Harpagesometha in a Hebrew translation is Laqach: the catching away.

The number one scripture that “rapturists” use for a “secret rapture” of the church is 1st Thessalonians 4:17. The word here in Greek is harpagesomethia which is then translated in the Latin word we all know as “rapture”. Paul is speaking about the resurrection, not some mysterious rapture. You can see the other side of this in 1st Corinthians 15. Read Is the term the rapture biblical for a better understanding why I see this the way I do. You cam also find in depth studies on this in my book False Signs in the Heavens: Their god is Jupiter (End Times Deception Series) (Volume 2). You cam find it here https://www.amazon.com/dp/1974040143/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_6.l5AbZMNDK0V or ask me about it in the comments and I’ll send you a free link for the PDF.

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When looking at the Hebrew text of what Paul was saying to the Thessalonians, you can see exactly what he was saying about a catching away. The word used for harpagesometha in a Hebrew translation is laqach. Pay special attention to the Arabic word “lahiqa”, this is all related to laqach and the resurrection.

You see the form of this word used in 1st Samuel 4:11. “And the ark of God was taken; and the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were slain.” This is when the Philistines took the ark and I’m sure it is being represented as a violent taking. Gill Commentary remindss us that “Hophni and Phinehas, were slain; which fulfilled the prophecy of the man of God, that they should both die in one day, 1Sa 2:34. It is very probable they stood fast by the ark, and chose rather to die than to give it up freely; having received a charge from their father, that if the ark was taken, not to desire life, nor ever dare to come into his presence more, as Josephus a relates.”

Here are a few definitions of what this word can mean. Notice it can mean to marry or take a wife or a bride. This sounds like the final last day, the Day of the Lord in this context.

The root of the Paleo-Hebrew means “gathering”. Variations of it can also mean “something that is being recieved and a tool for taking coals out of a fire”. You can see how this word is referencing what Paul called the catching away.

You will understand why Paul was expecting to be in this group of being caught away to the clouds when he wrote this. He too would be a part of this catching away whether he was alive or asleep. He knew that the only blessed hope we have was in the final bodily resurrection.

The law of first mention for laqach is find in Genesis 2:15 “And the LORD God took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it.” This is God putting Adam into the Garden of Eden for the FIRST time to take care of it. This mirrors what is happening with God taking those who are asleep and alive for the resurrection. We are returning to that original Garden of God.

And its interesting that the next verse is where God takes Adam’s rib and makes Eve from it. Verse 21, “And the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, and he slept: and he took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh instead thereof;“. I’m sure you can see the symbolism there.

Now if you look at the Arabic of this word (lahiqa), you will see that its related to what is called metathesis. It’s associated to the process of the resurrection. This word metathesis can not only mean removal but change or transformation as in a resurrection. It’s a chemical reaction of different molecules to form other kinds of molecules.

By the way, the Greek text is sufficient to understand what Paul was saying here. Looking at the Hebrew words used is just more confirmation that he was specifically talking about the resurrection. Quit using the term “rapture”, it’s not Biblical. We are all awaiting the resurrection.

You will see below where this is used in the LXX Septuigant. This is the Greek Old Testament.