Two men will be in the field:This phrase sets the scene in an agricultural context, common in first-century Judea. Fields were central to daily life, and working in them was a typical activity. The imagery of two men in the field suggests normalcy and routine, emphasizing the suddenness of the event described. This setting also reflects the agrarian society of Jesus' audience, making the message relatable and immediate. The field can symbolize the world, where people go about their daily lives, unaware of the impending divine intervention.
one will be taken:
The phrase "one will be taken" has been interpreted in various ways. Some see it as a reference to the rapture, where believers are taken to be with Christ. This interpretation aligns with passages like1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, which describe believers being caught up to meet the Lord. Others view it as a form of judgment, where the one taken is removed for punishment, similar to the separation of the wheat and tares inMatthew 13:30. The suddenness of being taken underscores the unexpected nature of Christ's return and the importance of being prepared.
and the other left:
The phrase "the other left" highlights the division that will occur at the time of Christ's return. This separation is reminiscent of the parable of the sheep and goats inMatthew 25:31-46, where individuals are divided based on their relationship with Christ. Being "left" can imply remaining for judgment or continuing in the current world, depending on the interpretation of "taken." This division serves as a warning to be vigilant and faithful, as the criteria for being taken or left are not based on external circumstances but on one's spiritual readiness and relationship with God.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
Two MenRepresents individuals engaged in daily activities, symbolizing humanity's normal life routines.
2.
The FieldA common setting for work in biblical times, symbolizing the world and everyday life.
3.
One TakenIndicates a sudden selection or removal, often interpreted as being taken by God.
4.
The Other LeftRepresents those who remain, possibly facing judgment or tribulation.
5.
Jesus' Discourse on the Mount of OlivesThe context of this verse, where Jesus speaks about the end times and His second coming.
Teaching Points
Readiness for Christ's ReturnBelievers should live in a state of readiness, as the timing of Christ's return is unknown.
The Importance of Faithful LivingDaily life should reflect faith and obedience, as the separation will be based on one's relationship with Christ.
Understanding Divine SelectionGod's choice is sovereign, and believers should trust in His wisdom and justice.
Urgency of EvangelismThe reality of some being left underscores the need for sharing the Gospel with urgency.
Comfort in God's SovereigntyBelievers can find peace in knowing that God is in control of the end times and their ultimate destiny.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Matthew 24:40?
2.How does Matthew 24:40 illustrate the suddenness of Christ's return?
3.What does "one will be taken" signify about readiness for Jesus' coming?
4.How can we prepare for the events described in Matthew 24:40?
5.What Old Testament events parallel the separation in Matthew 24:40?
6.How should Matthew 24:40 influence our daily walk with Christ?
7.What does Matthew 24:40 mean about the end times and the rapture?
8.How should Matthew 24:40 influence our understanding of being prepared for Christ's return?
9.Does Matthew 24:40 suggest a literal or metaphorical interpretation of the rapture?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Matthew 24?
11.Why were certain verses removed from the NIV Bible?
12.What are the key events in Jesus' life timeline?
13.How does the “one taken, one left” description (Luke 17:34–35) reconcile with other New Testament passages depicting the end times differently?
14.Was baby Jesus' life threatened in Jerusalem, prompting Joseph to flee to Egypt (Matthew 2:13-23), or did the family calmly present him at the temple and return to Galilee (Luke 2:21-40)?What Does Matthew 24:40 Mean
Two men will be in the field“Two men will be in the field…” (Matthew 24:40)
• Jesus has just compared His return to “the days of Noah” (Matthew 24:37-39). People will be going about ordinary tasks—planting, harvesting, working side-by-side—unaware the climactic moment is upon them.
• The field setting underlines everyday life, echoingRuth 2:3 andPsalm 104:23, where daily labor is normal and good. Christ’s coming interrupts normality, just as the flood interrupted Noah’s generation.
• Cross references:Luke 17:26-30 places the same illustration alongside Lot’s day in Sodom, reinforcing that judgment and deliverance arrive amid routine.
One will be taken“…one will be taken…” (Matthew 24:40)
• Taken indicates a sudden, decisive removal. In1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 the Lord “will descend… and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them.” This catching up parallels the taking Jesus describes.
•John 14:3 promises, “I will come again and take you to Myself,” highlighting a personal gathering of believers.
