Is The Word "Rapture" In The Bible?

Can the word "rapture" be found in the bible? Here is my answer short and sweet. "Honestly, it all depends on what language the English translation came from."

Let's look at the verse we're discussing: "Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord." (1Thessalonians 4:17 KJV)

From Greek to English

Let's take a look at the Greek word that's at the root of this discussion.

Harpazo (har-pad'-zo) 1) to seize, carry off by force 2) to seize upon, claim for one's self eagerly 3) to snatch out or away

Since the New Testament we know and love is translated from the Greek language, the word "rapture" doesn't appear in our English translation. The English translation from the Greek word "harpazo" is "caught up." The KJV translation is correct.  Greek (harpazo) = English (caught up)

The Middle Man

So then, where did the word rapture come from? It came by way of a middle man, the Latin language. The Latin translation of "harpazo" is "rapturo." The English translation of "rapturo" is "rapture."

Greek (harpazo) = Latin (rapturo) = English (rapture)

Why do we use the word "rapture?"

The word "rapture" is used as verbal shorthand describing "the act of being caught up, snatched, taken suddenly by force." I mean, if we had to describe it that way every time we mentioned the event, our conversations could get pretty long-winded. After all, there are other examples of verbal shorthand that we use to describe things in the bible. One example is the word "Trinity." Do a word search and you won't find it anywhere in scripture. It's verbal shorthand. When we use that word, it's clear that we're referring to the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. 

THE RECAP

• The Greek verb "harpazo" translated into Latin is "rapturo" which is translated into English as rapture. 
• We often use verbal shorthand to describe something in scripture without having to fully articulate it's meaning. Example: Rapture and Trinity.

       Greek (harpazo) = English (caught up)

       Greek (harpazo) = Latin (rapturo) = English (rapture)

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