Luke 17:35
Two women shall be grinding together; the one shall be taken, and the other left.
Original Language Analysis
ἐπὶ
G1909
ἐπὶ
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
4 of 12
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αὐτό
together
G846
αὐτό
together
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
6 of 12
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
παραληφθήσεται,
shall be taken
G3880
παραληφθήσεται,
shall be taken
Strong's:
G3880
Word #:
8 of 12
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 #:
9 of 12
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Historical Context
Hand-grinding grain between millstones was arduous daily work for women in ancient Near Eastern households. Pairs often worked together, singing and talking while grinding. This familiar domestic scene provides Jesus with imagery for sudden eschatological separation—judgment interrupting normal life without warning, discriminating based on invisible spiritual realities.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the ordinariness of these examples (sleeping, grinding) challenge expectations of dramatic pre-judgment warnings?
- What does it mean that judgment comes during normal daily activities—how should this affect present priorities?
- Are you spiritually prepared for Christ's return to interrupt your ordinary day at any moment?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Two women shall be grinding together; the one shall be taken, and the other left (ἔσονται δύο ἀλήθουσαι ἐπὶ τὸ αὐτό, ἡ μία παραλημφθήσεται, ἡ δὲ ἑτέρα ἀφεθήσεται)—Jesus continues the separation imagery. Two women alēthousai epi to auto (grinding at the same place)—engaged in identical daily labor. Again, one taken, one left. The repetition emphasizes that external activity, social position, or religious practice doesn't determine destiny—internal heart condition does.
Grinding grain was daily women's work, often done communally. Jesus uses mundane activity to illustrate eschatological separation. No sphere of life—domestic, agricultural, commercial—escapes divine judgment. The Second Coming interrupts ordinary life, revealing and finalizing hidden spiritual realities.