1 Peter 2:3
If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious.
Original Language Analysis
ἐγεύσασθε
ye have tasted
G1089
ἐγεύσασθε
ye have tasted
Strong's:
G1089
Word #:
2 of 6
to taste; by implication, to eat; figuratively, to experience (good or ill)
ὅτι
that
G3754
ὅτι
that
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
3 of 6
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
χρηστὸς
is gracious
G5543
χρηστὸς
is gracious
Strong's:
G5543
Word #:
4 of 6
employed, i.e., (by implication) useful (in manner or morals)
Cross References
Psalms 34:8O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.Psalms 63:5My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness; and my mouth shall praise thee with joyful lips:Zechariah 9:17For how great is his goodness, and how great is his beauty! corn shall make the young men cheerful, and new wine the maids.Psalms 24:8Who is this King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle.Psalms 9:10And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, LORD, hast not forsaken them that seek thee.
Historical Context
Peter quotes Psalm 34, composed by David during exile. The metaphor "taste and see" invited experiential verification of God's goodness. In first-century context, new believers often came from pagan religions offering no personal relationship with deity. Christianity proclaimed intimate knowledge of gracious God through Christ. Early church emphasized personal encounter with God, not mere ritual observance. The Reformed tradition stresses that regeneration produces spiritual appetite—dead souls don't desire God, but those born again hunger for His word and righteousness.
Questions for Reflection
- How have you personally 'tasted' God's graciousness, and what effect should this experience have on your spiritual appetite?
- If someone lacks hunger for God's word, what does this suggest about their spiritual condition?
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Analysis & Commentary
Peter assumes believers have experienced God's goodness. "If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious" (ei egeusasthe hoti chrēstos ho kyrios) uses conditional "if" meaning "since" or "assuming that"—Peter doesn't doubt but assumes this experience. "Tasted" (egeusasthe) means experiential knowledge, not merely intellectual assent—believers have personally encountered God's graciousness. "Gracious" (chrēstos) means kind, good, benevolent. The phrase quotes Psalm 34:8: "O taste and see that the LORD is good." Having tasted divine goodness, believers naturally desire more (v.2)—spiritual milk for growth. This experiential knowledge of God's grace motivates holy living and Scripture hunger.