[Whyte Stonne]

To understand Luke 17:34-36, it is important 1) to look at the Old Testament background of the images used and 2) to study the passage in the context of chapter 17. We need to do more than look at the verses in isolation.

First, there are two verses in Leviticus that, as far as I know, are the only Biblical background for "two men in one bed," and those are Leviticus 18:22 and 20:13.

Second, there are at least three places in the Old Testament where the word "grind" is used as a euphemism for sexual intercourse: Job 31:10, Judges 16:21, and Lamentations 5:13. (I believe it is also used as a euphemism for sex in Isaiah 47:2, but this is debatable.)

Third, the section in Luke immediately preceding Luke 17:34-36 are verses 20-35. Verses 20-35 are an account of Sodom, and include references to fire and brimstone and to Lot's wife. (While the story of Sodom and Gomorrah does not itself refer to homosexuality, the story is nevertheless associated with homosexuality in the popular mind. I suspect this was as true in the first century as it is today.)

When the reader moves from a story about the destruction of Sodom, to a description of two men violating the Levitical Law against man-on-man sex, it is clear to me that we are intended to understand the three couples in Luke 17:34-36 (KJV) as gays and lesbians.

Antony, thanks for your discussion of the grammar of verses 34 and 35. Your presentation is simple and straightforward, quite excellent!