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 17:34KJV
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Luke 17:34 (KJV)

What does Luke 17:34 mean?

Luke 17:34 describes a moment of sudden separation, where two people sharing the same bed will experience different outcomes: one will be taken, and the other left behind. This verse highlights the unexpected and selective nature of a future event Jesus is describing, where not everyone will share the same fate even in close proximity.

In this scene, Jesus is speaking to His disciples about the coming of the "Son of Man" and the suddenness of that day. The verse uses a common, everyday setting—two people in one bed—to show that the event will cut across ordinary life and close relationships. The focus is on how this coming event will divide people, regardless of their closeness or daily routines.

The Greek behind Luke 17:34

  • "taken" (παραλαμβάνεται, paralambanetai): This word means to take or receive alongside. In this context, it often suggests being taken away for a particular purpose, which adds to the sense of sudden selection or removal.
  • "left" (ἀφίεται, aphietai): This word means to leave behind or abandon. The contrast with "taken" emphasizes that the separation is deliberate and meaningful, not random.

Why Luke 17:34 matters

  • Luke 17:34 clears up the idea that being close to someone physically or relationally guarantees sharing the same outcome in spiritual matters; Jesus shows that each person's fate can differ, even in the closest settings.
  • The verse emphasizes the suddenness and unpredictability of the coming event, urging readers to be aware that it can happen at any time, without warning.
  • Luke 17:34 connects to the wider passage where Jesus warns about the days of Noah and Lot, reinforcing the theme that judgment or deliverance can come unexpectedly and divide people in the midst of ordinary life.

Where else these words appear

“bed” Greek G2825 · used in 10 verses

  • Matthew 9:2 And, behold, they brought to him a man sick of the palsy, lying on a bed: and Jesus seeing their faith said unto the sick of the palsy; Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee.
  • Mark 7:4 And when they come from the market, except they wash, they eat not. And many other things there be, which they have received to hold, as the washing of cups, and pots, brasen vessels, and of tables.
  • Luke 8:16 No man, when he hath lighted a candle, covereth it with a vessel, or putteth it under a bed; but setteth it on a candlestick, that they which enter in may see the light.

“taken” Greek G3880 · used in 50 verses

  • Matthew 1:20 But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.
  • Mark 4:36 And when they had sent away the multitude, they took him even as he was in the ship. And there were also with him other little ships.
  • Acts 16:33 And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway.

“night” Greek G3571 · used in 62 verses

  • Matthew 2:14 When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt:
  • John 3:2 The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.
  • Acts 27:23 For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve,

“one” Greek G3391 · used in 70 verses

  • Matthew 5:18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.
  • Luke 14:18 And they all with one consent began to make excuse. The first said unto him, I have bought a piece of ground, and I must needs go and see it: I pray thee have me excused.
  • Ephesians 4:4 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;