Σπάω means to draw or pull, most commonly used for drawing a sword from its sheath. In both New Testament occurrences, the verb appears in contexts of violence or potential violence. In Mark 14:47, one of those standing near (John's Gospel identifies him as Peter) draws a sword and strikes the high priest's servant during Jesus' arrest. In Acts 16:27, the Philippian jailer draws his sword to kill himself when he thinks the prisoners have escaped. The verb captures the decisive moment of pulling a weapon, whether for attack or self-destruction, and in both biblical cases the action is interrupted by divine intervention.