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In the Gospel of Luke 17:35, we encounter a verse rich in eschatological imagery and subtle Greek syntax that underlines the narrative of sudden separation at the eschaton, or end times. This verse offers a pivotal moment of teaching about readiness and the unexpected nature of divine intervention, rendered through a straightforward yet profound grammatical structure in the Greek text.

Greek Syntax of Luke 17:35 The Greek phrase from Luke 17:35, ἔσονται δύο ἀλήθουσαι ἐπὶ τὸ αὐτό· ἡ μία παραλημφθήσεται, ἡ δὲ ἑτέρα ἀφεθήσεται, translates directly as, “Two will be grinding at the same place; one will be taken and the other will be left.” Here’s a breakdown of the syntax:

ἔσονται (will be): This verb is a future indicative form of “εἰμί” (to be), which sets the temporal frame of future action.
δύο ἀλήθουσαι (two [women] grinding): The term “δύο” (two) is a straightforward numerical adjective, and “ἀλήθουσαι” is a present participle in the nominative feminine plural form of “ἀλέθω” (to grind), describing the continuous action performed by the subjects.
ἐπὶ τὸ αὐτό (at the same place): This prepositional phrase provides spatial context, emphasizing the proximity of the two women.
ἡ μία παραλημφθήσεται, ἡ δὲ ἑτέρα ἀφεθήσεται (one will be taken and the other will be left): “ἡ μία” (the one) and “ἡ δὲ ἑτέρα” (but the other) highlight the distinction between the two subjects. The verbs “παραλημφθήσεται” (will be taken) and “ἀφεθήσεται” (will be left) are both future passive, indicating actions that will be received by the subjects.

Soundness of the Translation The Updated American Standard Version (UASV) renders the verse as: “There will be two women grinding at the same place; one will be taken and the other will be left.” This translation accurately reflects the original Greek structure and meaning:

Subject and Action: The translation maintains the clarity of the original Greek by specifying “two women” directly, ensuring the reader understands the gender and the number of the subjects involved.
Temporal and Spatial Context: By translating “ἔσονται” as “There will be,” it correctly conveys the future tense. The phrase “at the same place” aptly translates “ἐπὶ τὸ αὐτό,” preserving the contextual cue of location.
Action Received: The use of “will be taken” and “will be left” effectively captures the passive voice of the Greek verbs, reflecting the theological emphasis on divine selection and rejection at the end times.

Conclusion The translation of Luke 17:35 in the UASV is both linguistically faithful and theologically poignant. It captures the essence of the Greek syntax while conveying the stark and sudden division that is central to the text’s eschatological warning. This passage’s translation not only mirrors the Greek syntax but also enhances the reader’s understanding of the biblical narrative, emphasizing readiness and the impartial, decisive nature of divine action in the last days. This verse, with its concise structure and deep implications, serves as a critical element in the broader discourse of eschatological readiness in the Gospels.

About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220+ books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).