Bible Studies

PEOPLE DO NOT JUST DISAPPEAR

by Jeff Van Hatten
05/30/25
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Perhaps you have heard that people who are “raptured” just disappear in an instant – in a twinkling of an eye. Nothing could be farther from the truth. When we let scripture interpret scripture, we find a completely different account. Let’s take a closer look at several examples of well known people who have “disappeared” and see if their disappearance fits the Biblical model of an event that is frequently watched and which takes place over time; or the non-Biblical instant disappearance twinkling of an eye model.

Our First Stop: Rapture Word Definitions
Harpazo, [G726 ἁρπάζω]
The word most commonly translated rapture, or caught up is the Greek word Harpazo which traditionally is defined to mean: to be seized or plucked up by force, to catch (away, or up), pluck, pull, or to take by force. It does not in any way mean to disappear, much less to disappear instantly – just the amount of force used to move someone or something from one location to another. For instance: Yeshua knew that people wanted to seize him by force G726 (harpazo) so he departed to the mountains {John 6:15}. A perfect example of a harpazo that did not occur in a twinkling of an eye of time.

Laqach [H3947 לָקחַ]
Likewise, the Hebrew equivalent of the Greek word Harpazo is the word Laqach. The definition of laqach is: to take, seize, send for, fetch, carry away, or to marry. Again, it does not in any way mean to disappear, much less to disappear instantly – just the amount of force used to move someone or something from one location to another. For instance: Enoch walked away with Elohim, because Elohim had carried H3947 (laqach) him away {Genesis 5:24} and Elijah was taken H3947 (laqach) while Elisha and the prophets all saw him ascend {2 Kings 2:3, 5, 9}. Two more perfect examples of a harpazo that did not occur in a twinkling of an eye of time.

Our Second Stop: Word Comparisons
If we compare the Older Covenant Hebrew word laqach with the Newer Covenant word harpazo we find that laqach and harpazo are almost identical in meaning and have an equal interpretation. Here are some scriptures that graphically state that neither word means to instantly disappear.

Enoch walked away with Elohim, because Elohim had carried H3947 (laqach) him away {Genesis 5:24} and Elijah was taken H3947 (laqach) while Elisha and the prophets all saw him ascend {2 Kings 2:3, 5, 9}.
Neither instantly disappeared in a twinkling of an eye.

Your brother Yaakov came deceitfully and took H3947 (laqach) away your blessing, Esau . . . he took away your birthright {Genesis 27:35-36}.
No twinkling of an eye of instant disappearance here!

When a person dies, he won’t take H3947 (laqach) anything with him {Psalm 49:17}.
Not even close to a twinkling of an eye of an instant disappearance!

The hungry eat up his harvest, taking H3947 (laqach) it even from among thorns {Job 5:5}.
Not even close to a twinkling of an eye, instant disappearance – it takes time to gather, much less eat an entire harvest!

Violent men “take the kingdom of heaven by force G726” (harpazo) {Matthew 11:12}. This process has been ongoing for roughly 6000 years and is still happening!
Not even close to a twinkling of an eye of an instant occurrence!

The evil one “snatches away G726 (harpazo) the words of Yahweh if that person fails to understand their meaning” {Matthew 13:19}. This process usually happens over a period of time – we call this a falling away or an apostasy.
Not even close to a twinkling of an eye of an instant occurrence!

Yeshua knew that people wanted to seize him by force G726 (harpazo) so he departed . . . {John 6:15}.
Yet another example of a harpazo that did not occur in a twinkling of an eye of time.

The centurions were afraid the crowd would kill Paul sot hey ordered the soldiers to go down, take him by force G726 (harpazo) to the barracks {Acts 23:10}.
This harpazo from the public arena did not happen in a twinkling of an eye, Paul didn’t instantly disappear.

Robbers come to plunder and steal G726 (harpazo) and to carry off G726 (harpazo) the goodies they have found {Matthew 12:29}. This usually takes a bit of time. When the SWAT team shows up at the door to seize the criminal and carry them off by force, rarely does the SWAT team instantly remove someone – how many times have we seen on TV the hours long standoffs.
Never do criminal activities and the arrest of the criminals involved happen in a twinkling of an eye.

