Matthew 24:40-42 - One is taken one is left (1st century historical understanding & imminence?)
Matthew 24:40-42 (1st century historical fulfillment?)
Matthew 24:37-39 - Just as the days of Noah & the flood (1st century historical fulfillment?):
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Matthew 24:37-39 & Luke 17:28-29 - Just as the days of Lot & Sodom it rained fire (1st century historical fulfillment?):
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Matthew 24:40-42
Matthew 24:43-44 - Coming like a thief (1st century historical fulfillment?):
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Matthew 24:40: "At-that-time there-will-be two (men) in the field — one is-taken, and one is-left;"
Matthew 24:41: "two (women) grinding at the mill — one is-taken, and one is-left."
Matthew 24:42: "Therefore keep-watching, because you-do not know (on) which day your Lord is-coming."
Summary
Jesus said in Matthew 24:40: "At-that-time there-will-be two (men) in the field — one is-taken, and one is-left". Jesus then added, addressing His 1st century disciples: "THEREFORE KEEP-WATCHING, because YOU-do not know (on) which day your Lord is-coming." Jesus here commanded specifically His 1st century disciples to "THEREFORE KEEP-WATCHING" (Matthew 24:42) because "YOU-do not know (on) which day your Lord is-coming" (Matthew 24:42).
Matthew 24:40 may have a similar account recorded in Luke 17. Through the use of that account in Luke 17, it may be suggested that "the field" (Matthew 24:40) that Jesus mentioned there could have been near Jerusalem specifically. Furthermore, Jesus indicated in Luke 17 that this event would happen "(ON) THIS NIGHT" (Luke 17:34). Still in Luke 17, only 2 verses earlier, the story of "Lot" (Luke 17:32) was also mentioned, and especially the time when Lot departed from Sodom. The story of Lot may help to shed light on the meaning of the passage in Luke 17:34 and so by extension the meaning of Matthew 24:40.
When reading the account of Lot in Genesis 19, we learn that the LORD sent out "ANGELS" (Genesis 19:1) to rescue Lot in the "NIGHT" (Genesis 19:5) as Lot was "SURROUNDED" (Genesis 19:4) by people, which led Lot to "take" (Genesis 19:15) his wife and children, and the angels grasped them to flee "TO THE MOUNTAIN" (Genesis 19:17) before the city of Sodom would be destroyed.
This story may be similar to events listed in Matthew 24 and Luke 17, in which the Lord Jesus is said to send out "ANGELS" (Matthew 24:31), as there is also an event happening "(ON) THIS NIGHT" (Luke 17:34), and there is "Jerusalem being-surrounded" (Luke 21:20, parallel to Matthew 24:15) by people, and one "WILL-BE-TAKEN" (Luke 17:34) and when Jerusalem is surrounded they would need to "flee to the MOUNTAINS" (Matthew 24:16) before the city of Jerusalem would be destroyed.
In the 1st century, around AD 66 near the start of the Jewish-Roman War which led to the destruction of Jerusalem around AD 70, events were recorded by historians in which ANGELS were seen in the sky on a NIGHT, and Jerusalem was reported to have been SURROUNDED by Roman armies, and reports were made of disciples fleeing the city as an ANGEL of God prompted specifically the disciples to flee while leaving others before the city ended up being destroyed around AD 70.
You can find below evidences for that.
1st century audience?
Jesus said in Matthew 24:40-42: "At-that-time there-will-be two (men) in the field — one is-taken, and one is-left; two (women) grinding at the mill — one is-taken, and one is-left. THEREFORE KEEP-WATCHING, because YOU-do not know (on) which day your Lord is-coming.".
Jesus here commanded His 1st century disciples to "THEREFORE KEEP-WATCHING" (Matthew 24:42) because "YOU-do not know (on) which day your Lord is-coming" (Matthew 24:42).
Jesus addressed here His 1st century disciples, as 39 verses earlier "the disciples came to Him privately, saying, “Tell us" (Matthew 24:3) and "having-responded, Jesus said (to) them" (Matthew 24:4) these things.
1st century audience from using Luke 17?