• As Noah was lifted above judgment in the ark (Genesis 7:17, 23), so believers are lifted out when Christ appears.
The other left“…and the other left.” (Matthew 24:40)
• Left behind implies remaining for the judgment that follows Christ’s revelation.Matthew 24:51 speaks of the unfaithful servant being “assigned a place with the hypocrites.”
•Revelation 6:15-17 portrays those left on earth crying for mountains to fall on them to escape the Lamb’s wrath.
•Luke 17:35-36 repeats the picture with two women grinding grain and two men in a field, underscoring that outward association or proximity to believers does not guarantee deliverance. Personal faith in Christ is the dividing line.
summaryMatthew 24:40 paints a vivid, literal snapshot of Christ’s future coming: ordinary life proceeds, then in an instant Jesus separates people. One is taken—gathered to Him in safety; the other is left—to face ensuing judgment. The verse calls every listener to be certain of personal readiness, living faithfully while daily routines continue, because the moment of separation will arrive without warning.
(40)
The one shall be taken.--Literally, the present tense being used to express the certainty of the future,
one is taken, and one is left. The form of the expression is somewhat obscure, and leaves it uncertain which of the two alternatives is the portion of the chosen ones. Is the man who is "taken" received into fellowship with Christ, while the other is abandoned? or is he carried away as by the storm of judgment, while the other is set free? On the whole, the use of the Greek word in other passages (as,
e.g., in
Matthew 1:20;
Matthew 1:24;
Matthew 12:45;
John 1:11;
John 14:3) is in favour of the former interpretation. What is taught in any case is that the day of judgment will be, as by an inevitable law, a day of separation, according to the diversity of character which may exist in the midst of the closest fellowship in outward life.
Verse 40. - The Lord gives two examples of the suddenness of his advent, and its effect in private life.
Shall two be in the field. They shall be working together at their ordinary agricultural occupations, with nothing outwardly to distinguish one from the other, good and bad being mingled together.
The one shall be taken (
παραλαμβανεταιis taken, the present implying certainty),
and the other left (
ἀφίεται,
is deft). Christ speaks as though he saw the scene before him. The "taking" implies separation from companions, as
Matthew 17:1;
Matthew 18:16, etc. This is the work of the angels (ver. 31). There is some doubt as to the destiny of the two classes named. Are the good "taken" and the evil "left"? or are the evil "taken" and the good "left"? Some suppose that the terms allude to the sudden approach of a hostile army by which some are taken prisioners and others allowed to escape; or, since in the parable the tares are first gathered for the burning, those taken must be the wicked, those left are for storing in the everlasting garner. On the other hand, many commentators understand the verbs in a sense opposite to that mentioned above. As (ver. 31) the angels are sent forth to gather the elect, the "taken" are of this class, who are caught away to meet the Lord and his saints (
1 Thessalonians 4:17;
John 14:3), while the others are left for judgment and reprobation (
2 Thessalonians 1:7-9). Bengel, continuing the reference to the Flood, writes, "
Assumitur in tutelam (ver. 31), ut Noachus cum domo sua;
sinitur in periculis, quicquid obveniat, ut homines in diluvio." The latter interpretation of the two seems to be the correct one. At any rate, it is plain that the nicest discrimination is exercised, and that among men and women, in all conditions of life, a final severance shall then be made, which shall apportion their lot in the other world.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek
Two [men]δύο(dyo)Adjective - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 1417:Two. A primary numeral; 'two'.will beἔσονται(esontai)Verb - Future Indicative Middle - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 1510:I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.inἐν(en)Preposition
Strong's 1722:In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.theτῷ(tō)Article - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.field:ἀγρῷ(agrō)Noun - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 68:From ago; a field; genitive case, the country; specially, a farm, i.e. Hamlet.oneεἷς(heis)Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1520:One. (including the neuter Hen); a primary numeral; one.will be takenπαραλαμβάνεται(paralambanetai)Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 3880:From para and lambano; to receive near, i.e. Associate with oneself; by analogy, to assume an office; figuratively, to learn.andκαὶ(kai)Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.[the other]εἷς(heis)Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1520:One. (including the neuter Hen); a primary numeral; one.left.ἀφίεται(aphietai)Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 863:From apo and hiemi; to send forth, in various applications.
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NT Gospels: Matthew 24:40 Then two men will be (Matt. Mat Mt) 
