Lord’s Library editors offer a Luke 17:36 meaning with commentary on why the verse is missing from new Bible versions, for your edification.
When trying to understand the meaning of Luke 17:36 and see why it’s missing in modern versions, first see the verse: “Two men shall be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left.” This verse presents a graphic image visual to the suddenness of the Lord’s return—a parallel to Jesus’ other teachings on judgment and separation at the end of the age.
In the King James Bible, Luke 17:36 appears plainly as part of Christ’s discourse on the coming of the Son of man. In most modern Bible versions—such as the ESV, NIV, NASB, and CSB—Luke 17:36 is missing, either entirely gone or relegated to a footnote. However, the vast majority of Greek manuscripts do include it.
This verse is crucial because it is part of a direct parallel to Matthew 24:40, where Jesus also says: “Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left.”
Luke 17:36 Missing Meaning
Both Scriptures reflect the same pattern of sudden separation—whether referencing the Rapture or the division of righteous and wicked at Christ’s return. Removing this verse from Luke breaks the continuity of Jesus’ teaching across the synoptic Gospels. It takes a fully harmonized eschatological warning and fractures it for no good reason. Why would Jesus say this in Matthew, yet not in Luke—especially when Luke’s Gospel is specifically focused on giving “an orderly account” (Luke 1:3)? The omission of Luke 17:36 is not just academically indefensible—it’s theologically disruptive. It removes a warning. It removes a pattern. It removes a truth God intended to be repeated.
The source of the omission? You already know: Codex Vaticanus and Codex Sinaiticus. These two 4th-century Alexandrian manuscripts are the backbone of the Nestle-Aland critical text, and their omissions have become the blueprint for modern Bible mutilation. Despite the fact that they contradict each other thousands of times, and despite the overwhelming agreement of Byzantine manuscripts which include Luke 17:36, modern translators bow to the academic altar of these flawed codices. They would rather delete the Word of God than challenge their own methodological assumptions. This isn’t about manuscript science—it’s about spiritual blindness.
You’ll also notice that the verse numbering in modern Bibles jumps from Luke 17:35 to 17:37. That should immediately alert any honest reader that something has been tampered with. The verse didn’t disappear because it was proven false—it was removed because the editors arbitrarily decided to trust two manuscripts over thousands. The result? Confusion, fragmentation, and a neutered warning from Jesus Christ Himself. This verse is a thunderclap in the midst of His prophetic discourse—a piercing reminder that when He returns, the separation will be sudden and irreversible. It belongs exactly where God placed it: in the middle of Luke 17, reinforcing the urgency of His coming and the necessity of readiness.
The King James Bible keeps it—without apology, without brackets, without doubt. Because it was never meant to be removed. If your Bible skips Luke 17:36, it’s not more accurate—it’s less complete. You are reading an amputated text. And if someone is willing to cut out this verse, you have to wonder what else they’re willing to cut—what else they’ve already cut. That’s why the issue is bigger than one verse. It’s about whether you believe God preserved His Word fully, or whether you’re content with a patchwork of footnotes, omissions, and critical guesses. Stick with the Book that hasn’t caved to corrupt manuscripts or academic pride. Stick with the Bible that still says, “Two men shall be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left.” Stick with the King James.
Lord's Library is a Christian resource hub. Our editors use a variety of internet research methods like search engines, audio and video, AI, consultations with ministry leaders in the field, and more. Lord's Library should never be a substitute for reading your Bible daily as the Scriptures are to be our final authority on all matters. Lord's Library participates in affiliate programs. We may make a small commission from products purchased through this resource.
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