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 a 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 Christ’s teaching across the synoptic Gospels and potentially removes a pattern recognition.
Why would Jesus say this in Matthew, yet not in Luke—especially when Luke’s Gospel is specifically focused on giving “an orderly account. See Luke 1:3: “It seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write unto thee in order, most excellent Theophilus,” The omission of Luke 17:36 is therefore theologically disruptive. It removes a warning. It removes a pattern.
The source of the omission is the Codex Vaticanus and Codex Sinaiticus. These two 4th-century Alexandrian Manuscripts are the backbone of the Nestle-Aland critical text. Despite the fact that they contradict each other in some key places, and despite the overwhelming agreement of Byzantine manuscripts which include Luke 17:36, modern translators have been using this editorial direction.
You’ll also notice that the verse numbering in modern Bibles jumps from Luke 17:35 to 17:37. That should immediately alert any reader that Luke 17:36 is missing. This verse is a piercing reminder that when Christ 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. If your Bible skips Luke 17:36, it’s less complete. 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, with Luke 17:36 and any other missing or altered verses.
We leave you with Deuteronomy 4:2 and Revelation 22:18-19:
- Deuteronomy 4:2: “Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you.”
- Revelation 22:18-19: “For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.”
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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