Strong's # 726

Overview:

HARPAZO (Strong's #726) is a Greek Verb Meaning to Seize, Snatch, Carry Off by Force, or TakeAway Suddenly, Often Used in the Bible for Divine Action Like Paul Being Caught Up to Heaven (2 Corinthians 12:2-4) or the "Catching Up" (Rapture) of Believers (1 Thessalonians 4:17). It Implies a Forceful, Swift Action and Is the Root of the Latin Word Rapturo, From Which We Get "Rapture".

Key Meanings & Applications:

To Seize/Snatch: To Take Hold of Something Abruptly (e.g., A Wolf Snatching Sheep).
To Carry Off by Force: To Remove Someone or Something with Power (e.g., Soldiers taking Paul).
To Catch Up (Spiritually): Used for Miraculous, Sudden Transportation, as Paul to Paradise or Believers to Meet the LORD.
Related to the Rapture: The Concept of Believers Being "Caught Up" (1 Thessalonians 4:17) Uses Harpazo, Linking It to The Latin Rapturo.

Biblical Examples:

Matthew 11:12: The kingdom of heaven "suffers violence, and the violent take it by force" (seize it eagerly).
Acts 8:39: The Spirit of the Lord "caught away" Philip.
2 Corinthians 12:2-4: Paul was "caught up to the third heaven".
1 Thessalonians 4:17: Believers "shall be caught up together with them in the clouds".
Jude 1:23: Some are saved "pulling them out of the fire" (from danger).

In Essence:

In Essence, Harpazo Describes a Dynamic, Swift Taking, Whether Through Human Force or Divine Power, and Is Central to Understanding Biblical Passages About Sudden Removal or Spiritual Ascension.