σπάω (spaō)
spaō
to draw
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb spao means to draw or pull something, most notably a weapon from its sheath. In the New Testament, it appears only twice, and in both instances it describes the physical act of drawing a sword. This usage highlights the sudden, violent nature of the action rather than a prolonged struggle.
Its occurrence in Mark 14:47 captures the moment when one of Jesus’ companions draws his sword to defend him during the arrest in Gethsemane. Similarly, Acts 16:27 records a Roman soldier drawing his weapon, likely intending to kill himself after assuming his prisoners had escaped. The word carries a sense of immediate readiness for conflict.
While classical Greek sometimes used spao more broadly for pulling or dragging, the biblical authors reserve it for this specific martial context. It serves as a sharp, concrete verb that conveys the abrupt shift from conversation to violence in these pivotal narrative moments.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Greek word σπὴω (spaō) appears only twice in the New Testament, and both times it describes the sudden, violent act of drawing a sword. In Mark 14:47, a companion of Jesus draws his weapon during the arrest in Gethsemane. In Acts 16:27, a jailer draws his sword to take his own life, fearing he has lost his prisoners. These are moments of crisis, where fear or loyalty triggers an immediate physical response.
For your faith, this word reminds us that human reactions in times of stress are often impulsive and driven by emotion. We may feel the urge to defend ourselves, control outcomes, or escape pain through drastic measures. Yet, these brief glimpses into human frailty show how easily we reach for weapons—literal or metaphorical—when we feel threatened.
Jesus’ response in Gethsemane offers a different path. He heals the injured servant and rebukes the use of violence, pointing instead to trust in God’s plan. This word invites us to examine our own responses when life feels out of control. Can we choose peace over panic? Can we trust that God is present even in our most fearful moments?
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- himself drawing1×
- having drawn1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- σπασάμενος2×
Key Verses
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Mark 14:47
But a certain one of those who stood by drew his sword and struck the servant of the high priest, and cut off his ear.
This occurrence matters because it captures the chaotic moment when a disciple resorts to violence to protect Jesus, revealing human fear and misunderstanding of His mission.
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Acts 16:27
The jailer, being roused out of sleep and seeing the prison doors open, drew his sword and was about to kill himself, supposing that the prisoners had escaped.
This verse highlights the jailer’s despair as he draws his sword, showing how quickly circumstances can lead to thoughts of self-harm when hope seems lost.