Luke 17:35 – “Two women will be grinding grain together; one will be taken and the other left.”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
In this verse, Jesus describes a scenario where two women are performing a common daily task—grinding grain—when an unexpected separation occurs. One woman is “taken,” while the other is “left.” This sudden separation is a vivid picture of the judgment that will take place when Jesus returns. The point is clear: even in the midst of ordinary life, God’s judgment can arrive without warning.
Just like the example of two people in the same bed from the previous verse (Luke 17:34), this verse emphasizes that salvation and judgment are personal and individual. Even though these two women are side by side, their fates are different because of their personal relationship with God. The one who is “taken” represents the person who is ready, while the one who is “left” represents the person who is unprepared for Jesus’ return.
This verse is a reminder that the return of Christ will not be a distant event unrelated to everyday life. It will interrupt daily activities, separating people based on their faith in Him.
Historical Context
In the first century, grinding grain was a common task performed by women in rural and agricultural communities. They typically used a hand mill or grinding stones, often working together to make the process easier and faster. Jesus’ reference to two women grinding grain would have been familiar to His audience, making the imagery relatable and easy to visualize.
During that time, many people assumed that salvation was based on their association with a religious group or family heritage. However, Jesus’ teaching challenges this assumption by showing that judgment is based on individual faith, not group affiliation. The fact that one woman is taken and the other left highlights the personal nature of salvation. No one can rely on the faith of someone else to be saved.
This verse also reflects the unpredictability of God’s judgment, which is a key theme in Jesus’ teachings. Just as the flood in Noah’s time and the destruction of Sodom came suddenly (Luke 17:26-30), so will the day of the Lord.
Theological Implications
This verse emphasizes that salvation is an individual decision. When Jesus returns, people will be judged based on their own relationship with Him, not their proximity to believers or their participation in religious activities. The separation of the two women grinding grain highlights that even those who share close daily routines or friendships can experience vastly different outcomes based on their faith.
Theologically, this verse also illustrates the suddenness of Christ’s return. There will be no time to prepare once it happens, which is why Jesus warns us to be ready at all times. The separation is final, and those who are not prepared will miss the opportunity for salvation.
This verse also points to the grace of God, who offers salvation to all but requires each person to accept it individually. The separation between the two women is not arbitrary—it’s based on their personal decisions to accept or reject God’s offer of salvation.
Literary Analysis
The simplicity of the imagery in this verse is part of what makes it so powerful. The two women are engaged in an ordinary, mundane task, yet at that very moment, a life-changing event occurs. This sudden contrast between the routine and the extraordinary emphasizes the unexpected nature of Christ’s return.
The repetition of the theme of separation, seen throughout this section of Luke 17, reinforces the seriousness of Jesus’ warning. The fact that this separation occurs during normal activities—sleeping, working, or grinding grain—serves as a reminder that life will seem normal right up until the moment of judgment.
The phrase “one will be taken and the other left” creates a stark and final distinction, leaving no room for negotiation or second chances. It highlights the permanence of the decision each person makes about their faith.
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
- Matthew 24:40-41 – “Two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other left. Two women will be grinding with a hand mill; one will be taken and the other left.”
- Luke 12:39-40 – “But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into. You also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect Him.”
- 1 Thessalonians 5:2-3 – “For you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, ‘Peace and safety,’ destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.”
- 2 Peter 3:9-10 – “The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness. Instead, He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief.”
- Revelation 3:3 – “Remember, therefore, what you have received and heard; hold it fast, and repent. But if you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what time I will come to you.”
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For today’s Christian, this verse is a call to live with spiritual readiness. It’s easy to get caught up in the routines of daily life, just like the two women grinding grain. But Jesus warns that we can’t afford to become complacent. We need to live every day as though He could return at any moment, because when He does, there will be no time to prepare.
This verse also encourages believers to examine their personal relationship with God. Salvation is not about being close to someone who is a believer or attending church regularly—it’s about having a genuine, personal faith in Jesus. Each person must make the decision to follow Him.
Additionally, this verse is a reminder of the importance of sharing the gospel with others. Since salvation is personal, we can’t assume that our family members or friends will be saved just because they are around believers. We have a responsibility to share the truth of the gospel and encourage them to make their own decision to follow Christ.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is shown in the fact that He warns us about the coming judgment and provides a way of salvation through Jesus Christ. The separation described in this verse is not because God desires to leave people behind—it’s the result of individual choices. God’s desire is that all people would come to repentance and be saved (2 Peter 3:9), but He respects our free will.
God’s love is also evident in His patience. He is giving people time to turn to Him and be saved. But His warnings are clear: the time to respond is now, because when Jesus returns, the opportunity for salvation will be over.
This verse also highlights God’s justice. While His love is abundant, He is also a just God who will hold people accountable for their decisions. Those who reject His offer of salvation will face the consequences of that choice.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jesus is at the center of this verse as both the Savior and the Judge. His return will be the moment when the separation between believers and non-believers becomes final. Those who have trusted in Him will be gathered to Him, while those who have rejected Him will be left to face judgment.
The imagery of one being taken and the other left reflects the message of the gospel: salvation is available to all, but only those who accept it will be saved. Jesus’ death and resurrection made salvation possible, and His return will bring the fulfillment of God’s plan.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- Are you living with a sense of spiritual readiness, or have you become too focused on the routines of daily life?
- How can you make sure your faith is personal and not just dependent on being around other believers?
- What does this verse teach you about the urgency of sharing the gospel with others?
- How does understanding God’s justice and mercy shape the way you respond to His warnings?
- What steps can you take this week to strengthen your relationship with God and live in readiness for Jesus’ return?
This verse is a wake-up call to live with purpose, faith, and readiness. The separation between the two women grinding grain shows that salvation is a personal decision, and the time to make that decision is now. By trusting in Jesus and living in obedience, we can be ready for the day when He returns and avoid being left behind.