ἁρπάζω (Harpazō)

MEANINGTo snatch, seize, catch up suddenly. The word behind 'rapture' (from the Latin raptus, translating harpazō). Describes sudden removal or catching up with speed and force.

GRAMMARFuture active indicative (harpagēsometha --- we will be caught up) in 1 Thessalonians 4:17. The future active describes a definite coming action. The word is used elsewhere for snatching from danger (John 10:28-29 --- no one can snatch/harpazō them from my hand; Acts 8:39 --- the Spirit caught up/harpazō Philip).

SIGNIFICANCEHarpazō in 1 Thessalonians 4:17 begins the apantēsis (welcoming procession) of the church toward the returning King. Thread 3 --- the story moving toward a King --- includes this as the moment the King comes for his people before the final judgment sequence. The word's force (sudden, powerful removal) is consistent with the pre-tribulational reading: the church is removed before the period of Israel-focused judgment.

KEY VERSE / SCRIPTURES1 Thessalonians 4:17 (we will be caught up/harpazō together); John 10:28-29; Acts 8:39; 2 Corinthians 12:2-4; Revelation 12:5.

CROSS-REFERENCES1 Thessalonians 4:17 · ἀπάντησις apantēsis (the welcoming procession) · 1 Thessalonians 5:9 (not destined for wrath)