Psalms 34:8

KJV

O taste and see that the LORD [is] good: blessed [is] the man [that] trusteth in him.

KJV (with Strong's)

O taste {H2938} and see {H7200} that the LORD {H3068} is good {H2896}: blessed {H835} is the man {H1397} that trusteth {H2620} in him.

Complete Jewish Bible

Taste, and see that ADONAI is good. How blessed are those who take refuge in him!

Berean Standard Bible

Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him!

American Standard Version

Oh taste and see that Jehovah is good: Blessed is the man that taketh refuge in him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 34:8 extends a profound, sensory invitation to humanity: to personally experience and discern the inherent goodness of the LORD. It then declares a state of profound blessedness upon those who respond to this invitation by placing their complete reliance and trust in Him. This verse serves as both an experiential summons to encounter God's character and a foundational truth about the security and well-being found in unwavering faith.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 34 is an acrostic psalm, with each verse (or pair of verses) beginning with a successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet, a literary device often used to aid memorization and convey completeness. It is attributed to David, specifically recalling his feigned madness before Abimelech (Achish) in Gath, as detailed in [1 Samuel 21:10-15](/1-samuel/21-10 "1 Samuel 21:10-15 - David's Flight to Gath"). The psalm, therefore, flows directly from a personal testimony of divine deliverance in a time of extreme peril. David, having experienced God's rescue firsthand, moves from personal praise in the opening verses (e.g., [Psalms 34:1-3](/psalms/34-1 "Psalms 34:1-3 - Praise for Deliverance")) to an evangelical call for others to seek and find the same goodness and salvation. Verse 8 acts as the pivotal invitation within this narrative of praise and instruction, bridging David's personal experience with a universal truth.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Near Eastern cultures, "taste and see" was more than a mere physical act; it often signified a deeper, experiential knowledge and discernment. To "taste" something was to personally verify its quality or truth, moving beyond hearsay to direct apprehension. Similarly, "seeing" implied understanding and recognizing reality. The concept of "trusting" or "taking refuge" (Hebrew: *ḥāsāh*) was vital in a world where security was often precarious. People sought refuge in fortified cities, powerful patrons, or, in this context, in the divine. David's precarious situation in Gath, where he was a fugitive from Saul and a potential enemy to Achish, underscores the desperate need for a reliable refuge. His subsequent deliverance transformed his understanding of God from a theological concept into a tangible, saving presence, making his invitation in [Psalms 34:8](/psalms/34-8 "Psalms 34:8 - Taste and See") deeply personal and culturally resonant.

* **Key Themes:** This verse encapsulates several major themes prevalent throughout the Psalms and the broader Old Testament. Firstly, it highlights the **experiential knowledge of God**, emphasizing that God's character is not merely to be intellectually apprehended but personally encountered and verified. This theme echoes the call to "know the LORD" found in passages like [Jeremiah 9:24](/jeremiah/9-24 "Jeremiah 9:24 - Knowing the LORD"). Secondly, it centers on the **inherent goodness of God** (*ṭōv*), portraying Him as fundamentally benevolent, righteous, and beneficial to His creation. This goodness is the bedrock of His covenant faithfulness and the source of all blessing. Thirdly, the psalm underscores the **blessedness of trust and refuge in God**. The Hebrew word for "blessed" (*'ashrê*) denotes a state of deep, holistic well-being, happiness, and divine favor that flows directly from complete reliance on God. This concept of finding ultimate security in God is a recurring motif, as seen in [Psalms 2:12](/psalms/2-12 "Psalms 2:12 - Blessed are All Who Take Refuge in Him") and [Proverbs 3:5-6](/proverbs/3-5 "Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the LORD with All Your Heart").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Taste (Hebrew, _ṭaʿam'_):** This verb signifies a direct, personal, and sensory experience. It implies more than mere intellectual assent; it is an active engagement, a testing, and a discerning of something through intimate contact. Just as one tastes food to ascertain its flavor and quality, this word invites a personal verification of God's character. It moves beyond secondhand knowledge to a lived reality.
* **Good (Hebrew, _ṭōv'_):** This adjective describes something that is excellent, beneficial, pleasant, morally upright, and inherently right. When applied to the LORD, it speaks to His essential nature as benevolent, righteous, and the source of all that is truly good. It encompasses His kindness, faithfulness, and the beneficial outcomes of His actions. God's goodness is not conditional but an intrinsic aspect of His being.
* **Trusteth (Hebrew, _ḥāsāh'_):** This verb means "to take refuge in," "to find shelter under," or "to put confidence in." It conveys a deep sense of reliance, dependence, and seeking protection. It is the act of fleeing to God for safety and security, much like a bird sheltering under its mother's wing. This trust is not passive but an active commitment of one's entire being to God, believing in His ability and willingness to deliver and sustain.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"O taste and see":** This is a powerful **imperative**, an urgent and direct invitation. The use of sensory verbs ("taste" and "see") emphasizes a call to personal, experiential knowledge rather than abstract theological understanding. It is a summons to move beyond hearing about God's goodness to actively engaging with it and discerning it for oneself.
* **"that the LORD [is] good":** This clause reveals the object of the experiential encounter: the inherent goodness of Yahweh, the covenant-keeping God. It is a declaration of His essential character, which is the foundation for all His actions and promises. The invitation is to verify this fundamental truth through personal interaction and observation of His faithfulness.
* **"blessed [is] the man [that] trusteth in him":** This is the promised outcome and the definition of true well-being. The Hebrew word for "blessed" (*'ashrê*) denotes a state of deep, holistic happiness and favor that comes from being in a right relationship with God. This blessedness is specifically linked to "trusting" or "taking refuge" in Him, highlighting that true security, peace, and flourishing are found in complete reliance on God's good character and His protective care.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 34:8 masterfully employs several **literary devices** to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Metaphor**, where the abstract concept of God's goodness is presented as something tangible that can be "tasted" and "seen," appealing directly to the senses. This sensory language transforms a theological truth into a personal, verifiable experience. The verse also uses **Imperative** mood ("O taste and see"), creating a direct, urgent, and personal invitation from the psalmist to the reader. Furthermore, there is a clear **Parallelism** between the initial invitation to experience God's goodness and the subsequent declaration of blessing for those who trust Him. The first part ("O taste and see that the LORD is good") sets the premise, and the second part ("blessed is the man that trusteth in him") presents the consequence or reward, creating a cause-and-effect relationship that reinforces the central message. The entire verse functions as an **Invitation**, drawing the audience into a deeper relationship with God through personal encounter and trust.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 34:8 serves as a theological cornerstone, asserting that the very nature of God is goodness, and that this goodness is not merely an attribute to be intellectually acknowledged but a reality to be personally experienced. This experiential knowledge is the pathway to true blessedness, which is defined not by external circumstances but by a secure reliance on the divine. The verse underscores the active role of humanity in seeking God and the reciprocal blessing that flows from such trust. It connects deeply with the broader biblical narrative of God's desire for intimate relationship with His people, where faith is not blind but informed by a direct encounter with His character and faithfulness.