Jesus said in Matthew 24:40-41: "At-that-time there-will-be two (men) in the field — one is-taken, and one is-left; two (women) grinding at the mill — one is-taken, and one is-left".
Matthew 24 contains similar passages as several passages found in Luke 17.
Here is an illustration of similarities between Matthew 24 and Luke 17 (their connections are represented with lines) (click to expand):
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A similar account to Matthew 24:37-39 found in Luke 17 reads:
Luke 17:34: "I-say (to) you, (on) this night there-will-be two (people) on one bed — the one will-be-taken, and the other will-be-left."
Luke 17:35: "There-will-be two (women) grinding at the same (place) — the one will-be-taken, and the other will-be-left."
2 verses later, Jesus was asked: "“Where, Lord?” And the (One) said (to) them, “Where the body (is), there also the eagles will-be-gathered-together”." (Luke 17:37).
This verse in Luke 17:37 is similar to Matthew 24:28 which reads: "Wherever the corpse may-be, there the eagles will-be-gathered".
This is significant because Jesus then addressed in Matthew His 1st century disciples in Matthew 24:33-34 by saying: "So also YOU — when YOU-see all these (things), YOU know that it-is near, at (the) doors. Truly I-say (to) YOU that this generation by-no-means will-pass-away until all these (things) take-place" (Matthew 24:33-34).
Here is an illustration of the connections described above (click to expand):
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Local event around Jerusalem?
Jesus said in Matthew 24:40-41: "At-that-time there-will-be two (men) IN the FIELD — one is-taken, and one is-left; two (women) grinding at the mill — one is-taken, and one is-left".
A similar account to Matthew 24:40-41 in Luke reads:
Luke 17:34-35: "(on) this night there-will-be two (people) on one bed — the one will-be-taken, and the other will-be-left. There-will-be two (women) grinding at the same (place) — the one will-be-taken, and the other will-be-left."
Only 3 verses earlier in Luke 17:31, Jesus said: "let (he) who will-be on the housetop and his goods in the house not go-down to-take them. And let the (one) IN (a) FIELD likewise not turn-back to the (things) behind". This may be referring to the same event. This passage is similar to what Jesus said in Matthew 24:17-18: "let the (one) upon the housetop not go-down to-take the (things) out-of his house. And let the (one) IN the FIELD not turn behind to-take his cloak".
It may be possible to know where that FIELD would be in that context, as in the parallel account to Matthew 24:17-18 in Luke 21, Jesus said: "let the (ones) in (the) midst (of) HER be-going-out. And let the (ones) IN the FIELDS not be-entering into HER" (Luke 21:21).
By the pronoun "HER" (Luke 21:21), Jesus would have referred to JERUSALEM which He mentioned in the previous verse in Luke 21:20, saying: "when you-see JERUSALEM being-surrounded by army-encampments, then recognize that HER desolation has-drawn-near. At-that-time let the (ones) in Judea be-fleeing to the mountains. And let the (ones) in (the) midst (of) HER be-going-out. And let the (ones) in the fields not be-entering into HER" (Luke 21:20-21).
Both the Greek noun for "JERUSALEM" (Luke 21:20) and the Greek pronoun for "HER" (Luke 21:20-21) are in the feminine gender and in the singular.
So there "FIELD" that one would be "IN" could be found just outside of JERUSALEM (not inside). If so, one would thus need to have access to that field there at that time to be "IN" it.
Here is an illustration of the connections described above (click to expand):
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Event happening on the night?
Jesus said in Matthew 24:40-41: "At-that-time there-will-be two (men) in the FIELD— one is-taken, and one is-left; two (women) grinding at the mill — one is-taken, and one is-left".
A similar account to Matthew 24:40-41 in Luke reads:
Luke 17:34-35: "(ON) THIS NIGHT there-will-be two (people) on one bed — the one will-be-taken, and the other will-be-left. There-will-be two (women) grinding at the same (place) — the one will-be-taken, and the other will-be-left."
So here Luke indicates that this event would happen "(ON) THIS NIGHT" (Luke 17:34).
