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Partakers, Enlightened, and Tasted Hebrews 6:4-6 www.bibleone.net
Preface
Bible students, preachers, instructors, theologians, and commentators often explore the original language of a Bible word in order to determine it true meaning. This is especially important when its true meaning is critical to the correct interpretation of a passage of Scripture that is under consideration. There are sufficient study helps available to the Bible expositor even if he has not been schooled in the original languages (Hebrew and Greek). A few of the more notable ones are as follow:
These are but a few of the very fine works dealing with the meanings of the words of Scripture. But the researcher who uses these study tools soon realizes that many of the words in their original language have various meanings, one of which is appropriate only when it is considered within the context of the passage in which it is used.
But then this is common to all words in any language. And that is why understanding the context is one of the most significant rules, if not the most significant rule, for understanding the meaning of a passage of Scripture.
This is not to minimize the study of any particular word within the passage, but simply looking at the various meanings it may convey can be bewildering. Though what is quite helpful is an examination of how the particular Greek or Hebrew word is used in other passages throughout the Bible.
When it comes to understanding the three subject words: “partakers,” “enlightened,” and “tasted;” this is probably the best way to determine their meaning in the controversial passage of Hebrews 6:4-6. The controversy being as to whether or not the subjects of the passage are either believers (saved individuals) or non-believers (lost individuals).
Fortunately, the three words in their original language of Greek are employed by the Holy Spirit infrequently in Scripture, as follow:
The following listing of these words, along with the scriptures in which they are used, should be sufficient for any honest seeker of truth to be able to determine their essential meaning, particularly as it relates to the passage in Hebrews. Keep in mind that all scriptures in which these words are used will be listed and quoted for the consideration of the reader of this study.
Partakers (metochos)
So they signaled to their partners (metochos) in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink. (Luke 5:7)
In this verse the reference is to actual partners, not shallow acquaintances.
You have loved righteousness and hated lawlessness; Therefore God, Your God, has anointed You With the oil of gladness more than Your companions (metochos). (Hebrews 1:9)
In this verse the reference is to the angels of Psalm 45:7; which are the companions of God.
Therefore, holy brethren, partakers (metochos) of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our confession, Christ Jesus. (Hebrews 3:1)
In this verse the reference is to “holy brethren,”—true believers.
For we have become partakers (metochos) of Christ if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast to the end. (Hebrews 3:14)
In this verse the reference is used to denote true believers.
For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted the heavenly gift, and have become partakers (metochos) of the Holy Spirit. (Hebrews 6:4)
To this commentator it is quite difficult to see this reference as to anything other than a true believer in Christ, one who has become united with the Holy Spirit.
But if you are without chastening, of which all have become partakers (metochos), then you are illegitimate and not sons. (Hebrews 12:8)
In this verse the reference is to “sons”—true believers.
Enlightened (photizo)
If then your whole body is full of light, having no part dark, the whole body will be full of light, as when the bright shining of a lamp gives you light (photizo)." (Luke 11:36)
In this verse the reference is to efficacious light, not ineffective light.
That was the true Light which gives light (photizo) to every man coming into the world. (John 1:9)
In this verse the reference is to Christ, the most efficacious Light of the world.
Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord comes, who will both bring to light (photizo) the hidden things of darkness and reveal the counsels of the hearts. Then each one's praise will come from God. (1 Corinthians 4:5)
In this verse the reference is to Christ who bring forth an efficacious light of revelation.
The eyes of your understanding being enlightened (photizo); that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints. (Ephesians 1:18)
In this verse the reference is to efficacious light.
And to make all see (photizo) what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the ages has been hidden in God who created all things through Jesus Christ. (Ephesians 3:9)
In this verse the reference is to efficacious light.
But has now been revealed by the appearing of our Savior Jesus Christ, who has abolished death and brought life and immortality to light (photizo) through the gospel. (2 Timothy 1:10)
In this verse the reference is to efficacious light.
