What does Luke 17:35 mean?
"Two women shall be grinding together; the one shall be taken, and the other left." - Luke 17:35

Luke 17:35 in the King James Version reads, "Two women shall be grinding together; the one shall be taken, and the other left." This verse comes from a passage in the Gospel of Luke in which Jesus is teaching his disciples about the coming of the Kingdom of God. He uses a series of parables and analogies to illustrate the nature of this event and the importance of being prepared for it.
The context of this verse is important to understand its meaning. In the previous verses, Jesus compares the coming of the Kingdom to the time of Noah and the time of Lot, when people were going about their daily lives, seemingly unaware of the impending judgment. Just as in those times, Jesus warns that when the Kingdom of God comes, it will be swift and unexpected, catching people off guard. In this specific verse, Jesus uses the image of two women grinding together to illustrate this point.
In the time of Jesus, grinding grain was a common household chore typically done by women. It was a daily, routine task that required concentration and diligence. The image of two women grinding together represents the mundane, everyday activities that people are engaged in when the Kingdom of God suddenly arrives.
The phrase "the one shall be taken, and the other left" alludes to the separation of the righteous and the unrighteous at the coming of the Kingdom. This is a recurring theme in the teachings of Jesus, as he often speaks of the division between those who are faithful and those who are not. The idea of being "taken" or "left" implies a judgment or a sorting, in which some will be taken into the Kingdom while others will be left behind.
This passage, like many others in the Bible, can be interpreted in different ways, and its meaning has been the subject of much debate among scholars and theologians. One common interpretation is that this verse serves as a warning to be spiritually prepared for the coming of the Kingdom of God. It emphasizes the importance of living in a state of readiness, remaining faithful, and vigilant in one's relationship with God.
The verse also speaks to the uncertainty of the future and the importance of being morally and spiritually prepared for the unexpected. It's a call to examine one's own life and choices, to ensure that one is aligned with God's will.
In addition to its moral and spiritual significance, this verse also holds symbolic and allegorical meanings. The act of grinding together may symbolize the intermingled lives of the righteous and the unrighteous, who may appear to be the same in their daily activities but will ultimately be separated and judged differently.
The imagery of the two women grinding together may also represent the dual nature of humanity. People are often engaged in the same activities, yet they differ greatly in their spiritual readiness and moral standing. The sudden separation of the two women in the verse serves as a stark reminder of the ultimate division that will occur at the coming of the Kingdom.
Overall, Luke 17:35 is a thought-provoking and challenging passage that prompts reflection on the themes of judgment, readiness, and the unexpected nature of the divine. It serves as a reminder to live with intention, to be spiritually prepared, and to remain faithful in anticipation of the coming Kingdom of God.
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Luke 17:35 Artwork
Luke 17:35 - "Two women shall be grinding together; the one shall be taken, and the other left."
Luke 17:35 Two women will be grinding grain together; one will be taken and the other left.
"Two women shall be grinding together; the one shall be taken, and the other left." - Luke 17:35
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luke 9:35
Luke 24:35
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1 Samuel 17:34-35
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Luke 3:35 - "Which was the son of Saruch, which was the son of Ragau, which was the son of Phalec, which was the son of Heber, which was the son of Sala,"
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Luke 14:35 - "It is neither fit for the land, nor yet for the dunghill; but men cast it out. He that hath ears to hear, let him hear."