### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun πόμα (póma), Strong's `{{G4188}}`, is derived from the verb πίνω (pinō) `{{G4095}}`, meaning "to drink." Its core meaning is straightforward: "a drink," "a beverage," or "that which is drunk." It refers to any liquid consumed for nourishment, refreshment, or ritual purposes, distinguishing it from solid food. The semantic range of πόμα is quite narrow, focusing primarily on the liquid substance itself rather than the act of drinking or the vessel from which it is consumed.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
πόμα (póma) appears in the New Testament in several key passages, often paired with βρῶμα (brōma) `{{G1033}}` (food) to represent physical sustenance or ceremonial regulations.
* **Romans 14:17**: "For the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit." Here, πόμα (póma) is used in conjunction with βρῶμα (brōma) to represent the external practices and dietary laws that were a source of contention within the early Christian community. Paul employs this pairing to emphasize that the true nature of God's kingdom transcends such outward observances, prioritizing instead the internal spiritual realities of righteousness, peace, and joy, which are gifts of the Holy Spirit.
* **Colossians 2:16**: "Therefore let no one pass judgment on you in questions of food and drink, or with regard to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath." Similar to the context in Romans, πόμα (póma) is again paired with βρῶμα (brōma). This verse reinforces the apostolic teaching that believers are not to be judged by adherence to ceremonial laws concerning food and drink, which were part of the Mosaic Law and often emphasized by Judaizers. These regulations are presented as "a shadow of the things to come, but the substance belongs to Christ" ([[Colossians 2:17]]), indicating their fulfillment and abrogation in Christ.
* **1 Corinthians 10:4**: "and all drank the same spiritual drink; for they were drinking from a spiritual rock which followed them; and the rock was Christ." This is perhaps the most theologically rich occurrence of πόμα (póma). The passage refers to the miraculous water provided to the Israelites in the wilderness. Paul, however, interprets this historical event allegorically, identifying the "spiritual drink" with a "spiritual rock" that followed them, and explicitly stating, "and the rock was Christ." This elevates the physical "drink" to a profound theological symbol, identifying Christ as the ultimate source of spiritual life, sustenance, and divine provision for His people, both then and now.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **πίνω (pinō) `{{G4095}}`**: The root verb meaning "to drink." πόμα is the direct nominalization of this action, representing the object of drinking.
* **βρῶμα (brōma) `{{G1033}}`**: "Food" or "that which is eaten." This word is almost invariably paired with πόμα in the New Testament, creating the comprehensive phrase "food and drink" to denote all forms of physical sustenance or dietary regulations.
* **τροφή (trophē) `{{G5160}}`**: A general term for "food" or "nourishment." While βρῶμα and πόμα specify eaten and drunk items respectively, τροφή is a broader category.
* **ὕδωρ (hydōr) `{{G5204}}`**: "Water." Often the specific substance referred to by πόμα, particularly in contexts like the wilderness narrative or Jesus's discussions about "living water" ([[John 4:10-14]], [[John 7:37-38]]).
* **οἶνος (oinos) `{{G3631}}`**: "Wine." A specific type of πόμα that holds significant cultural, social, and religious importance in the biblical world, notably in the context of the Last Supper and various parables.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of πόμα (póma) in the New Testament extends beyond its literal meaning to serve as a powerful symbol. Its frequent pairing with βρῶμα (food) in discussions concerning ceremonial laws (Romans 14, Colossians 2) underscores a crucial New Covenant principle: the kingdom of God is not defined by external observances, but by internal spiritual realities. These passages highlight the Christian freedom from legalistic adherence to dietary codes, emphasizing that such regulations were shadows fulfilled in Christ, who is the true substance.
The most profound theological import of πόμα is found in 1 Corinthians 10:4. By identifying the "spiritual drink" from the rock with Christ, Paul transforms a historical event into a Christological declaration. This teaches that Christ is the ever-present, life-giving source of spiritual sustenance for His people, mirroring the physical provision in the wilderness. It connects the Old Testament narrative to the New Testament reality of Christ's indwelling presence and the life-giving work of the Holy Spirit. This understanding elevates πόμα from a mere physical necessity to a potent metaphor for divine provision, spiritual nourishment, and the very essence of Christ's identity as the source of eternal life.
### Summary
The Greek word πόμα (póma) `{{G4188}}` denotes "a drink" or "beverage." While semantically straightforward, its usage in the New Testament carries significant theological weight. Often appearing alongside βρῶμα (food), πόμα frequently features in discussions that distinguish between the external, temporary regulations of the Old Covenant (such as dietary laws) and the internal, enduring spiritual realities of the New Covenant in Christ. Most notably, in 1 Corinthians 10:4, πόμα is employed allegorically to represent Christ Himself as the spiritual fount of life and sustenance for believers. Thus, πόμα serves not only as a literal term for liquid nourishment but also as a powerful symbol pointing to Christ as the ultimate source of spiritual provision and the fulfillment of all Old Testament shadows.
TRV