Again, if we compare the Older Covenant Hebrew word laqach with the Newer Covenant word harpazo we find that neither word has a definition that indicates time or twinkling of an eye instant disappearance – just the amount of force used to move someone or something from one location to another.

Not A Disappearing Act – Our First Person of Interest – Enoch

Enoch (and the Older Covenant Scriptures)
Genesis 5:24 – Enoch walked H1980 with Elohim then he was no more H369 1&2 because Elohim took him H3947 3&4

Three words are highlighted: Halak [H1980 הָלַך], ‘Ayin [H369 אַיִן], and Laqach [H3947 לָקחַ].
The definition of halak is to walk away.
The definition of 'ayin is used as a negative particle.
The definition of laqach is to fetch, to carry away, or to marry.

Notes
1. The phrase he was no more is better stated as: not found
2. The Hebrew construction has the negative particle ʾen אֵין (“there is not,” “there was not”) with a pronominal suffix, “he was not.” Instead of saying that Enoch died, the text says he was no longer present.
3. The text implies that Elohim overruled death for Enoch who walked with him.
4. The text simply states that Elohim carried Enoch away, not that Enoch instantly disappeared into thin air.

Disappearing in Hebrew
The Hebrew word for disappear is daak [H1846 דָּעַךְ].
Daak does not occur in Genesis 5:24.

A more accurate translation of Genesis 5:24 therefore is: “Enoch walked away with Elohim, and he was no longer present because Elohim had carried him away.” In conclusion, while it has been said by many that the account in Genesis 5:24 of Elohim taking Enoch is yet another example of an Instant Disappearance, nothing could be further from the truth.

Laqach used elsewhere
Laqach is also used of a woman being taken H3947 from Adam’s rib and for Elijah being taken H3947 from this world.
Genesis 2:22 – The rib which Yahweh Elohim had taken H3947 from Adam, he made into a woman.
2 Kings 2:10 – If you see me taken H3947 from you . . .
And Elijah’s rapture was a very witnessed event – Elisha and the prophets all saw him ascend.

Enoch (and the Newer Covenant Scriptures)
Hebrews 11:5 – By faith Enoch was taken up G3346 1 so that he did not see death 2, and he was not to be found G2147 because Theos took him up G3346 3. For before his removal G3331 he had been commended as having pleased Theos.
Three words are highlighted: metatithemi [G3346 μετατίθημι], heurisko [G2147 εὑρίσκω], and metathesis [G3331 μετάθεσις].

Definitions
The definition of metatithemi is (literally) to transport, or to bring back.
The definition of heurisko is to come upon something through purposeful search, or find accidentally.
The definition of metathesis is a transposition, i.e. a transferal (to heaven).

Notes
1. The Greek words also confirm that Enoch was only transferred (back) to heaven, he did not just disappear.
2. The text implies that Elohim overruled death for Enoch who walked with him.
3. The text simply states that Elohim carried Enoch away, not that Enoch instantly disappeared into thin air.

Disappearing in Greek
The Greek word for disappear is aphanizō [G853 ἀφανίζω].
Aphanizō does not occur in Hebrews 11:5.

Not A Disappearing Act – Our Second Person of Interest – Elijah

Our Second Person of Interest: Elijah
2 Kings 2:9-10 “Eliyahu said to Elisha, ‘Tell me what I can do for you before I am taken H3947 away from you . . . Nevertheless, if you see me when I am taken H3947 from you, you will get what you asked for’.”
Again, the text simply states that Elijah was carried away, not that Elijah instantly disappeared into thin air.

This is verified by 2 Kings 2:11-12 – “Suddenly, as they were walking on and talking, there appeared a fiery chariot with horses of fire; and as it separated the two of them from each other, Eliyahu went up into heaven in a whirlwind. Elisha saw it and cried out, ‘My father! My father! The chariots and horsemen of Israel!’ Then he lost sight of him”

Disappearing in Hebrew
The Hebrew word for disappear is daak [H1846 דָּעַךְ].
Again, Daak does not occur in 2 Kings 2:9-12.

