The Greek noun astrape refers to lightning — the sudden, brilliant, irresistible flash of light in a storm. Jesus used it to describe the nature of His return: 'For as lightning that comes from the east is visible even in the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man' (Matthew 24:27).
Lightning in Scripture consistently signals divine theophany — the blazing manifestation of God's presence. At Sinai, lightning accompanied God's descent (Exodus 19:16). Ezekiel's vision showed cherubim flashing like lightning (Ezekiel 1:14). Revelation depicts lightning proceeding from God's throne (Revelation 4:5). Jesus' use of astrape for His return embeds the Second Coming in this tradition: unmistakable, universal, instantaneous — no private interpretation possible, no missed announcement. Every eye will see.