ἁρπάζω
To seize (in various applications)
Reading a lexicon entry
What this page is: Each lexicon entry shows the original Hebrew or Greek word behind the English translation: its meaning, its range of use, and where it appears in Scripture.
Strong's number: The Strong's code (H- or G-) is the standard reference number for this word. It connects this entry to chapter and passage language tabs.
Canonical witness: The witness passages show where this word is used in context. Click any to open the study page for that passage.
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What does ἁρπάζω (harpázō) mean in the Bible?
ἁρπάζω (harpázō) is a Greek word meaning "to seize (in various applications)". ἁρπάζω [in LXX chiefly for גָּזַל, טָרַף ;] to seize, catch up, snatch away, carry off by force: with accusative of thing(s), Mat. Expresses the impossibility of believers being removed from Christ's grasp. This term runs through the canonical themes of Messiah.
Meaning
Seizing with force or sudden violence, often implying removal against resistance or will
to seize, catch up, snatch away, carry off by force: with accusative of thing(s), Mat.12:29 13:19, Jhn.10:12, 28-29; τ. βασιλείαν τ. θεοῦ, Mat.11:12; with accusative of person(s), Jhn.6:15, Act.8:39 23:10, Ju 23; pass., before ἕως, 2Co.12:2; εἰς, 2Co.12:4, 1Th.4:17; πρός, Rev.12:5 (cf. δι-, συν-αρπάζω, and see MM, see word).
Why This Word Matters
Expresses the impossibility of believers being removed from Christ's grasp.
Grammatical Forms
How mood, tense, and voice shift the force of this verb in context.
Infinitive verbal noun — the action in abstract 4×
Indicative states a fact or reality 8×
Participle verbal adjective — the action as a modifying quality 2×
Discourse Aspect
How this verb appears across 14 occurrences in the NT discourse index (MACULA Greek SBLGNT).
Aspect reflects grammatical form — not authorial emphasis. Participles and infinitives are verbal adjectives and nouns respectively.
Clause data: MACULA Greek (Clear Bible, CC BY 4.0) · SBLGNT (Logos/SBL, CC BY 4.0)
Canonical Themes
Biblical Occurrences
Each occurrence shows the passage reference, the original language term as it appears in that context, its transliteration, and the contextual sense.
Word Pictures (Robertson)
A.T. Robertson's Word Pictures in the New Testament (1930–31) discusses this term in the following chapters. Open any chapter and go to the Word Pictures tab to read his verse-by-verse commentary.
A.T. Robertson, Word Pictures in the New Testament (1930–31) — public domain