Not A Disappearing Act – Our Third Person of Interest – Philip

Acts 8:39-40 “When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of Yahweh snatched away G726 Philip, and the eunuch did not see G1492 him any more G3756, but went on G4198 his way rejoicing.” Philip, however, showed up at Ashdod and as he passed through G1330 the area continued proclaiming the Good News.

Five words are highlighted: Harpazo [G726 ἁρπάζω], Ouketi [G3765 οὐκέτι], Eido [G1492 εἴδω], Poreuomai [G4198 πορεύομα], and Dierchomai [G1330 διέρχομαι].
Here are the definitions of the highlighted words:
The definition of harpazo is to seize, to force, or to carry off, often in a forceful manner.
The definition of ouketi is not yet, no longer.
The definition of eido is (properly) to see; (but not limited to the eye).
The definition of poreuomai is (especially) to depart.
The definition of Dierchomai is to traverse, to travel, to go through.

The Greek words confirm that Philip was only transferred to heaven, he did not just disappear.

Disappearing in Greek
The Greek word for disappear is aphanizō [G853 ἀφανίζω].
Aphanizō does not occur in Acts 8:39.

A more accurate translation of Acts 8:39 therefore is: “After Philip and the Eunuch came up out of the water, the Spirit of Yahweh carried Philip away, and the Eunuch did not see him again because he returned to Ethiopia with great joy. Philip, however, traveled through Ashdod, and as he passed through continued to proclaim the Good News.”

The word Harpazo is also used in:
John 6:15 – Yeshua knew that they were on the point of coming and seizing G726 him.

Acts 23:10 – The dispute became so violent G726 that the commander, fearing that Paul would be torn apart by them, ordered the soldiers to go down, take by force G726 and bring him back into the barracks.

Jude 1:22-23 – Rebuke some who are disputing; save others, snatching G726 them out of the fire.

Disappearing in Greek
The Greek word for disappear is aphanizō [G853 ἀφανίζω].
Aphanizō also does not occur in John 6:15, Acts 23:10, nor in Jude 1:22-23.

While it has been said by many that the account in Acts 8:39-40 of the Spirit of Yahweh taking Philip away from the Eunuch is yet another example of an Instant Disappearance, nothing could be further from the truth.

Not A Disappearing Act – Our Fourth Person of Interest – Yeshua

Perhaps you have also heard that Yeshua just disappeared. Nothing could be farther from the truth. When we let scripture interpret scripture, we find a completely different account. Let’s take a closer look.

Acts 1:9 – “And while they watched, Yeshua was lifted up into a cloud which hid him out of their sight.”
Many have asked, “How was Yeshua lifted up?”. The short (and simple) answer to that question is “While his talmidim (disciples) watched!” But wait, there is so much more to the answer, so today that question will be answered unequivocally.

Pictures Of Ascension
What picture do you have of Yeshua’s ascension that day into the cloud?
• Did Yeshua climb the ladder that Jacob saw? (Genesis 28:12).
• Did Yeshua ride the chariot or horses of fire as did Elijah? (2 Kings 2:11).
• Did Yahweh’s personal throne-chair, the Merkabah [H4818 מִרְכֶּבֶת], pick Yeshua up? (Ezekiel 10:1-22).
• Did Yeshua ride upon a cherub, or perhaps fly upon the wings of the wind? (Psalm 18:10; 2 Samuel 22:11).
• Did angels carry Yeshua aloft as they did Lazarus? (Luke 16:19-31)
• Or, did Yeshua simply float upward like a helium balloon? (A new age nonsense assumption)

So, what picture comes to your mind as you read these scriptures? One of the above, or perhaps another?

I see him ascending riding on his white horse that will bring him back (Revelation 19:11-14). I like to picture Yeshua, as he stands nearby his talmidim, either whistling, or perhaps, just calling out. Not only do his sheep know his voice, so apparently do his horses! And this particular horse, is special – he is the King Of Horses.

