Topical Encyclopedia The term "snatch" in the biblical context often conveys the idea of taking something quickly and forcefully, sometimes with an implication of rescue or deliverance. This concept appears in various forms throughout the Scriptures, illustrating both physical and spiritual dimensions.Old Testament Context In the Old Testament, the idea of snatching is often associated with deliverance from danger or harm. For example, in the Psalms, the imagery of God as a deliverer who rescues His people from peril is prevalent. Although the specific term "snatch" may not always be used, the concept is evident in passages where God intervenes to save His people from their enemies or from destruction. New Testament Context In the New Testament, the Greek word "harpazo" is often translated as "snatch" or "catch up." This term is notably used in 1 Thessalonians 4:17, where it describes the event commonly referred to as the Rapture: "After that, we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will always be with the Lord" . Here, the idea of being snatched away conveys a sudden and divine intervention where believers are taken up to be with Christ. Another significant use of "harpazo" is found in John 10:28-29, where Jesus speaks of the security of His followers: "I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them out of My hand. My Father who has given them to Me is greater than all. No one can snatch them out of My Father’s hand" . This passage emphasizes the assurance and protection provided by Christ, underscoring the impossibility of anyone forcibly removing believers from the care of God. Spiritual Warfare The concept of snatching also appears in the context of spiritual warfare. In Jude 1:23, believers are exhorted to "save others by snatching them from the fire" , indicating a proactive effort to rescue individuals from spiritual danger or judgment. This reflects the urgency and seriousness with which Christians are to engage in evangelism and discipleship, seeking to deliver others from the consequences of sin. Symbolism and Imagery Throughout Scripture, the imagery of snatching can symbolize both judgment and salvation. In the prophetic literature, God’s judgment is sometimes depicted as a swift and decisive action, akin to snatching away. Conversely, the act of snatching can also represent God’s mercy and grace, as He rescues His people from impending doom. In summary, the biblical concept of snatching encompasses themes of deliverance, protection, and divine intervention. It serves as a powerful reminder of God's sovereignty and the security He provides to those who trust in Him. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) To take or seize hastily, abruptly, or without permission or ceremony; as, to snatch a loaf or a kiss.2. (n.) To seize and transport away; to rap. 3. (v. i.) To attempt to seize something suddenly; to catch; -- often with at; as, to snatch at a rope. 4. (n.) A hasty catching or seizing; a grab; a catching at, or attempt to seize, suddenly. 5. (n.) A short period of vigorous action; as, a snatch at weeding after a shower. 6. (n.) A small piece, fragment, or quantity; a broken part; a scrap. 7. (n.) The handle of a scythe; a snead. Greek 726. harpazo -- to seize, catch up, snatch away ... to seize, catch up, snatch away. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: harpazo Phonetic Spelling: (har-pad'-zo) Short Definition: I seize, snatch, obtain by ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/726.htm - 7k 4506. rhuomai -- to draw to oneself, ie deliver 4884. sunarpazo -- to seize and carry away Strong's Hebrew 5337. natsal -- to strip, plunder, deliver oneself, be delivered ...... to strip, plunder, deliver oneself, be delivered, snatch away, deliver. Transliteration: natsal Phonetic Spelling: (naw-tsal') Short Definition: deliver. ... /hebrew/5337.htm - 6k 2862. chathaph -- to seize, snatch away 2846. chathah -- to snatch up 5595. saphah -- to sweep or snatch away, catch up 3189. Yachath -- "He will snatch up," the name of several ... 5486. suph -- to come to an end, cease 1504. gazar -- to cut, divide 5605. saphaph -- to stand at or guard the threshold 1497. gazal -- to tear away, seize, rob 2480. chalat -- to catch Library Rejection of Errors Jesus, Son of God. Who Teach: that the True Believers and Regenerate not Only Can ... Feast of the Dedication. The Jews Attempt to Stone Jesus and He ... Jesus at the Feast of Dedication. Epistle Cvi. To Syagrius, ??therius, virgilius, and Desiderius ... Of the Commissioners Hellebichus Commander of the Troops, and ... And Jesus Said, to Judge the World am I Come... At the Feast of the Dedication of the Temple. Chapter xviii Thesaurus Snatch (14 Occurrences)... 1. (n.) To take or seize hastily, abruptly, or without permission or ceremony; as, to snatch a loaf or a kiss. ...Snatch (14 Occurrences). ... /s/snatch.htm - 10k Snatched (15 Occurrences) Opportunity (35 Occurrences) Jahath (7 Occurrences) Growl (11 Occurrences) Grab (2 Occurrences) Glance (5 Occurrences) Whip (7 Occurrences) Wrap (9 Occurrences) Whirl (5 Occurrences) Resources Is it possible for a person's name to be erased from the Book of Life? | GotQuestions.orgEternal security - is it biblical? | GotQuestions.org What is conditional security? | GotQuestions.org Snatch: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Snatch (14 Occurrences)Mark 3:20 John 10:28 John 10:29 Job 9:12 Job 24:9 Job 24:19 Psalms 40:14 Psalms 52:5 Psalms 119:43 Isaiah 5:29 Isaiah 9:20 Isaiah 10:6 Jeremiah 8:13 Hosea 2:9 Subtopics Related Terms |