In the Bible, the concept of taste is often used both literally and metaphorically to convey spiritual truths and human experiences. The sense of taste is one of the five physical senses given by God, and it is frequently employed in Scripture to illustrate deeper spiritual realities and moral lessons.

Literal Taste

The literal sense of taste is mentioned in various contexts throughout the Bible. In Genesis 27:4, Isaac asks Esau to prepare a savory meal, saying, "Prepare me the kind of tasty food I like and bring it to me to eat, so that I may give you my blessing before I die." Here, taste is associated with pleasure and satisfaction derived from food.

In the dietary laws given to the Israelites, taste plays a role in distinguishing between clean and unclean foods (Leviticus 11). These laws were not only about physical health but also about spiritual obedience and holiness.

Metaphorical Taste

Metaphorically, taste is used to describe the experience of God's goodness and the discernment of spiritual truths. Psalm 34:8 invites believers to "Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him." This verse encourages an experiential knowledge of God's goodness, suggesting that just as one can taste food, one can also "taste" or experience the divine nature of God.

In the New Testament, 1 Peter 2:2-3 uses the metaphor of taste to describe spiritual growth: "Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good." Here, the taste of the Lord's goodness is linked to spiritual nourishment and maturity.

Taste and Discernment

Taste is also associated with discernment and wisdom. In Job 12:11, it is written, "Does not the ear test words as the tongue tastes food?" This rhetorical question implies that just as the tongue discerns flavors, the ear discerns truth and wisdom. Similarly, Hebrews 5:14 speaks of mature believers who "by constant use have trained their senses to distinguish good from evil."

Taste and Sacrifice

In the sacrificial system, the taste of offerings was significant. The aroma of burnt offerings was described as pleasing to the Lord (Leviticus 1:9). This concept of a pleasing aroma is extended in the New Testament to the sacrificial love of Christ, as seen in Ephesians 5:2: "And walk in love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant sacrificial offering to God."

Taste and the Word of God

The Word of God is often compared to food, with its taste being sweet and desirable. Psalm 119:103 declares, "How sweet are Your words to my taste, sweeter than honey in my mouth!" This imagery emphasizes the delight and satisfaction found in God's commandments and teachings.

Conclusion

Throughout Scripture, taste serves as a powerful metaphor for experiencing and discerning spiritual truths. It illustrates the pleasure of knowing God, the importance of spiritual nourishment, and the discernment required to live a life pleasing to Him.2938. taam -- to taste, perceive
... Word Origin a prim. root Definition to taste, perceive NASB Word Usage indeed tasted
(1), senses (1), taste (4), tasted (2), tastes (2). but, perceive, taste. ...
/hebrew/2938.htm - 6k

The Brevity of Life.
... the contagion of bad example, and poisoned by no bad atmosphere, he develops naturally
towards a manhood which is rooted in healthy tastes, affections unspoilt ...
//christianbookshelf.org/percival/sermons at rugby/iii the brevity of life.htm

Mathew xi. 10
... Take those tastes in us which most resemble the instincts of a brute; and you will
find that in these, as with instinct, common consent becomes a sure rule. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/arnold/the christian life/lecture xvi mathew xi 10.htm

When Celsus Here or Elsewhere Finds Himself Unable to Dispute the ...
... Suppose that a kind of food which is wholesome and nutritious has been prepared
and seasoned in such a way as to be fit, not for the simple tastes of peasants ...
/.../origen/origen against celsus/chapter lix when celsus here.htm

What Life May be Made
... things, the recognition of the supreme sweetness and all-perfect adaptation and
sufficiency of God to all that I need; the suppression of tastes and desires ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/what life may be made.htm

Jesus the Bread of Life.
... Had the feast been given by a banqueting Pharisee, a variety of tastes
would have been provided for. Here the guests were divided ...
/.../the expositors bible the gospel of st john vol i/xiv jesus the bread of.htm

The Crisis in Galilee.
... So is it always. When Christ sifts His followers those remain who have
spiritual tastes and wants. The spiritual man, the man who ...
/.../the expositors bible the gospel of st john vol i/xv the crisis in galilee.htm

Avoid the Deadly Errors of the Docet??.
... Flee, therefore, those evil offshoots [of Satan], which produce death-bearing
fruit, whereof if any one tastes, he instantly dies. ...
/.../the epistle of ignatius to the trallians/chapter xi avoid the deadly errors.htm

The Duty of Self-Denial.
... to love things which we do not naturally love"to unlearn the love of this world;
but this involves, of course, a thwarting of our natural wishes and tastes. ...
/.../newman/parochial and plain sermons vol vii/sermon vii the duty of.htm

Spiritual Power.
... from above taking up His abode in us, burning and shining in our hearts so as to
purge our affections from sinful taint and purify our tastes, lifting up and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/percival/sermons at rugby/xviii spiritual power.htm

The Lesson of Memory
... As is the man, so will be his remembrance. The tastes which rule his present will
determine the things that he likes best to think about in the past. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/the lesson of memory.htm

Tastes (7 Occurrences)
...Tastes (7 Occurrences). Titus 2:2 That old men are to be simple in their tastes,
serious, wise, true in faith, in love, and of a quiet mind. (BBE). ...
/t/tastes.htm - 8k

Palate (15 Occurrences)
... (YLT NAS). Job 12:11 Doesn't the ear try words, even as the palate tastes its food? ...
Job 34:3 For the ear tries words, as the palate tastes food. ...
/p/palate.htm - 10k

Tongue (160 Occurrences)
... Job 12:11 Doesn't the ear try words, even as the palate tastes its food? (See NIV). ...
Job 34:3 For the ear tries words, as the palate tastes food. (See NIV). ...
/t/tongue.htm - 42k

Luxury (8 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (n.) A free indulgence in costly food, dress, furniture,
or anything expensive which gratifies the appetites or tastes. ...
/l/luxury.htm - 9k

Gehazi (14 Occurrences)
... in the story of the wealthy Shunammite (2 Kings 4:8-37) who provided in her house
special accommodation for Elisha, which suited his simple tastes, and of ...
/g/gehazi.htm - 19k

Indulge (12 Occurrences)
... 5. (vi) To indulge one's self; to gratify one's tastes or desires; esp., to give
one's self up (to); to practice a forbidden or questionable act without ...
/i/indulge.htm - 10k

Tasteth (3 Occurrences)

/t/tasteth.htm - 7k

Tasteless (4 Occurrences)

/t/tasteless.htm - 7k

Tries (6 Occurrences)
... If anyone desires to harm them, he must be killed in this way. (See NIV). Job
34:3 For the ear tries words, as the palate tastes food. (WEB). ...
/t/tries.htm - 8k

Enjoyed (16 Occurrences)
... years. (WEB KJV ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). Job 21:25 Another dies in bitterness
of soul, and never tastes of good. (See NIV). Ecclesiastes ...
/e/enjoyed.htm - 11k

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