Peter Jackson, in The Lord of The Rings: The Two Towers, employed this imagery well – Gandalf whistled, and Shadowfax, the King of the Mearas, answered, also bringing with him other horses for the man, the elf, and the dwarf to ride.

Yeshua’s Ascension Described
Acts 1:10-11 – “And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel who said, You men of Galilee, why are you gazing up into heaven? Yeshua will return in exactly the same way as you have watched him ascend into heaven.”

It is well attested to that Yeshua’s talmidim (disciples) could at times be as dense as a London fog, as dumb as driftwood, as bright as a burned out light bulb, as thick as a brick. Once again, they show their inability to respond immediately to what Yeshua is doing. They continue to gaze off into the sky so long, in fact, that two angels have to break their concentration by saying: “Hey, youse guys, whatcha lookin’ at?

The question of exactly how Yeshua ascended, if one can call it that, has been answered – the same way he went. But to answer this new question – how he returns, we must study scripture to see if it tells us how he will return!

Scripture has a lot to say about his return.
• Revelation 19:11 tells us very plainly that “heaven is opened and Yeshua is astride a white horse, coming to judge and wage war.”
• Revelation 19:14 tells us “The armies of heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and pure, were following him on white horses.”
Therefore, since Yeshua returns on a white horse, and Acts 1:11 tells us he ascended the same way, there can be absolutely no doubt that Yeshua ascended on the back of a white horse.

Conclusions
Deuteronomy 19:15 – “One witness alone will not be sufficient . . . the matter will be established only if there are two or three witnesses.”
Two or more witnesses are required to establish a matter according to numerous scriptures (see Numbers 35:30; Deuteronomy 17:6; Matthew 18:16; John 8:17; 2 Corinthians 13:1; and Hebrews 10:28).
• We have many witnesses that the word Harpazo does not indicate an instant disappearance twinkling of an eye event – merely an event that takes place forcefully, fervently, or enthusiastically.
• We have three witnesses that the Hebrew and Greek accounts of Enoch being taken by Yahweh / Theos is not an instant disappearance twinkling of an eye event – Enoch was simply walking with Elohim and was carried aloft.
• We have Elisha and at least fifty other witnesses that Elijah was watched as he was being taken by fiery horses and chariots. It was not an instant disappearance twinkling of an eye event – Elijah was simply carried aloft.
• We have at least twelve witnesses that without a doubt, as Yeshua ascended into heaven he was watched by his talmidim who had to be spoken to by angels to quit looking into the clouds and get back to living – approximately ten days before Shavuot. Once again, it was not an instant disappearance twinkling of an eye event– Yeshua was watched.

I am about to rattle some cages, upset some carts, and ruffle some feathers, so fasten your seatbelts.

Sound Doctrine
1 Timothy 6:3-4 tells us that any teaching that does not agree with Biblically sound precepts is lacking in understanding. Pay no attention to the new age false doctrines of twinkling of an eye instant disappearance.

Teaching that Enoch, Elijah, Philip, Yeshua, or other people instantly disappear in a twinkling of an eye, much less disappear in any manner, is not Biblically sound doctrine.

Even when the word disappear is used in these verses, it is to be understood in the same way that one says: “Billy took off and disappeared into the forest.” No one would imagine that Billy vanished in a twinkling of an eye!! Neither should one misinterpret the Biblical accounts of Enoch or Philip to assume that they vanished in a twinkling of an eye!!

Final Thought for 2025
• Prophecy continues to unfold as foretold by the Hebrew prophets.
• History is moving extremely quickly towards the prophesied one world government, the one world financial system, and the rise of both the Antichrist and the False Prophet.
• The escalation of wars and rumors of wars continues to unfold, both in the Middle East and around the globe.
• Time is incredibly short – The birth pangs are just over the horizon.
• The great day of Yahweh is getting really near, even at the door. It hastens forth and will not delay.
• Be sure you are believing The Truth, not The Lie, and maintain an attitude of thanksgiving.
• Be sure Yeshua is your Redeemer, King, and High Priest, and your sins are forgiven.

PowerPoint Slides Link
https://raptureparty.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/slides-people-dont-disappear-2025.pdf