King James Version

What Does Matthew 24:41 Mean?

Matthew 24:41 in the King James Version says “Two women shall be grinding at the mill; the one shall be taken, and the other left.” — study this verse from Matthew chapter 24 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Matthew 24:41 · KJV

Context

39

And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.

40

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

41

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

42

Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.

43

But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up.

Read Matthew 24 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Two women shall be grinding at the mill—The Greek alēthō (ἀλήθω) describes hand-mill grain grinding, daily women's work in first-century households. The one shall be taken, and the other left—identical language to verse 40, reinforcing the pattern. Two women, same work, same location, radically different eternal destinies. External similarity conceals internal reality.

The repetition (two men, two women) emphasizes universality—no occupation, gender, or location exempts anyone from this division. The mill scene pictures life's routines continuing until the moment of Christ's return. These aren't 'end-times tribulation scenarios' but the normal course of life interrupted by the Day of the Lord. The 'taking' remains judicial removal, not blessed escape.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Women ground grain daily using two millstones—hard, monotonous work often done in pairs or groups (Exodus 11:5, Job 31:10). The handmill (mylos, μύλος) was essential household equipment. Jesus again chooses mundane activity to illustrate eternal stakes. In AD 70, two women might be grinding when Roman armies arrived; at the Second Coming, the pattern repeats cosmically.

Reflection Questions

  1. What daily routines tempt you to forget that this could be the day Christ returns?
  2. How can you maintain spiritual vigilance while engaged in necessary but monotonous tasks?
  3. If you were grinding at the mill with someone today, would you know which of you would be 'taken' and which 'left'?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 10 words
δύο1 of 10

“Two”

G1417

"two"

ἀλήθουσαι2 of 10

“women shall be grinding”

G229

to grind

ἐν3 of 10

“at”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

τῷ4 of 10
G3588

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

μύλωνι·5 of 10

“the mill”

G3459

a mill-house

μία6 of 10
G1520

one

παραλαμβάνεται7 of 10

“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

καὶ8 of 10

“and”

G2532

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

μία9 of 10
G1520

one

ἀφίεται10 of 10

“left”

G863

to send forth, in various applications (as follow)

Study Guide

Historical Context

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

Theological Significance

Matthew 24:41 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 Matthew 24:41 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exodus 11:5Luke 17:35Isaiah 47:2

Test Your Knowledge

Matthew 24 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterMatthew Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Matthew 24 with CommentaryAll Matthew ChaptersComplete Matthew QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes