The Greek word “harpazo”

Found just over a dozen times in the New Testament and used most often in the book of John, the Greek verb “harpazo” meant “carry off,” “snatch away,” or “seize.”  In Mt. 12:29 and Jn. 10:12 this word means “steal, carry off, drag away” (Dictionary of New Testament Theology, 4:602).  A good definition for Jn. 6:15; 10:28-29; Acts 23:10; Jude 23 is “to forcibly lead away.”  In Acts 8:39; 2 Cor. 12:2, 4; Rev. 12:5 this verb describes “the Spirit carrying someone away” (ibid).