The concept of "partake" in the Bible carries significant theological and practical implications, often relating to sharing, participating, or having a portion in something, whether it be physical, spiritual, or communal. The term is used in various contexts throughout Scripture, emphasizing both the privileges and responsibilities of believers.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, the idea of partaking is often associated with sharing in the blessings and provisions of God. For instance, the Israelites were called to partake in the Passover meal, a sacred observance that commemorated their deliverance from Egypt (Exodus 12:8-11). This act of partaking was not merely a physical consumption but a spiritual participation in God's redemptive work.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, the concept of partaking takes on a deeper spiritual dimension. Believers are called to partake in the divine nature through their relationship with Christ. In 2 Peter 1:4, it is written, "Through these He has given us His precious and magnificent promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, now that you have escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires." This passage highlights the transformative aspect of partaking, where believers share in the holiness and character of God.

The Apostle Paul frequently uses the term to describe the communal and sacramental aspects of the Christian faith. In 1 Corinthians 10:16-17, Paul writes, "Is not the cup of blessing that we bless a participation in the blood of Christ? Is not the bread that we break a participation in the body of Christ? Because there is one loaf, we who are many are one body; for we all partake of the one loaf." Here, partaking in the Lord's Supper signifies unity with Christ and with fellow believers, emphasizing the communal nature of the faith.

Moral and Ethical Implications

Partaking also carries moral and ethical implications. Believers are admonished to avoid partaking in sinful behaviors or the works of darkness. Ephesians 5:7-8 warns, "Therefore do not be partakers with them. For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light." This exhortation underscores the call to holiness and separation from sin, urging believers to live in a manner consistent with their identity in Christ.

Suffering and Glory

The New Testament also speaks of partaking in the sufferings of Christ as a precursor to sharing in His glory. In 1 Peter 4:13, believers are encouraged, "But rejoice that you share in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed at the revelation of His glory." This participation in suffering is seen as a mark of true discipleship and a pathway to experiencing the fullness of Christ's glory.

Conclusion

The biblical concept of partaking encompasses a wide range of experiences and responsibilities for believers. It involves sharing in the blessings of God, participating in the life and body of Christ, and living out the ethical demands of the faith. Whether in the context of communal worship, personal holiness, or enduring suffering, partaking is integral to the Christian life, reflecting both the privileges and the call to faithful living in Christ.1. (v. i.) To take a part, portion, lot, or share, in common with others; to have a share or part; to participate; to share; as, to partake of a feast with others.

2. (v. i.) To have something of the properties, character, or office; -- usually followed by of.

3. (v. t.) To partake of; to have a part or share in; to share.

4. (v. t.) To admit to a share; to cause to participate; to give a part to.

5. (v. t.) To distribute; to communicate.

3335. metalambano -- to partake of
... to partake of. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: metalambano Phonetic Spelling:
(met-al-am-ban'-o) Short Definition: I share in, partake of Definition: (a ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3335.htm - 7k

3348. metecho -- to partake of, share in
... to partake of, share in. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: metecho Phonetic
Spelling: (met-ekh'-o) Short Definition: I participate in, share Definition: I ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3348.htm - 7k

482. antilambano -- to take instead of, take hold of
... Phonetic Spelling: (an-tee-lam-ban'-om-ahee) Short Definition: I take hold of, help,
share in Definition: I take hold of, help, share in, partake of, enjoy. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/482.htm - 7k

4829. summerizo -- to have a share in (mid.)
... to have a share in (mid.). Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: summerizo Phonetic
Spelling: (soom-mer-id'-zom-ahee) Short Definition: I partake with Definition ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4829.htm - 6k

2841. koinoneo -- to have a share of
... Word Origin from koinonos Definition to have a share of NASB Word Usage contributing
(1), participates (1), share (4), shared (2). distribute, partake. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2841.htm - 7k

1096. ginomai -- to come into being, to happen, to become
... ended, fall, be finished, follow, be found, be fulfilled, + God forbid, grow, happen,
have, be kept, be made, be married, be ordained to be, partake, pass, be ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1096.htm - 15k

5315. phago -- eat
... eat. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: phago Phonetic Spelling: (fag'-o) Short
Definition: I eat Definition: I eat, partake of food; met: I devour, consume ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5315.htm - 7k

2068. esthio -- to eat
... to eat. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: esthio Phonetic Spelling:
(es-thee'-o) Short Definition: I eat Definition: I eat, partake of food; met: I ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2068.htm - 7k

4791. sugkoinonos -- partaking jointly of
... partaker, companion. From sun and koinonos; a co-participant -- companion,
partake(-r, -r with). see GREEK sun. see GREEK koinonos. (sunkoinonos) -- 3 Occurrences ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4791.htm - 7k

5176. trogo -- to gnaw, munch, crunch
... to gnaw, munch, crunch. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: trogo Phonetic Spelling:
(tro'-go) Short Definition: I eat Definition: I eat, partake of a meal. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5176.htm - 6k

