Matthew 24:40
Translations
King James Version (KJV)
Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left.
American King James Version (AKJV)
Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left.
American Standard Version (ASV)
Then shall two man be in the field; one is taken, and one is left:
Basic English Translation (BBE)
Then two men will be in the field; one is taken, and one let go;
Webster's Revision
Then will two be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left.
World English Bible
Then two men will be in the field: one will be taken and one will be left;
English Revised Version (ERV)
Then shall two men be in the field; one is taken, and one is left:
Clarke's Matthew 24:40 Bible Commentary
Then shall two men - two women - one shall be taken, and the other left - The meaning seems to be, that so general should these calamities be, that no two persons, wheresoever found, or about whatsoever employed, should be both able to effect their escape; and that captivity and the sword should have a complete triumph over this unhappy people.
Two women shall be grinding - Women alone are still employed in grinding the corn in the east; and it is only when despatch is required, or the uppermost millstone is heavy, that a second woman is added. See Wakefield, and Harmer, Obs. vol. i. 253. That they were formerly thus employed, see Exodus 11:5, and the note there. See also Isaiah 47:2.
Barnes's Matthew 24:40 Bible Commentary
Then shall two be in the field ... - The calamity will come suddenly. There will be no escape for those whom it overtakes.
One shall be taken - The word "taken" may mean either to be taken away from the danger - that is, rescued, as Lot was Luke 17:28-29, or to be taken away "by death." Probably the latter is the meaning.
Wesley's Matthew 24:40 Bible Commentary
24:40 One is taken — Into God's immediate protection: and one is left - To share the common calamities. Our Lord speaks as having the whole transaction present before his eyes.
