Hebrews 6:5

KJV

And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come,

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} have tasted {G1089} the good {G2570} word {G4487} of God {G2316}, and {G5037} the powers {G1411} of the world {G165} to come {G3195},

Complete Jewish Bible

and tasted the goodness of God’s Word and the powers of the ‘olam haba —

Berean Standard Bible

who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the coming age—

American Standard Version

and tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the age to come,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Hebrews 6:5 describes the profound spiritual experience of individuals who have genuinely encountered the truths of the Christian faith. It highlights two key aspects of this experience: a deep, personal assimilation of God's revealed word, often associated with the Gospel message, and a tangible, experiential foretaste of the miraculous power and blessings characteristic of the eschatological age, the "world to come," which has already broken into the present through Christ. This verse, situated within a solemn warning against apostasy, underscores the significant privileges granted to those who have truly partaken in the divine realities of the New Covenant.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Hebrews 6:5 is an integral part of a challenging passage in [Hebrews 6:4-6](/hebrews/6-4-6 "Hebrews 6:4-6 - The Warning Against Falling Away"), which serves as a severe warning against apostasy. The author is urging his readers, likely Jewish Christians, to move beyond the "elementary principles of Christ" and press on to maturity, as stated in [Hebrews 6:1-3](/hebrews/6-1-3 "Hebrews 6:1-3 - Pressing on to Maturity"). This verse, along with the preceding and succeeding ones, describes the profound spiritual enlightenment and participation of those who are in danger of falling away, emphasizing that their potential defection would be from a position of deep spiritual privilege and not mere superficial acquaintance with the faith. The author's argument is that those who have experienced such deep spiritual realities and then turn away cannot be renewed to repentance, highlighting the gravity of their spiritual state.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Epistle to the Hebrews was written to Jewish believers who were facing significant pressure, possibly persecution or social ostracism, which tempted them to revert to the perceived security and familiarity of Judaism. The author systematically demonstrates the absolute superiority of Christ and the New Covenant over the Old Covenant, its laws, and its sacrificial system. The concept of "the world to come" (οἰκουμένη μέλλουσα) was a familiar eschatological idea in Jewish thought, referring to the Messianic age or the age of salvation. For these Jewish Christians, understanding that the "powers" of this future age had already begun to manifest in their present experience through Christ and the Holy Spirit was crucial, distinguishing the New Covenant as the fulfillment of God's promises, not merely a continuation of the old.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several major themes woven throughout Hebrews. Firstly, it emphasizes the theme of **spiritual experience and reality**, highlighting that Christian faith is not merely intellectual assent but a transformative encounter with God's word and power. Secondly, it reinforces the theme of the **superiority of the New Covenant**, demonstrating that believers under Christ's reign have access to spiritual realities and powers that transcend those of the Old Covenant. The "powers of the world to come" signify the breaking in of God's eschatological Kingdom into the present, a theme also evident in passages like [Hebrews 2:5](/hebrews/2-5 "Hebrews 2:5 - The World to Come"). Thirdly, it undergirds the solemn theme of **perseverance and the danger of apostasy**, by vividly portraying the depth of spiritual privilege from which one might fall, making the warning in [Hebrews 6:6](/hebrews/6-6 "Hebrews 6:6 - The Impossibility of Renewal") all the more stark. Finally, the verse implicitly points to the **work of the Holy Spirit** as the agent through whom these "powers" are experienced, as seen in [Hebrews 2:4](/hebrews/2-4 "Hebrews 2:4 - God Bearing Witness with Signs and Wonders").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **tasted (Greek, _geúomai'_):** This primary verb signifies a direct, personal, and sensory experience. While it can mean a brief sample, in this context, especially when coupled with the other descriptors in [Hebrews 6:4](/hebrews/6-4 "Hebrews 6:4 - Enlightened and Partakers of the Holy Spirit"), it implies a genuine and profound engagement with, and assimilation of, the divine reality. It is not merely intellectual comprehension but a deep, internal apprehension and enjoyment, akin to the experience of eating.
* **word (Greek, _rhēma'_):** This noun refers to an utterance, an individual saying, or a specific declaration. In the context of "the good word of God," it points to the specific, revealed message of God, particularly the Gospel of salvation through Christ. It emphasizes the active, spoken nature of God's revelation, which is to be received and experienced.
* **powers (Greek, _dýnamis'_):** This term denotes force, ability, or miraculous power. It often refers to supernatural manifestations or miracles themselves, signifying the dynamic energy and authority of God at work. In this verse, it speaks to the tangible, supernatural expressions of God's Kingdom that believers have personally witnessed or participated in.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And have tasted the good word of God":** This clause describes a profound, experiential encounter with God's revealed truth. "Tasted" (G1089, _geúomai_) goes beyond mere intellectual assent, implying a personal, internal assimilation and enjoyment of the "good word of God." This "good word" (G2570, _kalós_ + G4487, _rhēma_ + G2316, _theós_) refers to the Gospel message in its entirety—the divine revelation concerning Christ, salvation, and the New Covenant. It suggests that these individuals have not just heard about God's word but have personally embraced it, found it satisfying, and allowed it to transform them.
* **"and the powers of the world to come":** This second clause indicates that these individuals have also experienced the dynamic, supernatural manifestations of God's Kingdom that belong to the eschatological age. The "powers" (G1411, _dýnamis_) refer to divine energy, miraculous abilities, or spiritual gifts, often associated with the work of the Holy Spirit. The "world to come" (G165, _aiṓn_ + G3195, _méllō_) signifies the Messianic age, the age of salvation and Christ's full reign, which, though still future in its consummation, has already broken into the present through Christ's first coming and the outpouring of the Spirit. Thus, those described have had a genuine foretaste of the supernatural realities and blessings that will characterize God's fully established Kingdom.