2506. cheleq -- portion, tract, territory
... territory (1). flattery, inheritance, part, partake, portion. From chalaq;
properly, smoothness (of the tongue); also an allotment ...
/hebrew/2506.htm - 6k

What Benefits do they that are Effectually Called Partake of in ...
... Question 32: What benefits do they that are effectually called partake
of in this life? A32: They that are effectually called do ...
/.../the westminster shorter catechism/question 32 0 0 what benefits do.htm

Arguments in Opposition to Tatian, Showing that it was Consonant ...
... Chapter XXIII."Arguments in opposition to Tatian, showing that it was consonant
to divine justice and mercy that the first Adam should first partake in that ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter xxiii arguments in opposition to.htm

That the Fast of Lent is not Sufficient to Make us Competent to ...
... Homily XX. That the fast of Lent is not sufficient to make us competent
to partake of? That the fast of Lent is not sufficient ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/chrysostom/on the priesthood/homily xx that the fast.htm

The Living Church is the Body of Christ.
... No one then who corrupts the copy, shall partake of the original. ... Such a
one then shall not partake of the spirit, which is Christ. ...
/.../unknown/the second epistle of clement/chap xiv the living church is.htm

Concerning the Holy and Immaculate Mysteries of the Lord.
... For it was fitting that not only the first-fruits of our nature should partake in
the higher good but every man who wished it, and that a second birth should ...
/.../john/exposition of the orthodox faith/chapter xiii concerning the holy and.htm

The Power and Glory of God Shine Forth in the Weakness of Human ...
... great wisdom of God. But those things which partake of the skill and wisdom
of God, do also partake of His power. 3. The flesh, therefore ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter iii the power and glory.htm

Gottlieb Shober.
... bread and wine, it is the body and blood of our Savior to such with whom He can
unite; but to those who are not of pure heart and yet partake, and that with ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bente/american lutheranism/gottlieb shober.htm

John Chapter v. 24-30
... For if we were not encouraged by Him, and invited to understand Him; if He abandoned
us as contemptible, since we were not able to partake His divinity if He ...
/.../augustine/homilies on the gospel of john/tractate xxii john chapter v.htm

On Drinking.
... And the mixture of both"of the water and of the Word"is called Eucharist, renowned
and glorious grace; and they who by faith partake of it are sanctified ...
/.../clement/the instructor paedagogus/chapter ii on drinking.htm

On the Management of the Resources Collected for the Support of ...
... Of First-Fruits and Tithes, and After What Manner the Bishop is Himself
to Partake of Them, or to Distribute Them to Others. XXV. ...
/.../various/constitutions of the holy apostles/sec iv on the management of.htm

Partake (19 Occurrences)
... 1. (vi) To take a part, portion, lot, or share, in common with others; to have a
share or part; to participate; to share; as, to partake of a feast with others ...
/p/partake.htm - 12k

Participate (7 Occurrences)
... 2. (vi) To have a share in common with others; to take a part; to partake; --
followed by in, formerly by of; as, to participate in a debate. ...
/p/participate.htm - 8k

Share (138 Occurrences)
... 8. (vt) To partake of, use, or experience, with others; to have a portion of; to
take and possess in common; as, to share a shelter with another. ...
/s/share.htm - 37k

Taste (46 Occurrences)
... experience; to undergo. 5. (vt) To partake of; to participate in; -- usually
with an implied sense of relish or pleasure. 6. (vi) To ...
/t/taste.htm - 59k

Part (2071 Occurrences)
... 19. (vi) To perform an act of parting; to relinquish a connection of any kind; --
followed by with or from. 20. (vi) To have a part or share; to partake. 21. ...
/p/part.htm - 12k

Impart (12 Occurrences)
... 1. (n.) To bestow a share or portion of; to give, grant, or communicate; to allow
another to partake in; as, to impart food to the poor; the sun imparts warmth ...
/i/impart.htm - 11k

Savor (51 Occurrences)
... 6. (n.) To partake of the quality or nature; to indicate the presence or influence;
to smack; -- with of. 7. (n.) To use the sense of taste. ...
/s/savor.htm - 28k

Exhort (37 Occurrences)
... Acts 27:34 Wherefore I exhort you to partake of food, for this has to do with your
safety; for not a hair from the head of any one of you shall perish. (DBY). ...
/e/exhort.htm - 17k

Benefit (39 Occurrences)
... euergesia = "good deed done" (1 Timothy 6:2: "because they that partake of the benefit
(of their service) are believing and beloved"); agathos = "good ...
/b/benefit.htm - 19k

Life (6001 Occurrences)
... Failing to partake of this and falling into sin by partaking of the "tree of the
knowledge of good and evil," they were driven forth from the garden lest they ...
/l/life.htm - 51k

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