In Luke, it is recorded that it was possible for people in the 1st century in "Judea" (Luke 2:4) not far from Jerusalem "in the same region" (Luke 2:8) as "Bethlehem" (Luke 2:4) to be in the FIELDS during the NIGHT, as it is for example written: "Joseph also went-up from Galilee, out-of (the) city (of) Nazareth, to Judea, to (the) city (of) David, which is-called Bethlehem" (Luke 2:4) and "shepherds were in the same region, LIVING-IN-THE-FIELDS and watching over their flock (for) watches (of) the NIGHT" (Luke 2:8).
The Greek word for "LIVING-IN-THE-FIELDS" [agrauleо́ 63 in Greek, verb] used in Luke 2:8 comes in part from the Greek word for "FIELD" [agros 68 in Greek, noun] used in Matthew 24:40.
"Is-taken"?
Jesus said in Matthew 24:40-41: "At-that-time there-will-be two (men) in the field — one IS-TAKEN, and one is-left; two (women) grinding at the mill — one IS-TAKEN, and one is-left".
The Greek word for "IS-TAKEN" [paralambanо́ 3880 in Greek, verb] used in Matthew 24:40-41 may be in the passive voice. If so, this would mean that the subject is the recipient of the action. One here is not TAKING himself but "IS-TAKEN" (Matthew 24:40-41) by another.
The Greek word for "IS-TAKEN" [paralambanо́ 3880 in Greek, verb] used in Matthew 24:40-41 is not related etymologically to the Greek word that may be translated as "took-away" [airо́ 142 in Greek, verb] used in the previous verse in which it is written "the flood came and took-away [airо́ 142 in Greek] everyone" (Matthew 24:39).
The Greek word for "IS-TAKEN" [paralambanо́ 3880 in Greek, verb] used in Matthew 24:40-41 comes from "with" [para 3844 in Greek, preposition] and "to-take" [lambanó 2983 in Greek, verb].
The Greek word for "took-away" [airо́ 142 in Greek, verb] used in Matthew 24:39 is a primary root.
The two Greek words [paralambanо́ & airо́] are different etymologically.
It is thus not obvious etymologically to make a link between them.
Examples of how "is-taken" and "is-left" can be used
Jesus said in Matthew 24:40-41: "At-that-time there-will-be two (men) in the field — one IS-TAKEN, and one IS-LEFT; two (women) grinding at the mill — one IS-TAKEN, and one IS-LEFT".
The Greek word for "IS-TAKEN" used in Matthew 24:40-41 can be used to mean that one "IS-TAKEN" by a person to go to a different place, and it is possible in contrast that one "IS-LEFT" somewhere without going with that person.
The same Greek word for "IS-TAKEN" used in Matthew 24:40-41 is for example used in the following passages in Matthew:
"the (one), having-arisen, TOOK the Child and His mother (by) night and withdrew into Egypt" (Matthew 2:14).
"Jesus TAKES Peter and James and John his brother, and brings them up on (a) high mountain" (Matthew 17:1).
The same Greek word for "IS-LEFT" used in Matthew 24:40-41 is for example used in the following passages in Matthew:
"Then, HAVING-LEFT the crowds, He-went into the house" (Matthew 13:36).
"HAVING-LEFT them again, having-gone-away, He-prayed for (a) third (time)" (Matthew 26:44).
Connection between Matthew 24:40-41 and Luke 17:29-35?
Jesus said in Matthew 24:40-41: "At-that-time there-will-be two (men) in the field — one IS-TAKEN, and one is-left; two (women) grinding at the mill — one IS-TAKEN, and one is-left".
A similar account to Matthew 24:40-41 in Luke reads:
Luke 17:34-35: "(ON) THIS NIGHT there-will-be two (people) on one bed — the one WILL-BE-TAKEN, and the other will-be-left. There-will-be two (women) grinding at the same (place) — the one WILL-BE-TAKEN, and the other will-be-left."
The context before that passage in Luke was referring to the story of Lot, and how Lot departed from the city of Sodom before its destruction:
Luke 17:29-32: "But (on) that day Lot departed from Sodom, it-rained fire and sulphur from heaven and destroyed everyone. It-will-be the same (way on) that day the Son (of) Man is-revealed. On that day, let (he) who will-be on the housetop and his goods in the house not go-down to-take them. And let the (one) in (a) field likewise not turn-back to the (things) behind. Remember Lot’s wife."
