King James Version

What Does Luke 17:35 Mean?

Luke 17:35 in the King James Version says “Two women shall be grinding together ; the one shall be taken, and the other left.” — study this verse from Luke chapter 17 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Two women shall be grinding together ; the one shall be taken, and the other left.”

Luke 17:35 · KJV

Context

33

Whosoever shall seek to save his life shall lose it; and whosoever shall lose his life shall preserve it.

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.

35

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

36

Two men shall be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left. this verse is not found in most of the Greek copies

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.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Two women shall be grinding together; the one shall be taken, and the other left (ἔσονται δύο ἀλήθουσαι ἐπὶ τὸ αὐτό, ἡ μία παραλημφθήσεται, ἡ δὲ ἑτέρα ἀφεθήσεται)—Jesus continues the separation imagery. Two women alēthousai epi to auto (grinding at the same place)—engaged in identical daily labor. Again, one taken, one left. The repetition emphasizes that external activity, social position, or religious practice doesn't determine destiny—internal heart condition does.

Grinding grain was daily women's work, often done communally. Jesus uses mundane activity to illustrate eschatological separation. No sphere of life—domestic, agricultural, commercial—escapes divine judgment. The Second Coming interrupts ordinary life, revealing and finalizing hidden spiritual realities.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Hand-grinding grain between millstones was arduous daily work for women in ancient Near Eastern households. Pairs often worked together, singing and talking while grinding. This familiar domestic scene provides Jesus with imagery for sudden eschatological separation—judgment interrupting normal life without warning, discriminating based on invisible spiritual realities.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the ordinariness of these examples (sleeping, grinding) challenge expectations of dramatic pre-judgment warnings?
  2. What does it mean that judgment comes during normal daily activities—how should this affect present priorities?
  3. Are you spiritually prepared for Christ's return to interrupt your ordinary day at any moment?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 12 words
δύο1 of 12

“Two”

G1417

"two"

ἔσονται2 of 12

“women shall be”

G2071

will be

ἀλήθουσαι3 of 12

“grinding”

G229

to grind

ἐπὶ4 of 12
G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

τὸ5 of 12
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

αὐτό6 of 12

“together”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

μία7 of 12
G1520

one

παραληφθήσεται,8 of 12

“shall be taken”

G3880

to receive near, i.e., associate with oneself (in any familiar or intimate act or relation); by analogy, to assume an office; figuratively, to learn

καὶ9 of 12

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἡ10 of 12
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἑτέρα11 of 12

“the other”

G2087

(an-, the) other or different

ἀφεθήσεται12 of 12

“left”

G863

to send forth, in various applications (as follow)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Luke. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Luke 17:35 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Luke 17:35 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 24:41Exodus 11:5Judges 16:21

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