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Matthew 24:40

New Testament Gospel ASV (1901)

What does Matthew 24:40 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “Then shall two man be in the field; one is taken, and one is left:” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

Then shall two man be in the field; one is taken, and one is left:
Matthew 24:40 — American Standard Version

Context — Matthew 24

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
37And as [were] the days of Noah, so shall be the coming of the Son of man.
38For as in those days which were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark,
39and they knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall be the coming of the Son of man.
40Then shall two man be in the field; one is taken, and one is left:
41two women [shall be] grinding at the mill; one is taken, and one is left.
42Watch therefore: for ye know not on what day your Lord cometh.
43But know this, that if the master of the house had known in what watch the thief was coming, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken through.
← Matthew 24:39Matthew 24:41 →
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“Then shall two be in the field, etc.] About their proper business, of husbandry, ploughing, or sowing, or any other rural employment: the one shall be taken; not by the preaching of the Gospel, into the kingdom of God, or Gospel dispensation; though such a distinction God makes, by the ministry of the word, accompanied by his Spirit and power; nor by angels, to meet Christ in the air, and to be introduced into his kingdom and glory; but by the eagles, the Roman army, and either killed or carried captive by them: and the other left; not in a state of nature and unregeneracy, as many are, to whom the Gospel is preached; nor with devils at the last day, to be thrust down by them into the…”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical 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. return to 'Top of Page'”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“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. Matthew 24:41”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“24:40-41 The term taken most likely means taken in judgment, at AD 70 or at the end of history; left would then mean remaining to enter the new era of either the church (see 21:43; 22:1-14) or the Millennium.”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“the one: Ch2 33:12-24; Luk 17:34-37, Luk 23:39-43; Co1 4:7; Pe2 2:5, Pe2 2:7-9 Matthew 24:41”
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Related study paths

Read Matthew 24 in contextBrowse Greek word studiesOpen this verse in the study reader

Sources and verification