This is when Luke continued 2 verses later by writing: "(ON) THIS NIGHT there-will-be two (people) on one bed — the one WILL-BE-TAKEN, and the other will-be-left. There-will-be two (women) grinding at the same (place) — the one WILL-BE-TAKEN, and the other will-be-left."
Similarities with the story of Lot before the destruction of Sodom and Matthew 24 & Luke 17:29-35?
When reading the story of Lot in Genesis 19, there are actually several similarities with Matthew 24 & Luke 17:29-35.
The same Greek words that are used in the various passages will be CAPITALIZED.
Angels sent
In Genesis 19, it is written about the LORD that He sent "ANGELS" (Genesis 19:1) to Sodom as these ANGELS later say: "the LORD HAS-SENT us OUT" (Genesis 19:13).
In Matthew 24 it is written about the Son of Man that "HE-WILL-SEND-OUT His ANGELS" (Matthew 24:31).
Near the entrance of the city?
In Genesis 19 it is then written that "Lot sat by the gate of Sodom" (Genesis 19:1). This may have been near the entrance of Sodom.
In Matthew 24 it is written that "there-will-be two (men) in the field" (Matthew 24:40). This may have been near the entrance of Jerusalem.
Surrounded by enemies
In Genesis 19 it is then written that as the angels went with Lot to his house "Before they fell sleep, and the men of the city, the Sodomites, SURROUNDED the house" (Genesis 19:4).
The same Greek word for "SURROUNDED" used in Genesis 19:4 is actually only used 1 time in the entire New Testament, only in Luke 19:43.
In Luke 19:43 it is written: "days will-come upon you — and your enemies will-throw-up (a) palisade (against) you, and SURROUND you, and confine you from-all-sides".
This passage could be similar to what Jesus said in Luke 21 (which is a parallel account to Matthew 24): "when you-see Jerusalem being-surrounded by army-encampments, then recognize that her desolation has-drawn-near. At-that-time let the (ones) in Judea be-fleeing to the mountains. And let the (ones) in (the) midst (of) her be-going-out. And let the (ones) in the fields not be-entering into her" (Luke 21:20-21).
This night
In Genesis 19 it is then written: "And they called out Lot, and said to him, “Where are the men, the ones going in to you THIS NIGHT?" (Genesis 19:5).
In Luke 17 it is written: "(on) THIS NIGHT there-will-be two (people) on one bed — the one will-be-taken, and the other will-be-left. There-will-be two (women) grinding at the same (place) — the one will-be-taken, and the other will-be-left." (Luke 17:34-35).
Taken?
In Genesis 19 it is then written: "when it became daybreak, the angels were hurrying Lot, saying, “Arise, take [lambanо́ 2983 in Greek] your wife, and your two daughters whom you have, and go out; so that lest you also be destroyed with the iniquities of the city. And they were troubled, and the angels grasped his hand, and the hand of his wife, and the hands of his two daughters" (Genesis 19:15-16). Here Lot had to "take" (Genesis 19:15) his wife and two daughters but because he was troubled the angels grasped them instead (or in other words, they were the ones to take them instead).
In Luke 17 it is written: "(on) this night there-will-be two (people) on one bed — the one will-be-taken" (Luke 17:34).
The Greek word for "will-be-taken" [paralambanо́ 3880 in Greek, verb] used in Luke 17:34 comes in part from the Greek word for "take" [lambanо́ 2983 in Greek, verb] used in Genesis 19:15.
Don't look behind, but flee to the mountain(s)
In Genesis 19 it is then written: "it happened when they brought them outside, that they said, “Be saving saving your own life! You shall not look around to the (things) BEHIND, nor shall you stand in all the surrounding regions. Be saving yourself TO THE MOUNTAIN" (Genesis 19:17).
In Matthew 24 it is written: "let the (ones) in Judea be-fleeing TO THE MOUNTAINS. Let the (one) upon the housetop not go-down to-take the (things) out-of his house. And let the (one) in the field not turn BEHIND to-take his cloak" (Matthew 24:16-18).
