πόμα (poma)
poma
drink
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun pōma refers simply to a drink or something to be consumed. It appears only twice in the New Testament, in 1 Corinthians 10:4 and Hebrews 9:10. In both cases, it describes the physical liquid associated with spiritual realities or ceremonial practices.
In Paul’s letter, he identifies the rock that followed Israel as Christ, stating that they all drank from the same spiritual drink. This usage connects a tangible act of drinking with a profound theological truth about divine provision. Similarly, Hebrews uses the term to describe drinks included in various regulations under the old covenant, highlighting their role in ritual purification.
The word itself is straightforward, lacking the rich metaphorical layers found in some other biblical terms for water or wine. Its power lies in its context: it reminds readers that physical sustenance can point to deeper spiritual truths. By using this simple term, the authors emphasize that even ordinary acts like drinking can carry significant meaning within God’s plan.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word pōma is straightforward, referring simply to a drink or something consumed. It appears only twice in the New Testament, yet each instance carries significant weight. In 1 Corinthians 10:4, Paul describes the Israelites drinking from a spiritual rock, which he identifies as Christ. This connects the physical act of quenching thirst with the profound reality of divine provision. The drink was not just water; it was a gift from God that sustained His people in the wilderness.
Similarly, Hebrews 9:10 lists drinks among the regulations of the old covenant. These were fleshly ordinances, part of a system of purification that pointed toward something greater. By including pōma here, the author highlights how even ordinary rituals had a purpose in guiding people toward spiritual reformation. The simplicity of the word reminds us that God uses everyday things to reveal deeper truths.
When we encounter this term, it invites reflection on how our own lives are sustained by God’s grace. Just as the Israelites drank from a spiritual source, believers today find their life in Christ. The physical and spiritual are not separate; they are woven together in God’s plan. This word encourages us to see the sacred in the simple, trusting that every need is met by His hand.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- in drinks1×
- drink1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- πόμασιν1×
- πόμα,1×
Key Verses
-
I Corinthians 10:4
and all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank of a spiritual rock that followed them, and the rock was Christ.
This verse identifies the rock that provided water as Christ, showing that the physical drink was a type of spiritual sustenance from Him.
-
Hebrews 9:10
being only (with foods and drinks and various washings) fleshly ordinances, imposed until a time of reformation.
Here, drinks are listed as part of the old covenant's fleshly ordinances, illustrating their temporary role in ritual purification before the new covenant.