What does Luke 17:35 mean?

Explanation

The verse Luke 17:35, "Two women shall be grinding together; the one shall be taken, and the other left," comes from a passage in the Gospel of Luke where Jesus is describing the suddenness of the coming of the Kingdom of God.

In a more literal sense, the verse speaks of two women performing a common daily task of the time – grinding grain to make flour. To those hearing this parable in the first century, the imagery would have been familiar and accessible.

The deeper meaning of the verse, however, pertains to the eschatological theme known as the Parousia, the second coming of Christ.

The distinction between the women , one being taken and the other left , signifies the element of judgement and the importance of being prepared for the unexpected moment when Christ returns.

The fate of the two women is indicative of the sudden and decisive nature of God's judgement.

Historical Context

Luke 17:35 is part of a teaching given by Jesus during His ministry, and it echoes the eschatological anticipation that was common among the Jewish people of the time.

Israel was living under Roman occupation, and there was a strong hope for a Messianic deliverance.

These teachings were spoken in a communal setting, where Jesus addressed His disciples and the surrounding crowd.

Grinding grain was a typical daily activity for women in the first century, usually carried out with a hand mill composed of two stones, one on top of the other. This task was a basic part of food preparation and sustenance in Jesus' time.

Theological Insights

Theological interpretations of this verse vary across different Christian denominations.

Pre-millennialists often view this verse as a description of the Rapture, where believers are taken up to meet Christ at His return, while others are left behind.

Post-millennialists might see it as an allegorical message regarding the spiritual preparedness and the coming of God's Kingdom in a more personal and present sense.

Amillennialists might interpret the passage as not referring to a literal event but rather a symbolic representation of the divide between the saved and the unsaved at the final judgement.

Within this framework, the 'taken' and 'left' could also represent the gathering of the faithful and the separation of the unrighteous at the end of the age.

Practical Applications

The practical application of Luke 17:35 encourages individuals to be vigilant and prepared for the unexpected coming of Christ.

It serves as a call to live a life of readiness, with spiritual awareness and accountability.

In everyday terms, this would mean living ethically, upholding Christian values, and being active in one's faith, aware that at any moment one may be called to account.

Cross-References

• Matthew 24:40-41: "Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left.

Two women shall be grinding at the mill; the one shall be taken, and the other left."

• 1 Thessalonians 5:2: "For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night."
• Revelation 16:15: "Behold, I come as a thief.

Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame."

Language Study

In the original Greek, the term translated as "grinding" (ἀλήθουσαι, alēthousai) specifically refers to the action of grinding at a mill.

The term "taken" (παραλαμβάνεται, paralambanetai) can mean “taken aside,” “received,” or “accepted,” implying a selection or gathering for a purpose.

The term "left" (ἀφίεται, aphietai) indicates abandonment or being left behind.

The analysis of these words underscores the purposefulness of Jesus' message. One woman is purposefully selected, while the other is purposefully left behind. This indicates that the coming of the Kingdom will involve a deliberate judgement from God.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

This concept of divine selection can be found in various mythological and religious narratives.

For example, in the Hindu tradition, there are stories of gods visiting earth and choosing individuals for specific tasks or blessings.

In the Norse myths, warriors are selected by the Valkyries to join Odin in Valhalla.

In Jewish apocalyptic literature, which was thriving at the time of Jesus, similar themes of sudden divine intervention and a separating judgment can also be found, like in the Book of Daniel.

Scientific Perspectives

From a modern scientific perspective, the suddenness described in this verse can be metaphorically likened to the unpredictability and rapid onset of natural events or catastrophes, which call for constant readiness and adaptability for survival.

However, as a religious text with supernatural or divine connotations, the scientific community generally does not engage with the verse's claims from a position of empirical analysis.

Commentaries

Different biblical scholars and theologians offer diverse interpretations of this verse.

Some view it as a part of the synoptic "apocalyptic discourse," which is also found in Matthew and Mark, and interpret it through a dispensational lens, seeing a distinction between the Church and Israel in God's salvation plan.

Other commentaries, such as those by John Calvin, may stress the importance of living a life of constant readiness in response to this passage. They point out that Jesus uses a daily activity to illustrate the imminence and normality of the times in which God's final judgement may occur.

In more liberal theological circles, this verse may be seen symbolically, representing the broader message of the Gospels that stresses the need for vigilance, moral integrity, and an emphasis on the spiritual state of the individual in the face of God's coming Kingdom.