Rained fire from heaven
In Genesis 19 it is then written: "The sun was risen upon the earth, when Lot entered into Zoar. And the LORD RAINED on SODOM and Gomorrah SULPHUR AND FIRE from the LORD out of HEAVEN" (Genesis 19:23-24).
In Luke 17 it is written: "(on) that day Lot departed from SODOM, IT-RAINED FIRE AND SULPHUR from HEAVEN and destroyed everyone" (Luke 17:29).
Lot's wife
In Genesis 19 it is then written: "And his WIFE looked into the behind, and she became a pillar of salt" (Genesis 19:26).
In Luke 17 it is written: "Remember Lot’s WIFE. Whoever seeks to-preserve his life will-lose it. But whoever loses (it) will-keep it alive. I-say (to) you, (on) this night there-will-be two (people) on one bed — the one will-be-taken, and the other will-be-left" (Luke 17:32-34).
If those two passages can be compared, then to be taken may be like Lot who was taken by the angels outside of Sodom to dwell in safety, while his wife looked behind and ended up being left there to experience the consequences of the destruction of the city of Sodom.
1st century events
Angels sent out, in the night?
Jesus said talked about "the Son (of) Man coming on the clouds (of) heaven with power and great glory. And He-will-send-out His angels" (Matthew 24:30-31).
Historians wrote about an event that happened around AD 66, in which an army of glittering appearance was seen in the clouds around the start of the Jewish-Roman War that led to the destruction of Jerusalem. This event would have happened specifically in the NIGHT, before the setting of the sun, just like the LORD sent "ANGELS" (Genesis 19:1) to Lot as they were here in the "NIGHT" (Genesis 19:5).
For more details, see:
Matthew 24:43-44 - Coming like a thief (1st century historical fulfillment?):
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Enemies surrounding?
Around that same year, Jerusalem was "SURROUNDED" (Luke 19:43) by Roman armies, just like Lot was "SURROUNDED" (Genesis 19:4) by people.
For more details, see:
Matthew 24:15 & Luke 21:20 - Jerusalem surrounded by armies (1st century historical fulfillment?):
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Commanded to flee to the mountains?
Around that same year, many people would have fled Judea and the city of Jerusalem as commanded by Jesus to "flee to the MOUNTAINS" (Matthew 24:16), just like Lot was then ordered to flee "TO THE MOUNTAIN" (Genesis 19:17).
For more details, see:
Matthew 24:16 - Flee to the mountains (1st century historical fulfillment?):
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The city then destroyed by fire?
Later during that war, the city of Jerusalem was desolated by the Romans with fire, just like the city of Sodom was after that Lot departed from it.
For more details, see:
Matthew 24:37-39 & Luke 17:28-29 - Just as the days of Lot & Sodom it rained fire (1st century historical fulfillment?):
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Were disciples taken by an angel while others would have been left?
Around AD 66 in the context of the flight from Jerusalem to the city of Pella, one detail is specifically interesting, as a Christian author reported that "an ANGEL of God" prompted the believers to flee the city! In the story of Lot, "ANGELS" (Genesis 19:1) were sent to him and prompted Lot to flee and Lot would "take" (Genesis 19:15) his family with him to flee as the ANGELS grasped them also.
In the 4th century, a Christian author named Epiphanius wrote in "On Weights and Measures":
15: "So Aquila, while he was in Jerusalem, also saw the disciples of the disciples of the apostles flourishing in the faith and working great signs, healings, and other miracles. For they were such as had come back from the city of Pella to Jerusalem and were living there and teaching. For when the city was about to be taken and destroyed by the Romans, it was revealed in advance to all the disciples by an angel of God that they should remove from the city, as it was going to be completely destroyed. They sojourned as emigrants in Pella, the city above mentioned in Transjordania. And this city is said to be of the Decapolis."
It is not written in that account that other people left there other than "the disciples" were prompted by this "ANGEL of God". A selection seemed to have happened there. Could this fulfill what Jesus said, that "one is-taken, and one is-left" (Matthew 24:40)?
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