Definition of harpazo:
- the word from which the various Rapture theories have been developed
- to seize, carry off by force
- to seize on, claim for one's self eagerly
- to snatch out or away
Note: The problem with end-times theories is that they almost always go beyond what the Bible actually says. These theories lead to a filtering of the Scripture so adherants can no longer read what the Bible actually says. Instead they only see the veil of their own flesh and the flesh of the many money-making book writers who are using them for personal profit. It is much better to say, "I don't know," than to speculate.
For a better understanding of harpazo, all the verses where harpazo appears are listed below so that you can note how harpazo is used in the Bible. See also aer and Rapture.
Take special note of the bold text. Especially, notice the Revelation 12:5 reference. You may want to read the entire chapter.
Strong's Definition of harpazo:
726 αρπαζω harpazo har-pad'-zo
from a derivative of 138; TDNT-1:472,80; v
AV-catch up 4, take by force 3, catch away 2, pluck 2, catch 1, pull 1; 13
1) to seize, carry off by force
2) to seize on, claim for one's self eagerly
3) to snatch out or away
Scriptures containing harpazo:
Matthew 11:12 And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take <726 harpazo> it by force <726 harpazo>.
Matthew 13:19 When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away <726 harpazo> that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side.
John 6:15 When Jesus therefore perceived that they would come and take <726 harpazo> him by force <726 harpazo>, to make him a king, he departed again into a mountain himself alone.
John 10:12 But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth <726 harpazo> them, and scattereth the sheep.
John 10:28 And I give to them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall <726 harpazo> any man pluck <726 harpazo> them out of my hand.
John 10:29 My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck <726 harpazo> them out of my Father's hand.
Acts 8:39 And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away <726 harpazo> Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing.
Acts 23:10 And when there arose a great dissension, the chief captain, fearing lest Paul should have been pulled in pieces of them, commanded the soldiers to go down, and to take <726 harpazo> him by force <726 harpazo> from among them, and to bring him into the castle.
2 Corinthians 12:2 I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such an one caught up <726> to the third heaven.
2 Corinthians 12:4 How that he was caught up <726 harpazo> into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.
1 Thessalonians 4:17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up <726 harpazo> together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
Jude 1:23 And others save with fear, pulling <726 harpazo> them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.
Revelation 12:5 And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron: and her child was caught up <726 harpazo> to God, and to his throne.
How can we know anything about anything? That’s the real question
|
