σπάω
spáō
G4685 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To pull or draw (usually with force) an object toward oneself, most often used of drawing a sword from its sheath. In extended contexts, it can also mean to pull or drag something or someone out or away from a location. The primary sense in the Koine period is the physical act of drawing out a weapon, especially a sword.
Semantic Range
to draw (a sword), to pull out, to unsheath; to drag away, to pull, to remove forcibly
Root / Etymology
From the root σπα-, possibly related to similar Indo-European roots meaning 'to pull' or 'to drag.' Cognate with Latin 'spatium' (stretch, space) but precise derivation is uncertain.
Historical & Contextual Notes
σπάω has classical Greek roots, appearing from Homer onward, most frequently in contexts involving the unsheathing or drawing of swords or similar objects. By the Hellenistic and Koine periods, its primary attested use is in military or violent contexts, as in drawing a sword for action (cf. John 18:10). It is distinct from ἕλκω (helkō, to drag or draw by force, especially something heavy or unwilling) in that σπάω typically involves a swift, intentional movement, and is seldom used metaphorically. English translations sometimes obscure the concrete image by rendering it simply 'draw,' but in context, it usually involves weapons. Usage outside the NT includes similar military and heroic contexts, with rare metaphorical extension. In the Septuagint and other Koine sources, it does not acquire abstract or metaphorical senses, remaining focused on the physical act of drawing out, especially a sword.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
a primary verb; to draw:--draw (out).
Root Family
σπάω (spaō) — to pull, to draw, to unsheath
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4685-01 |
σπασάμενος | spasamenos | V AOR MID PTCP NOM M SG |
drew | having drawn out | having drawn out | 2 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4685-01 |
Mark 14:47 | σπασάμενος | spasamenos | V AOR MID PTCP NOM M SG |
drew | having drawn out | having drawn out |
G4685-01 |
Acts 16:27 | σπασάμενος | spasamenos | V AOR MID PTCP NOM M SG |
drew | having drawn out | having drawn out |