The Bible talks about the concept commonly referred to as the "rapture" primarily in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, where the apostle Paul describes believers being "caught up" to meet the Lord in the air. The Greek word used is "harpazo," meaning "to seize" or "snatch away," which is the origin of the word "rapture" from the Latin translation. Other passages often associated are Matthew 24:40-42 and 1 Corinthians 15:50-54, which also discuss the sudden gathering or transformation of believers at Christ's return. The concept involves the resurrection of deceased believers and the instantaneous taking of living believers to be with Christ, as part of end-time events.
Different interpretations exist about the timing and nature of this event, but these cited scriptures are the main biblical references for the rapture concept. The Bible, however, does not use the word "rapture" itself; the term comes from translation and theological interpretation.
