Two men shall be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left.

LUKE 17:36KJV
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Luke 17:36 (KJV)

What does Luke 17:36 mean?

Luke 17:36 describes a moment when two people are working together in a field, but only one is taken away while the other is left behind. This verse highlights a sudden separation between individuals who are otherwise side by side in daily life.

In this scene, Jesus is speaking to His disciples about future events and the unexpected nature of what is coming. The image of two men in the field shows how this separation can happen in the midst of ordinary activities, emphasizing that it is not based on outward circumstances but something deeper.

The Greek behind Luke 17:36

  • "παραλαμβάνεται" (paralambanetai, "taken"): This Greek word often means to take to oneself or to receive. Here, it suggests being taken or gathered, which can imply a sudden removal or selection.
  • "ἀφίεται" (aphietai, "left"): This word means to leave behind or let go. The contrast with "taken" underlines the sharp division Jesus is describing—one is actively taken, the other is simply left where he is.

Why Luke 17:36 matters

  • Luke 17:36 makes clear that the separation Jesus describes is not based on visible differences; two people doing the same work can have very different outcomes.
  • This verse fits into a larger teaching where Jesus warns His listeners to be ready, since the timing and manner of these events are unpredictable.
  • The detail of "the field" roots the teaching in everyday life, showing that these spiritual realities touch ordinary moments, not just religious settings.

Where else these words appear

“field” Greek G68 · used in 34 verses

  • Matthew 6:28 And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin:
  • Matthew 24:40 Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left.
  • Mark 16:12 After that he appeared in another form unto two of them, as they walked, and went into the country.

“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.

“other” Greek G2087 · used in 94 verses

  • Matthew 6:24 No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.
  • Luke 18:10 Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican.
  • Romans 8:39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

“Two” Greek G1417 · used in 124 verses

  • Matthew 4:18 And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers.
  • Mark 9:45 And if thy foot offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter halt into life, than having two feet to be cast into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched:
  • John 6:9 There is a lad here, which hath five barley loaves, and two small fishes: but what are they among so many?