concept of the rapture?
9. What historical evidence supports the events described in Luke 17:36?
10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Luke 17?
What Does Luke 17:36 Mean
Setting the SceneJesus is nearing Jerusalem and teaching His disciples about “the days of the Son of Man” (Luke 17:22). He has just pointed to the examples of Noah and Lot—days marked by normal routine suddenly shattered by divine intervention (Luke 17:26-30). This establishes a theme of unexpected separation that frames verse 36, much like the parallel passage in Matthew 24:37-41.
The Verse Itself“Two men will be in the field: one will be taken and the other left.” (Luke 17:36)
The agricultural image highlights everyday life. Nothing looks extraordinary—until it is.
Sudden, Selective Division• Same location, same activity, yet different destinies.
• Echoes Noah’s ark: “They were unaware until the flood came and swept them all away” (Matthew 24:39).
• Mirrors Lot’s escape: “The LORD rained brimstone and fire… but He rescued righteous Lot” (Genesis 19:24-29; 2 Peter 2:7).
• Reinforces Jesus’ warning just one verse earlier: “Whoever seeks to preserve his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life will keep it” (Luke 17:33).
Who Is Taken? Who Is Left?The immediate context favors “taken” as a positive removal—deliverance of the righteous—while the “left” remain for judgment.
• Verses 34-35 describe similar separations at night and at the mill; verse 37 ends the section with carrion and vultures, a picture of judgment on the earth (Revelation 19:17-18).
• 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 speaks of believers “caught up… to meet the Lord in the air,” matching the idea of being taken away from coming wrath (1 Thessalonians 1:10).
• Those left behind correspond to the crowds swept away in Noah’s flood (Luke 17:27) or the citizens of Sodom (Luke 17:29).
Call to Alertness• No advance notice: “The day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night” (1 Thessalonians 5:2).
• Spiritual preparedness, not geographic location, determines destiny (Luke 13:24-27).
• Everyday settings—fields, mills, beds—underscore that Christ’s return pierces ordinary moments.
summaryLuke 17:36 paints a vivid, literal snapshot of the moment Christ intervenes in human history. Two workers stand side by side; one is instantly delivered, the other remains for judgment. The verse reinforces Jesus’ theme of sudden, selective separation patterned after Noah and Lot, encouraging believers to live watchfully and confidently, knowing He will rescue His own while righteous judgment falls on a world unprepared.
Verse 36 is wanting in nearly all the oldest authorities. It was subsequently inserted in this place by copyists from
Matthew 24:40 - a passage in which much of the imagery here used was repeated by the Master. In one important feature this discourse differs from that delivered at Jerusalem a little later, and reported at length by St. Matthew in his twenty-fourth chapter. There is no reference here (in St. Luke) to the siege of Jerusalem; the whole teaching is purely teleological, and deals exclusively with what will take place at the close of this age.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek
Twoδύο (dyo)Adjective - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 1417: Two.will beἔσονται (esontai)Verb - Future Indicative Middle - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 1510: To be, exist.inἐν (en)Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among.theτῷ (tō)Article - Dative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article.field;ἀγρῷ (agrō)Noun - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 68: A field, especially as bearing a crop; the country, lands, property in land, a country estate.theὁ (ho)Article - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article.oneεἷς (heis)Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1520: One.will be taken,παραληφθήσεται (paralēphthēsetai)Verb - Future Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 3880: To take from, receive from, or: to take to, receive (apparently not used of money), admit, acknowledge; to take with me.andκαὶ (kai)Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.theὁ (ho)Article - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article.otherἕτερος (heteros)Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2087: (a) of two: another, a second, (b) other, different, (c) one's neighbor.will be left.ἀφεθήσεται (aphethēsetai)Verb - Future Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 863: (a) to send away, (b) to let go, release, permit to depart, (c) to remit, forgive, (d) to permit, suffer.
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NT Gospels: Luke 17:36 (Luke Lu Lk)