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

MATTHEW 24:40KJV
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Matthew 24:40 (KJV)

What does Matthew 24:40 mean?

Matthew 24:40 describes a moment when two people working together in a field will be separated—one will be taken, and the other left behind. This verse highlights a sudden and unexpected division between individuals who are side by side in everyday life.

In this passage, Jesus is speaking to His disciples about future events, warning them about the suddenness of His coming and the need to be watchful. The verse uses the example of two people in the same situation to show that the separation will not depend on outward circumstances but on something deeper that only God knows.

The Greek behind Matthew 24:40

  • λαμβάνω (paralambanō, "taken"): The Greek word here means to take or receive alongside. In this context, it often carries the sense of someone being taken away, which adds to the idea of a sudden removal from a shared situation.
  • ἀφίημι (aphiēmi, "left"): This word means to leave or let go. It emphasizes that the other person remains behind, further highlighting the unexpected and selective nature of the event.

Why Matthew 24:40 matters

  • Matthew 24:40 clears up the idea that people’s outward situations or relationships do not determine their fate in moments of judgment or change; it is something internal and unseen.
  • The verse emphasizes the suddenness and unpredictability of the event Jesus is describing, urging readers to be prepared at all times.
  • This verse connects to the wider context of Matthew 24, where Jesus teaches about being ready for His return, using everyday examples to make the warning personal and relatable.

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 27:7 And they took counsel, and bought with them the potter's field, to bury strangers in.
  • Luke 8:34 When they that fed them saw what was done, they fled, and went and told it in the city and in 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 5:40 And they laughed him to scorn. But when he had put them all out, he taketh the father and the mother of the damsel, and them that were with him, and entereth in where the damsel was lying.
  • 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.

“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 9:47 And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out: it is better for thee to enter into the kingdom of God with one eye, than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire:
  • John 6:9 There is a lad here, which hath five barley loaves, and two small fishes: but what are they among so many?

“left” Greek G863 · used in 133 verses

  • Matthew 3:15 And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him.
  • Mark 2:7 Why doth this man thus speak blasphemies? who can forgive sins but God only?
  • Luke 11:42 But woe unto you, Pharisees! for ye tithe mint and rue and all manner of herbs, and pass over judgment and the love of God: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.