Matthew 24:40
Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left.
Original Language Analysis
τότε
Then
G5119
τότε
Then
Strong's:
G5119
Word #:
1 of 13
the when, i.e., at the time that (of the past or future, also in consecution)
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀγρῷ
the field
G68
ἀγρῷ
the field
Strong's:
G68
Word #:
6 of 13
a field (as a drive for cattle); genitive case, the country; specially, a farm, i.e., hamlet
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
παραλαμβάνεται
shall be taken
G3880
παραλαμβάνεται
shall be taken
Strong's:
G3880
Word #:
9 of 13
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 #:
10 of 13
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Historical Context
First-century agriculture involved field partnerships—plowing, harvesting, shepherding. Jesus uses everyday scenes to illustrate cosmic realities. The 'two in the field' echoes Cain and Abel (Genesis 4), Jacob and Esau, Israel's history of separation between elect and reprobate. The imagery appears in Jewish apocalyptic (4 Ezra, 2 Baruch) describing end-times division.
Questions for Reflection
- How does reading this verse in context (vv.37-39) change the popular 'rapture' interpretation you may have heard?
- What invisible spiritual differences might exist between you and the person working beside you daily?
- How should the reality of sudden, final separation motivate evangelism and personal holiness?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left—This famous verse is widely misinterpreted as describing a 'rapture' of believers, but context demands the opposite. The Greek paralambanō (παραλαμβάνω = taken) and aphiēmi (ἀφίημι = left/released) parallel the flood narrative: who was taken? The wicked in judgment. Who was left? Noah and his family, preserved in the ark.
Two men working together in the field (agrō, ἀγρῷ)—externally identical, internally different. One is taken in sudden judgment (like the flood victims), the other left to enter Christ's kingdom. This isn't about escaping tribulation but about final separation at Christ's return. The 'left behind' are the blessed ones, not those suffering tribulation. Context is king: verses 37-39 establish the pattern.