· Bible dictionary
Rapture
The teaching that believers will be "caught up" to meet the Lord in the air when Christ returns — a biblical event with debated timing and details.
The English word comes from the Latin rapio ("to seize"), translating Paul's "caught up" in 1 Thessalonians 4:17.
Christians agree that, at Jesus' return, the dead in Christ will rise and the living believers will be gathered to him.
They differ on whether this happens before or in connection with the events of Revelation. The exact timing is less important than the certainty of the meeting.
Original BibleDawn entry. Drafted with AI assistance and reviewed for accuracy.