Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Context The term "snatching" in the biblical context often refers to the act of taking something or someone away quickly and forcefully. This concept can be seen in various narratives and teachings throughout the Bible, where it is used both literally and metaphorically. Snatching can imply a sudden and decisive action, often with connotations of rescue or deliverance, but also of theft or destruction. Biblical Instances 1. Divine Deliverance In the New Testament, the concept of snatching is sometimes associated with divine intervention and deliverance. For example, in John 10:28-29, Jesus speaks of His followers, saying, "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 the Father’s hand." Here, the term "snatch" is used to emphasize the security and protection provided by God, ensuring that believers are safe from any force that might attempt to take them away from His care. 2. The Rapture The concept of snatching is also associated with eschatological events, particularly the rapture. In 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, Paul describes the return of Christ: "For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a loud command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will be the first to rise. 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." The phrase "caught up" is often interpreted as a form of snatching, where believers are swiftly taken up to be with Christ. 3. Protection from Evil Snatching is also used in the context of protection from evil or harm. In Jude 1:23, believers are encouraged to "save others by snatching them from the fire," which implies a swift and urgent action to rescue individuals from impending danger or judgment. This reflects the Christian duty to intervene and help others avoid spiritual peril. 4. Warnings Against Theft Conversely, snatching can also refer to acts of theft or wrongful taking. In the Old Testament, the Eighth Commandment, "You shall not steal" (Exodus 20:15), implicitly warns against the act of snatching what belongs to another. This commandment underscores the importance of respecting others' property and rights, aligning with the broader biblical principles of justice and righteousness. Theological Implications The concept of snatching in the Bible carries significant theological implications. It highlights God's sovereignty and protective power over His people, assuring believers of their security in His hands. It also emphasizes the urgency of evangelism and the responsibility of Christians to actively rescue others from spiritual danger. Furthermore, it serves as a moral directive against theft and injustice, reinforcing the ethical standards expected of God's people. Conclusion While the Bible presents snatching in various contexts, the overarching theme is one of divine protection and human responsibility. Whether it is God snatching believers from danger or Christians snatching others from spiritual peril, the act is portrayed as a decisive and necessary intervention in the face of threat or need. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Snatch.Greek 726. harpazo -- to seize, catch up, snatch away ... to seize, catch up, snatch away NASB Word Usage carry off (1), caught (4), snatch (2), snatched...away (1), snatches (1), snatches away (1), snatching (1), take ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/726.htm - 7k Library Concerning a Stratagem that was Devised by the Jews, by which they ... Introduction The Foundlings You have Therefore the Will of My God. ... In Danger of Death Of the Full Narration to be Employed in Catechising. Conclusion. Praying and Working She Died for Him Jessie Finding Jesus Thesaurus Snatching (1 Occurrence)...Snatching (1 Occurrence). Jude 1:23 and some save, snatching them out of the fire with fear, hating even the clothing stained by the flesh. ... /s/snatching.htm - 6k Zoheth (1 Occurrence) Rape Extortion (14 Occurrences) Mahath (4 Occurrences) Polluted (80 Occurrences) Corrupted (28 Occurrences) Stained (6 Occurrences) Snatcheth (3 Occurrences) Sneaked (1 Occurrence) Resources Are we to love the sinner but hate the sin? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the rapture of the church? | GotQuestions.org What is an evangelist? | GotQuestions.org Snatching: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Snatching (1 Occurrence)Jude 1:23 Subtopics Related Terms |