Lexical Summary spaó: To draw, pull Original Word: σπάω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance draw out. A primary verb; to draw -- draw (out). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origina prim. verb Definition to draw (a sword) NASB Translation drew (2). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4685: σπάωσπάω, σπω: 1 aorist middle ἐσπασαμην; (cognate with ἀσπάζομαι (to draw to oneself, embrace, etc.), English spasm, etc.); from Homer down; the Sept. chiefly for שָׁלַף; to draw: middle with μαχοιραν (cf. Buttmann, § 135, 4), to draw one's sword, Mark 14:47; Acts 16:27 (Numbers 22:31; τήν ῥομφαιον, 23; Judges 9:54, etc.). (Compare: ἀνασπάω, ἀποσπάω, διασπάω, ἐπισπάω, περισπάω.) Topical Lexicon Overview Strong’s Greek 4685 portrays the decisive action of drawing a blade. Though found only twice in the Greek New Testament, the verb captures critical, emotionally charged moments—one at the arrest of Jesus Christ (Mark 14) and the other during Paul’s imprisonment at Philippi (Acts 16). These scenes reveal contrasting human impulses—reactionary violence and despairing self-harm—set against the redemptive purposes of God. Occurrences in the New Testament 1. Mark 14:47: “Then one of those standing nearby drew his sword and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear.” Old Testament and Intertestamental Usage While the verb appears sparingly in the Septuagint, the action of unsheathing a sword is a familiar motif (for example, Judges 3:22; 1 Samuel 17:51). The imagery consistently signals readiness for conflict or judgment, laying a literary backdrop that heightens the shock when Jesus rejects violent defense (Matthew 26:52) and when Paul stops a suicide with a shout of hope (Acts 16:28). Historical Background • First-century Jews could lawfully carry short swords (machaira) for personal protection, explaining Peter’s possession in the garden. Theological Significance Mark 14:47 contrasts human force with Christ’s voluntary submission, fulfilling Isaiah 53:7. Acts 16:27 highlights human despair against divine rescue, showcasing the gospel’s power to stay the hand of death. Together the two texts frame a theology of deliverance—Christ rebukes violent zeal (John 18:11) even as His gospel delivers violent-minded or despairing souls. Practical Ministry Implications 1. Conflict Resolution: Followers of Christ are called to sheathe literal and figurative swords, trusting God’s redemptive plan. Connection with the Person and Work of Christ Peter’s impulsive act underscores the misunderstanding of a kingdom “not of this world” (John 18:36). By healing the servant’s ear (Luke 22:51), Jesus embodies restorative grace. Likewise, Paul, Christ’s apostle, extends that same grace to a Gentile jailer. The verb thus frames pivotal moments where the Savior or His representative redirects destructive impulses toward life. Relation to Christian Discipleship The believer’s sword is ultimately “the word of God” (Ephesians 6:17). Physical weapons and self-destructive despair are both superseded by spiritual warfare fought through truth, prayer, and sacrificial love. Conclusion Strong’s 4685 depicts more than the mechanical act of unsheathing steel; it crystallizes decisive instants when human instinct collides with divine purpose. In the garden, it exposes zeal without knowledge; in Philippi, despair without hope. In both, the gospel interjects, transforming potential tragedy into testimony. Forms and Transliterations εσπάσαντο εσπάσατο έσπασε εσπασμένη εσπασμένην εσπασμένοι εσπασμένους εσπασμένων σπάσαι σπασαμενος σπασάμενος σπασμένων σπώμενοι σπωμένων spasamenos spasámenosLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Mark 14:47 V-APM-NMSGRK: τῶν παρεστηκότων σπασάμενος τὴν μάχαιραν NAS: who stood by drew his sword, KJV: that stood by drew a sword, INT: of those standing by having drawn the sword Acts 16:27 V-APM-NMS |
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