### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **geúomai**, represented by `{{G1089}}`, is a primary verb meaning **to taste**. It appears 20 times in 15 unique verses. By implication, it means to eat, and figuratively, it is used to describe the act of experiencing something, whether good or ill. Its usage ranges from the literal act of consuming food to the profound spiritual experience of God's grace or the ultimate experience of death.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{G1089}}` is applied in both literal and figurative contexts. For a literal tasting, the ruler of the feast **tasted** the water that had been turned into wine [[John 2:9]]. Similarly, on the cross, Jesus **tasted** vinegar mingled with gall but refused to drink it [[Matthew 27:34]]. Figuratively, the word is used to describe the experience of death. Jesus was to **taste** death for every man [[Hebrews 2:9]], and he promised some of his followers that they would not **taste** of death until they saw the kingdom of God [[Matthew 16:28]]. This figurative sense also extends to spiritual realities, such as when believers are described as having **tasted** the heavenly gift [[Hebrews 6:4]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help to clarify the context of tasting and experiencing:
* `{{G4095}}` **pínō** (to imbibe): This word for "drink" is a direct counterpart to eating or tasting. In [[Matthew 27:34]], after Jesus had **tasted** `{{G1089}}` the vinegar, he would not **drink** `{{G4095}}`.
* `{{G680}}` **háptomai** (to touch): This verb is used alongside `{{G1089}}` in a list of prohibitions regarding physical interaction with certain things, as seen in the command, "**Touch** not; **taste** not" [[Colossians 2:21]].
* `{{G740}}` **ártos** (bread): This noun for bread or a loaf is often the object of eating. In [[Acts 20:11]], Paul had broken **bread** `{{G740}}` and **eaten** `{{G1089}}`, showing the direct connection between the object and the action.
* `{{G2345}}` **thingánō** (to manipulate, i.e. have to do with): This term is also found in the prohibitions of [[Colossians 2:21]], which lists actions to be avoided: "taste not; **handle** not."
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G1089}}` is significant, often pointing to a direct, personal experience of spiritual truths.
* **Experiencing Christ's Sacrifice:** The statement that Jesus should **taste** death [[Hebrews 2:9]] frames his crucifixion not as a distant event but as a personal and complete experience of suffering undertaken for humanity.
* **Perceiving Divine Goodness:** The word is used to describe a believer's intimate perception of God's character. Believers are encouraged by the fact that they have **tasted** that the Lord is gracious [[1 Peter 2:3]].
* **Participating in Salvation:** In Hebrews, the term describes the initial experience of salvation. Those who have been enlightened are said to have **tasted** of the heavenly gift and **tasted** the good word of God [[Hebrews 6:4-5]], linking the act of tasting with partaking in the Holy Ghost.
* **The Experience of Death:** Across the Gospels, the promise that some would not **taste** death [[Luke 9:27]] treats mortality not as an absolute end but as an experience that can be transcended by the power of Christ's coming kingdom.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G1089}}` is a versatile word that conveys more than the physical act of eating. It serves as a powerful metaphor for personal experience. From the literal tasting of food and drink to the figurative tasting of death, the heavenly gift, and the goodness of God, **geúomai** illustrates how scripture uses a common physical action to describe the most profound spiritual realities and the nature of one's personal relationship with God.
TRV