#### Literary Devices
The author of Hebrews employs several powerful literary devices in this verse to convey the depth of spiritual experience. The most prominent is **Metaphor**, specifically in the phrase "have tasted the good word of God." Tasting implies a direct, personal, and sensory engagement, making the abstract concept of God's word tangible and consumable, suggesting a deep assimilation rather than mere intellectual apprehension. This vivid imagery underscores the transformative nature of truly receiving divine revelation. Furthermore, the phrase "powers of the world to come" utilizes **Eschatological Language**, bringing future realities into the present. This highlights the "already-not yet" tension of God's Kingdom, where the dynamic forces of the consummated age are already being experienced by believers. The use of "powers" (dýnamis) also functions as a form of **Metonymy**, where the effect (miraculous power) stands for the cause (the presence and activity of the Holy Spirit and God's Kingdom).

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Hebrews 6:5 profoundly illustrates the reality of the New Covenant experience, where believers are not merely adherents to a set of doctrines but participants in a living, dynamic relationship with God. It emphasizes that genuine Christian faith involves a deep, personal encounter with God's revealed truth and a tangible experience of His supernatural power. This "tasting" of God's good word signifies a spiritual nourishment and satisfaction derived from the Gospel, while experiencing the "powers of the world to come" points to the Holy Spirit's active presence, manifesting the realities of God's Kingdom in the present age through spiritual gifts, miracles, and transformative grace. This foretaste serves as both a privilege and a profound responsibility, making the warning against falling away all the more serious, as it implies a turning from a known and experienced divine reality.

* [1 Peter 2:3](/1-peter/2-3 "Tasting the Lord's Goodness"): "If indeed you have tasted that the Lord is gracious." This verse parallels the experiential "tasting" of God's goodness and grace, reinforcing the idea of a personal, sensory encounter with divine reality.
* [Ephesians 1:13-14](/ephesians/1-13-14 "The Holy Spirit as a Guarantee"): "In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory." This passage connects the hearing of the Gospel with the sealing of the Holy Spirit, who serves as a "down payment" or "guarantee" of future blessings, echoing the "powers of the world to come."
* [Acts 2:17-18](/acts/2-17-18 "Prophecy of the Spirit's Outpouring"): "‘And in the last days it shall be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams; even on my male servants and female servants in those days I will pour out my Spirit, and they shall prophesy.’" This prophecy, fulfilled at Pentecost, describes the outpouring of the Holy Spirit and the manifestation of spiritual gifts, which are concrete expressions of the "powers of the world to come" breaking into the present age.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Hebrews 6:5 serves as a profound reminder of the immense privilege and depth of the Christian experience. It challenges us to move beyond a superficial understanding of faith to a genuine, transformative encounter with God's word and power. To "taste the good word of God" means to personally embrace, assimilate, and find delight in the truth of the Gospel, allowing it to nourish our souls and shape our lives. To experience "the powers of the world to come" means to recognize and participate in the present manifestations of God's Kingdom through the Holy Spirit—whether through spiritual gifts, divine empowerment, or the transformative presence of God in our lives and communities. This verse calls us to cherish these spiritual realities, to continually deepen our engagement with God's word, and to remain open to the dynamic work of the Holy Spirit. It also serves as a solemn warning: having been so richly blessed and deeply involved in divine realities, our responsibility to persevere in faith becomes even greater. Our spiritual journey is not static; it demands ongoing growth, dependence on God, and steadfast commitment to the truth we have tasted and the power we have experienced.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways have I personally "tasted the good word of God"? How has God's word nourished and transformed me beyond mere intellectual understanding?**
* **How have I experienced or witnessed "the powers of the world to come" in my life or in the church today? Am I actively seeking and acknowledging the Holy Spirit's work?**
* **Am I growing in spiritual maturity, or am I content with elementary principles? What steps can I take to press on toward deeper spiritual engagement?**
* **Given the profound spiritual privileges described in this verse, how does it challenge me to persevere in my faith and guard against complacency or falling away?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of the word "tasted" in Hebrews 6:5?**

