Devine Scripture

Matthew 24:40

What does Matthew 24:40 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 24:40 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 24:40 means

Jesus provides a vivid illustration of the definitive separation that will occur at His coming: "Then shall two men be in the field; one is taken, and one is left." This imagery depicts an immediate and irreversible division among people engaged in identical, everyday tasks. The 'taking' implies a removal to glory or judgment, while 'being left' implies the opposite. It emphasizes that proximity or shared activity will not guarantee a shared destiny, underscoring the personal and decisive nature of Christ's judgment.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

Then shall two men be in the field; one is taken, and one is left:

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

Then shall two men be in the field; one is taken, and one is left:

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Then two men will be in the field; one is taken, and one let go;

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

Then two men shall be in the field, the one is received, and the one is left;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Then two shall be in the field. One shall be taken and one shall be left.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Then two shall be in the field, one is taken and one is left;

Context

Building on the theme of unexpectedness and sudden judgment from the Noah analogy, this verse offers a jarring example of immediate separation. It presents a clear, practical illustration of the definitive division that will occur at Christ's coming, further reinforced by a similar example in the next verse, driving home the personal implications of being prepared or unprepared.

v.39and they knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall be the coming of the Son of man.

v.40This passage

v.41two women shall be grinding at the mill; one is taken, and one is left.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • 2 Peter 2:7

    and delivered righteous Lot, sore distressed by the lascivious life of the wicked

  • Luke 17:34

    I say unto you, In that night there shall be two men on one bed; the one shall be taken, and the other shall be left.

  • 2 Peter 2:5

    and spared not the ancient world, but preserved Noah with seven others, a preacher of righteousness, when he brought a flood upon the world of the ungodly;

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