Luke 17:34
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.
Original Language Analysis
λέγω
I tell
G3004
λέγω
I tell
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
1 of 17
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
ταύτῃ
G3778
ταύτῃ
Strong's:
G3778
Word #:
3 of 17
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐπὶ
men in
G1909
ἐπὶ
men in
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
8 of 17
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
παραληφθήσεται,
shall be taken
G3880
παραληφθήσεται,
shall be taken
Strong's:
G3880
Word #:
13 of 17
to receive near, i.e., associate with oneself (in any familiar or intimate act or relation); by analogy, to assume an office; figuratively, to learn
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
14 of 17
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Historical Context
The pairing of two in one bed reflects ancient sleeping arrangements—families often shared sleeping spaces. Jesus's point: physical proximity doesn't guarantee spiritual unity. Two people in identical external circumstances face opposite eternal destinies based on their response to Christ. The Second Coming will expose and finalize this division.
Questions for Reflection
- What does this passage teach about the suddenness and finality of Christ's return—are you prepared?
- How does knowing that 'two in one bed' face opposite judgments challenge cultural or nominal Christianity?
- In what relationships are you closest to people who may face opposite eternal destinies—how does this affect your witness?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
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 (λέγω ὑμῖν, ταύτῃ τῇ νυκτὶ ἔσονται δύο ἐπὶ κλίνης μιᾶς, ὁ εἷς παραλημφθήσεται καὶ ὁ ἕτερος ἀφεθήσεται)—Jesus describes the Second Coming's sudden discrimination. En tautē tē nukti (in that night) emphasizes unexpectedness. Two in klinē (bed)—one paralēmphthēsetai (taken) and the other aphethēsetai (left). The passive verbs indicate divine agency—God makes the separation.
Context suggests 'taken' may mean taken in judgment (like Noah's flood taking the wicked), not rapture. The previous verses (vv.26-30) parallel Noah and Lot—in both cases, the wicked were 'taken' in judgment while the righteous were 'left' or delivered. Jesus emphasizes sudden separation based on internal spiritual state, not external circumstances.