Luke 17:35
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Luke 17:35
35 Two women shall be grinding together; the one shall be taken, and the other left.
Chapter Context
Luke 17 is a historical gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of fellowship, faith, worship. Written during the late first century CE (c. 80-85 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Written when Christians needed to understand their place in the Roman world.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-37: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it provides essential context for understanding God's covenant relationship with His people. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Luke and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Luke 17:35
35 Two women shall be grinding together; the one shall be taken, and the other left.
Analysis
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.
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.
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?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Matthew 24:41