Hebrews 6:5
And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come,
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 9
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
καλὸν
the good
G2570
καλὸν
the good
Strong's:
G2570
Word #:
2 of 9
properly, beautiful, but chiefly (figuratively) good (literally or morally), i.e., valuable or virtuous (for appearance or use, and thus distinguished
γευσαμένους
have tasted
G1089
γευσαμένους
have tasted
Strong's:
G1089
Word #:
3 of 9
to taste; by implication, to eat; figuratively, to experience (good or ill)
θεοῦ
of God
G2316
θεοῦ
of God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
4 of 9
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
ῥῆμα
word
G4487
ῥῆμα
word
Strong's:
G4487
Word #:
5 of 9
an utterance (individually, collectively or specially),; by implication, a matter or topic (especially of narration, command or dispute); with a negat
δυνάμεις
the powers
G1411
δυνάμεις
the powers
Strong's:
G1411
Word #:
6 of 9
force (literally or figuratively); specially, miraculous power (usually by implication, a miracle itself)
Cross References
Luke 8:13They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away.1 Peter 2:3If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious.Hebrews 2:5For unto the angels hath he not put in subjection the world to come, whereof we speak.2 Peter 2:20For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning.
Historical Context
The early church witnessed miraculous signs and the Spirit's powerful work. Some, like Simon Magus (Acts 8:9-24), observed these realities without true conversion, desiring the benefits without submission to Christ.
Questions for Reflection
- Are you merely tasting or have you fully received Christ and His word?
- How can you move from experiencing God's power to genuine relationship with God?
Analysis & Commentary
The continuation of verse 4's description adds 'tasted the good word of God' (Greek 'rhema theou'—the spoken word) and 'powers of the world to come' (miracles and gifts characteristic of the messianic age). These individuals had extensive exposure to Christianity's realities without exercising saving faith. Tasting without swallowing pictures proximity without possession.