Answer: The word "tasted" (Greek: _geúomai_) is highly significant because it implies a direct, personal, and sensory experience, going beyond mere intellectual understanding or observation. It suggests that the individuals described have not just heard about God's "good word" (the Gospel and divine revelation) but have personally ingested it, found it satisfying, and allowed it to become a part of their inner being. This "tasting" is akin to a deep, transformative encounter, much like how one experiences food. It signifies a genuine and profound engagement with the truth, indicating that these individuals were not superficial converts but had truly partaken in the spiritual blessings of the Christian covenant. This is similar to the call in [1 Peter 2:3](/1-peter/2-3 "Tasting the Lord's Goodness") to "taste and see that the Lord is good."

**What does "the powers of the world to come" refer to in this verse?**

Answer: "The powers of the world to come" refers to the dynamic, supernatural manifestations and blessings of the eschatological age—the age of the Messiah's full reign and the consummation of God's Kingdom. While the "world to come" (Greek: _mellontos aiōnos_) will be fully realized in the future, it has already broken into the present through the first coming of Christ, His resurrection, and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. These "powers" (Greek: _dýnamis_) are tangible expressions of God's divine energy and authority, often associated with the work of the Holy Spirit, such as miracles, spiritual gifts (e.g., prophecy, healing, tongues), and the transformative presence of God's Kingdom. Therefore, those described in [Hebrews 6:5](/hebrews/6-5 "Tasted the Powers of the World to Come") had a genuine, experiential foretaste of the spiritual forces and realities that will fully characterize God's eternal reign, providing a concrete demonstration of the New Covenant's superiority and the reality of God's Kingdom breaking into the present.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Hebrews 6:5 finds its ultimate fulfillment and meaning in Jesus Christ, who is the very embodiment of the "good word of God" and the inaugurator of "the world to come." Jesus is the living Word, as declared in [John 1:1](/john/1-1 "The Word Was God") and [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "The Word Became Flesh"), through whom God has spoken His final and most complete revelation, as stated in [Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1-2 "God Has Spoken by His Son"). To "taste the good word of God" is therefore to personally encounter and assimilate the truth revealed in Christ—His person, His atoning work, and His resurrection. Furthermore, Jesus' first advent initiated "the world to come," the Messianic age, bringing the Kingdom of God into present reality (cf. [Luke 17:20-21](/luke/17-20-21 "The Kingdom of God Is Within You")). The "powers of the world to come" are the dynamic manifestations of His Kingdom, unleashed through His ministry, His victory over sin and death, and supremely, through the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost (cf. [Acts 2:1-4](/acts/2-1-4 "The Day of Pentecost")). These powers, including miracles and spiritual gifts, are the tangible evidence that Christ has indeed inaugurated a new age, providing a foretaste of the glorious consummation when He returns to establish His Kingdom in its fullness, ushering in the [new heavens and new earth](/revelation/21-1 "The New Heaven and New Earth"). Thus, all genuine spiritual experience and all manifestations of divine power flow from Christ, who is the Alpha and Omega of God's redemptive plan.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Luke 8:13

They on the rock [are they], which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away.

1 Peter 2:3

If so be ye have tasted that the Lord [is] gracious.

Matthew 13:20

But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it;

Matthew 13:21

Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended.

Mark 4:16

And these are they likewise which are sown on stony ground; who, when they have heard the word, immediately receive it with gladness;

Mark 4:17

And have no root in themselves, and so endure but for a time: afterward, when affliction or persecution ariseth for the word's sake, immediately they are offended.

2 Peter 2:20

For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning.