The Greek word perileípō, represented by G4035, is defined as to leave all around, or passively, to survive or remain. It appears only 2 times in 2 unique verses, with both occurrences found in the same chapter of the New Testament. Its meaning is focused on the state of surviving or being left behind in a specific context.
In its biblical usage, G4035 is exclusively found in an eschatological context within 1 Thessalonians. It is used to describe believers who are alive at the time of the Lord's return. The word clarifies that "we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep" 1 Thessalonians 4:15. This is reiterated when describing the event itself: "we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds" 1 Thessalonians 4:17. In both instances, it distinguishes living believers from those who have already died.
Several related Greek words help clarify the precise meaning of G4035 in its context:
- G2198 záō (a primary verb; to live (literally or figuratively):--life(-time), (a-)live(-ly), quick.): This word is used in direct parallel with G4035 in the phrase "alive and remain" (1 Thessalonians 4:15, 1 Thessalonians 4:17), establishing the physical state of those who survive until the Lord's coming.
- G2837 koimáō (from κεῖμαι; to put to sleep, i.e. (passively or reflexively) to slumber; figuratively, to decease:--(be a-, fall a-, fall on) sleep, be dead.): This term is the direct contrast to those who "remain." It describes believers who have died as being "asleep" 1 Thessalonians 4:15, a state from which they will rise.
- G5348 phthánō (apparently a primary verb; to be beforehand, i.e. anticipate or precede; by extension, to have arrived at:--(already) attain, come, prevent.): This word is used to assure that those who "remain" will not precede, or "prevent," those who are asleep at the Lord's coming 1 Thessalonians 4:15, emphasizing a simultaneous gathering.
- G726 harpázō (from a derivative of αἱρέομαι; to seize (in various applications):--catch (away, up), pluck, pull, take (by force).): This describes the action that will happen to those who are alive and "remain," stating they will be "caught up" to meet the Lord 1 Thessalonians 4:17.
The theological weight of G4035 is centered on providing clarity and comfort regarding the end times.
- A State of Readiness: To "remain" signifies being part of the generation of believers who will not experience death but will be transformed at the Lord's coming.
- Equal Standing in Hope: The word is used to emphasize that surviving believers hold no advantage over those who have died in Christ. Those who "remain" will not precede those who are "asleep" 1 Thessalonians 4:15.
- Participation in the Rapture: The term specifically identifies the group that will be "caught up" G726 together with the resurrected dead to meet the Lord in the air, underscoring a unified hope for all believers 1 Thessalonians 4:17.
In summary, G4035 is a highly specific term used to define those who "survive" or "remain" alive until the return of Christ. Though rare, its usage in 1 Thessalonians is crucial for understanding the biblical teaching on the rapture. It functions to assure believers that both the living and the dead in Christ will share in the same glorious event, being gathered together to be with the Lord forever.
TRV