The Greek verb geuomai (γεύομαι) means to taste, experience, or partake of something. In its most literal sense it means to taste food or drink. Figuratively, it extends to experiencing something in a deeper, more personal way — including death itself, the heavenly gift, or the goodness of God.
Geuomai — to taste — carries profound spiritual significance throughout the New Testament. The psalmist's 'Taste and see that the LORD is good' (Psalm 34:8) invites an experiential, personal encounter with God that goes beyond intellectual assent. Hebrews speaks of those who have 'tasted the heavenly gift' and 'tasted the goodness of the word of God.' Jesus tasted (geuomai) death for every person. The word emphasizes that Christian faith is experiential, not merely propositional — it must be personally tasted and known.