As you read your Bible you’ll soon discover that the word “rapture” isn’t in there. Some have concluded that the rapture therefore isn’t even a biblical event because they don’t see it in Scripture. Well this is a mistake. Let me explain why.
You must understand that the New Testament was written in Greek. Bible translators have taken the original Greek New Testament and translated it (as of 2014) into 531 languages, including English. Well, if you’re taking notes, The word “rapture” is the Latin translation of the Greek word “harpazo” in 1 Thessalonians 4:17. First Thessalonians 4:17 says that when Jesus returns his church will be “harpazo.”
- When the Greek word harpazo is translated into English we get “caught up” or “snatched away.” So when you read 1 Thessalonians 4:17 in English it says that when Jesus returns his church will be caught up (or snatched away).
- When that same word (the Greek word harpazo) is translated into Latin we get “raptured.” So when you read 1 Thessalonians 4:17 in Latin it says that when Jesus returns his church will be raptured.
- Well “caught up,” “snatch away” and “raptured” all mean the same exact thing.
So the word “rapture” comes from the Latin translation of the Greek word “harpazo” from 1 Thessalonians 4:17. Don’t get all caught up in whether or not the word “rapture” is technically in the Bible or not (as some people do). All you need to know is that the event, regardless what you call it, is biblical.