γεύομαι

I taste, experience

Definition

The verb γεύομαι primarily means 'to taste' in a literal, physical sense, as in tasting food or drink (John 2:9, Matthew 27:34). More significantly, it is used metaphorically to mean 'to experience' or 'to partake of' something, often with the implication of coming to know it fully. For instance, Jesus uses it to describe experiencing death (John 8:52) or the kingdom of God (Matthew 16:28). In Hebrews 6:4-5, it describes the profound spiritual experience of God's word and the powers of the coming age.

Biblical Usage

Used 15 times in the New Testament, γεύομαι appears in the Gospels, Acts, and Hebrews. In the Gospels, it is often used by Jesus in eschatological sayings about 'tasting death' or experiencing the kingdom (Matthew 16:28, Mark 9:1, Luke 9:27). The literal sense is found in narratives about food and drink (John 2:9, Matthew 27:34). In Hebrews, it carries a strong experiential sense regarding salvation (Hebrews 2:9, 6:4-5). Acts 10:10 uses it for the simple act of eating a meal.

Etymology

Derived from the Greek root γευ-, related to the sense of taste. It is cognate with the noun γεῦσις (geusis, G1087), meaning 'a tasting.' The fundamental idea progressed from the physical act of tasting to the broader metaphorical meaning of experiencing something directly and personally.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it bridges physical sensation and spiritual reality. It underscores that key Christian concepts like death, salvation, and the kingdom of God are not merely abstract ideas but are to be personally encountered and experienced. In passages like Hebrews 6:4-5, it describes a deep, participatory knowledge of divine gifts that goes beyond intellectual understanding, enriching our reading by emphasizing the experiential dimension of faith.

In the ancient world, 'tasting' was a powerful metaphor for direct, personal knowledge, as one's sense of taste provides immediate, intimate experience. This differs from a modern, more clinical understanding of 'taste.' The metaphorical use to mean 'experience' or 'partake of' was common in Greek literature, which the New Testament authors employed to convey profound spiritual participation.

ἐσθίω (esthiō, G2068) — to eat, focusing on consumption. πίνω (pinō, G4095) — to drink. ἀπολαύω (apolauō, G619) — to enjoy, with a stronger connotation of deriving pleasure from an experience.

Word Details

Scripture References