For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened (photizo), and have tasted the heavenly gift, and have become partakers of the Holy Spirit. (Hebrews 6:4)
To this commentator it is quite difficult, especially in light (not to use a pun) of all other uses of this Greek word, to see enlightened as anything other than “efficacious.”
But recall the former days in which, after you were illuminated (photizo), you endured a great struggle with sufferings. (Hebrews 10:32)
In this verse the reference is to efficacious light, that which produces eternal salvation that allows one to endure “great struggle with sufferings.”
After these things I saw another angel coming down from heaven, having great authority, and the earth was illuminated (photizo) with his glory. (Revelation 18:1)
In this verse the reference is to efficacious light, that which most definitely illuminates the earth with the angel's glory.
The city had no need of the sun or of the moon to shine in it, for the glory of God illuminated (photizo) it. The Lamb is its light. (Revelation 21:23)
In this verse the reference is to Christ, the most efficacious Light of the New Jerusalem.
There shall be no night there: They need no lamp nor light of the sun, for the Lord God gives them light (photizo). And they shall reign forever and ever. (Revelation 22:5)
In this verse the reference is again to God, the most efficacious Light of all.
Tasted (geuomai)
Assuredly, I say to you, there are some standing here who shall not taste (geuomai) death till they see the Son of Man coming in His kingdom. (Matthew 16:28; see also Mark 9:1; Luke 9:27)
In this verse the reference is to a full taste or experience, not partial.
They gave Him sour wine mingled with gall to drink. But when He had tasted (geuomai) it, He would not drink. (Matthew 27:34)
In this verse the reference is to a full taste; although, one may make a point that it is different than drinking (consumption).
For I say to you that none of those men who were invited shall taste (geuomai) my supper. (Luke 14:24)
In this verse the reference is not only a full taste, but it is tantamount to eating or consumption.
When the master of the feast had tasted (geuomai) the water that was made wine, and did not know where it came from (but the servants who had drawn the water knew), the master of the feast called the bridegroom. (John 2:9)
In this verse the reference is to a full taste, the same as drinking or consumption.
Then the Jews said to Him, “Now we know that You have a demon! Abraham is dead, and the prophets; and You say, ‘If anyone keeps My word he shall never taste (geuomai) death.’” (John 8:52)
In this verse the reference is to a full taste or experience.
Then he became very hungry and wanted to eat (geuomai); but while they made ready, he fell into a trance. (Acts 10:10)
In this verse the reference is to fully eating.
Now when he had come up, had broken bread and eaten (geuomai), and talked a long while, even till daybreak, he departed. (Acts 10:11)
In this verse the reference is to fully eating.
They came to the chief priests and elders, and said, "We have bound ourselves under a great oath that we will eat (geuomai) nothing until we have killed Paul. (Acts 23:14)
In this verse the reference is to fully eating.
Do not touch, do not taste (geuomai), do not handle. (Colossians 2:21)
In this verse the reference is to a full taste, tantamount to eating.
But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, for the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, that He, by the grace of God, might taste (geuomai) death for everyone. (Hebrews 2:9)
In this verse the reference is to a full taste (experience), referring to the death of Christ on the cross.
For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted (geuomai) the heavenly gift, and have become partakers of the Holy Spirit, and have tasted (geuomai) the good word of God and the powers of the age to come. (Hebrews 6: 4, 5)
In this commentator’s view the tasting in these two verses are no different than in the other verses where the word is used, i.e., full tasting/eating.
If indeed you have tasted (geuomai) that the Lord is gracious. (1 Peter 2:3)
In this verse the reference is to a full tasting, i.e., consumption.
Conclusion
It is inconceivable to this commentator, after considering the uses of the subject Greek words throughout the New Testament, how anyone could possibly come to a conclusion other than that Hebrews 6:4-6 is about true believers in Jesus Christ.
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