a primitive root; to taste; figuratively, to perceive; [idiom] but, perceive, taste.
Transliteration:ṭâʻam
Pronunciation:taw-am'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew verb H2938 (ṭâʻam) is a primitive root, carrying the fundamental meaning "to taste." This primary, sensory application refers to the physical act of perceiving flavor through the mouth. However, its semantic range extends significantly beyond the literal. Figuratively, H2938 denotes "to perceive," "to discern," or "to understand." This transition from a physical sensation to an intellectual or spiritual apprehension highlights a common linguistic phenomenon in biblical Hebrew, where concrete experiences often serve as metaphors for abstract concepts. Thus, ṭâʻam can describe not only the tasting of food but also the discerning of wisdom, the perception of truth, or the experiential knowledge of a reality.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The occurrences of H2938 in the Hebrew Bible demonstrate both its literal and figurative applications:
* **Literal Usage (Physical Tasting):**
* In [[1 Samuel 14:24]] and [[1 Samuel 14:29]], Jonathan's "tasting" of a little honey is central to the narrative, leading to a conflict with Saul's rash oath. Here, ṭâʻam refers directly to the consumption and experience of food.
* Similarly, [[2 Samuel 3:35]] describes David's refusal "to taste" any food until sunset, a sign of his deep mourning for Abner, again indicating the literal act of eating.
* [[Job 12:11]] uses ṭâʻam in a proverbial sense: "Does not the ear test words as the tongue tastes food?" This verse draws a direct parallel between the physical act of tasting and the intellectual act of discerning speech, even while retaining the literal meaning of the tongue's function.
* [[Proverbs 31:18]] states that the excellent wife "perceives (or tastes) that her merchandise is good," implying a discerning judgment based on experience or quality, though the underlying sensory root remains.
* In [[Jonah 3:7]], the decree of the king of Nineveh includes that neither man nor beast should "taste" anything, emphasizing a complete fast from food and water as an act of repentance.
* **Figurative Usage (Perception, Discernment, Experience):**
* The most profound figurative use is found in [[Psalm 34:8]]: "Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him!" Here, "taste" clearly transcends the physical, inviting an experiential, intimate knowledge of God's goodness. It suggests an encounter that is personal, immediate, and deeply satisfying, akin to how one experiences the flavor of food.
* [[Proverbs 11:29]] states, "He who troubles his own house will inherit wind, and the fool will be servant to the wise of heart." While not explicitly using ṭâʻam, the broader context of wisdom literature often implies a "tasting" or discerning of the consequences of actions, a theme closely related to the figurative sense of H2938.
### Related Words & Concepts
The verb H2938 is closely related to the noun H2940 (ṭa'am), which can mean "taste" (literal flavor), "discernment," "judgment," or "decree." This noun form further illuminates the semantic breadth of the root, particularly in its transition from sensory experience to cognitive and even authoritative determination. For instance, H2940 as "judgment" or "decree" in Aramaic portions of Daniel and Ezra (e.g., [[Ezra 4:8]], [[Daniel 2:14]]) signifies a decision based on careful consideration or discernment.
Other related concepts include:
* `{{H3045}}` (yada): "to know," often implying an experiential or relational knowledge, much like ṭâʻam in its figurative sense.
* `{{H995}}` (bin): "to understand," "to discern," which aligns perfectly with the figurative meaning of ṭâʻam as perception.
* `{{H7200}}` (ra'ah): "to see," which, like "taste," can extend from physical sight to intellectual understanding or spiritual insight.
* `{{H8085}}` (shama): "to hear," which can also imply understanding and obedience, moving beyond mere auditory perception.
These related terms underscore the biblical emphasis on knowledge and wisdom as not merely intellectual constructs but as deeply experiential and often sensory-rooted realities.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of H2938 is most powerfully encapsulated in [[Psalm 34:8]], "Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good." This verse is a profound invitation to an experiential encounter with God. It suggests that knowledge of God's goodness is not solely intellectual assent to a theological proposition but a personal, intimate apprehension, much like the direct experience of tasting food. This "tasting" implies:
1. **Experiential Knowledge:** It calls for a participation in God's reality, moving beyond mere head knowledge to heart knowledge. It is a call to personally verify God's character and faithfulness.
2. **Sensory Engagement:** By using a physical sense, the psalmist emphasizes the immediacy and tangible nature of this spiritual experience. God's goodness is not abstract but can be "felt" and "known" in a deeply personal way.
3. **Invitation to Trust:** The command to "taste and see" is followed by the declaration "blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him," linking this experiential knowledge directly to trust and reliance on God. To taste His goodness is to find Him trustworthy.
In wisdom literature, the figurative use of ṭâʻam (as in [[Proverbs 31:18]]) points to the importance of discernment and sound judgment in practical living. The ability to "taste" or perceive the quality of one's work or the consequences of one's actions is a mark of wisdom, reflecting God's order in the world. This discernment is a gift from God and a fruit of walking in His ways.
### Summary
The Hebrew verb H2938 (ṭâʻam) is a rich and evocative term, rooted in the literal act of "tasting" but expanding significantly to encompass the concepts of "perceiving," "discerning," and "experiencing." While literally describing the physical sensation of flavor, its figurative usage transcends the mundane, inviting a deeper, more intimate form of knowledge. The theological highlight of ṭâʻam is found in [[Psalm 34:8]], where it serves as a profound invitation to an experiential, personal encounter with the goodness of the Lord. This "tasting" of God is not merely intellectual but involves a deep, sensory-like apprehension of His character, leading to trust and blessing. In its broader application, ṭâʻam underscores the biblical emphasis on wisdom as a practical discernment of truth and reality, a perception that guides life according to God's design.
TRV