Psalms 34:8
O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.
Psalms 34:8
“Taste and see that the LORD is good” uses sensory language to invite experiential knowledge of God. In ancient wisdom literature, tasting and seeing suggest a direct, personal encounter rather than abstract belief. The verse continues, “blessed is the man that trusteth in him,” linking experiential knowledge of God’s goodness with blessing. The call invites a deliberate, affectionate response—try God, and you will discover his goodness. Given the Psalms’ emphasis on communal memory of God’s deeds, tasting God’s goodness also implies a shared, glad confirmation among the community. The verse sits as a gateway into the preceding assurances of deliverance and protection, inviting a confident commitment to God.
Theologically, this verse emphasizes experiential knowledge of God as a basis for faith. It aligns with Psalmists’ call to trust based on experience of God’s steadfast love. It also frames a virtue of blessedness tied to reliance on God, which echoes Jesus’ Beatitudes and New Testament calls to trust in the Father’s benevolence. The sensory metaphor reinforces the immediate, tangible nature of God’s goodness in daily life, not merely in distant doctrine.
Practically, engage with God through experiential acts: prayer, worship, and honest reflection on how God has shown up in your life. Encourage others to “taste” by sharing personal stories of God’s provision, guidance, or comfort. In times of doubt, try a practical step—read a psalm aloud, journal a simple gratitude list, or take a quiet moment to notice God’s presence in a small blessing (a friend’s text, a meal, a safe commute). The blessing grows as trust deepens; the more you depend on him, the more you’ll recognize his goodness in ordinary moments.
Cross-References: Psalm 34:2; Psalm 100:4; Isaiah 41:18; John 6:35; 2 Corinthians 9:8