* [Psalms 119:68](/psalms/119-68 "Psalms 119:68 - You are good and do good")
* [Lamentations 3:25](/lamentations/3-25 "Lamentations 3:25 - The LORD is good to those who wait for him")
* [Nahum 1:7](/nahum/1-7 "Nahum 1:7 - The LORD is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 34:8 stands as an enduring invitation to every generation, urging us to move beyond secondhand accounts or mere intellectual assent about God's character. It calls us to a personal, verifiable encounter with His goodness. In a world often marked by cynicism and despair, this verse offers a profound antidote: the assurance that God is inherently, unfailingly good, and that this goodness can be known intimately. The call to "taste and see" is an active summons to engage with God through prayer, through His Word, through obedience, and through observing His faithfulness in our lives and in the world. When we respond to this invitation by placing our complete trust in Him, especially amidst life's uncertainties and adversities, we discover the promised blessedness—a deep, abiding peace, security, and spiritual well-being that transcends our circumstances. This trust is not a passive waiting but an active reliance, a taking refuge in the One who is truly good and able to sustain us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways have I personally "tasted and seen" the goodness of the LORD in my life?**
* **What specific areas of my life do I find it most challenging to fully trust God, and how might I cultivate deeper reliance on His goodness in those areas?**
* **How does my understanding of God's inherent goodness impact my response to suffering or unanswered prayers?**

### FAQ
**What does "taste and see" truly mean in a practical sense for believers today?**

Answer: "Taste and see" is a powerful metaphor for experiencing God's goodness directly and personally, rather than merely hearing about it or accepting it intellectually. Practically, for believers today, it means actively engaging with God in ways that allow His character to be revealed and His faithfulness to be experienced. This can involve:
1. **Obedience:** As Jesus said, "[If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him](/john/14-23 "John 14:23 - Keeping Jesus' Word")." Experiencing God's presence and blessing often follows obedience.
2. **Prayer and Worship:** Spending time in communion with God, expressing gratitude, and seeking His presence allows us to perceive His goodness.
3. **Reading and Meditating on Scripture:** The Bible reveals God's character and His works throughout history, allowing us to "see" His goodness in action (e.g., [Psalms 119:103](/psalms/119-103 "Psalms 119:103 - How sweet are your words to my taste!")).
4. **Observing God's Providence:** Recognizing God's hand in daily life, in answered prayers, in unexpected provisions, or in moments of comfort during trials, helps us "taste" His goodness.
5. **Community:** Experiencing God's goodness through the love, support, and faithfulness of fellow believers in the body of Christ.
It's an invitation to move from theological concept to lived reality, confirming God's goodness through personal encounter.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 34:8 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who is the very embodiment and revelation of God's goodness. While the Old Testament invites us to "taste and see" the LORD's goodness, the New Testament reveals that this goodness is perfectly manifested in the person and work of Christ. Jesus declared, "[I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")," offering Himself as the spiritual sustenance that satisfies the deepest longings of the soul, allowing us to "taste" true life. Furthermore, Jesus is the visible image of the invisible God; as Philip requested, "[Lord, show us the Father, and it is enough for us](/john/14-8 "John 14:8 - Show Us the Father")," to which Jesus responded, "[Whoever has seen me has seen the Father](/john/14-9 "John 14:9 - Whoever Has Seen Me Has Seen the Father")." In Christ, we truly "see" the Father's goodness, mercy, and love. He is the ultimate object of our trust; "[For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World")." Our blessedness is secured not by our own efforts but by taking refuge in Him, who "[became sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God](/2-corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")." Thus, the invitation of Psalms 34:8 culminates in the person of Jesus, through whom God's goodness is fully revealed, and in whom all who trust find eternal blessedness and true refuge.

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

Hebrews 6:4

For [it is] impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost,

Hebrews 6:5

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

Psalms 119:103

¶ How sweet are thy words unto my taste! [yea, sweeter] than honey to my mouth!

1 Peter 2:2

As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:

1 Peter 2:3

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

Jeremiah 31:14

And I will satiate the soul of the priests with fatness, and my people shall be satisfied with my goodness, saith the LORD.

Psalms 63:5

My soul shall be satisfied as [with] marrow and fatness; and my mouth shall praise [thee] with joyful lips: